Anonymous
By an edhat reader
Karl was born June 18, 1938 in East Prussia. He was on the refugee trail 2 days in 1945, transported by cattle car 30 hours, shipped by boat to Denmark and confined at a refugee camp for 3 years. He went to England in 1948 attending Princess Alice School. Karl returned to Germany in 1950 where he finished school and earned his journeyman papers in radio and TV repair. Karl came to the USA in 1957 at the age of 18 1/2. He worked one year at H.T. Bennett, 8 years for Development and Research at VARO, 30 years at Huges Aircraft / Santa Barbara Research Center. Karl retired in 1994. In his words: “It’s been a good run.”
Karl’s incredible love of life and passion for adventure has led him all over the world. Often times, generously including the entire family.
He was a kind, loving and compassionate man, touching lives of many people. He has an enormous, loving, fun circle of friends. Karl and Ele enjoyed many get togethers, ping pong matches, and fantastic meals. He served on the Board of the German American Club and sang for many years with the Edelweiss Choir. He was an avid reader and loved history, poetry and, of course a good ol’ western novel. He was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church Men’s Group where he enjoyed spending time with his fellow parishioners doing volunteer work. Karl also became a docent at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, leading many groups on guided tours with a flair and a style all his own. He was a man with his own unique style. From cowboy to Greek Sailor, to yachtsman, to Fiesta Dignatario, to NASA enthusiast and more, his attire and his presence will be remembered every time his memory visits.
Karl has admittedly led a full and blessed life with no regrets. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Karl leaves behind a loving wife, Ele of 59 years, four great ‘kids’, Tony and Tessi Martinez and Victor and Grace Neumann, a brother Wolfgang Neumann in Mainz, Germany and a sister, Rita Brown in Las Cruces, New Mexico, along with a number of nieces and nephews and a slew of GREAT friends.
Service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 3721 Modoc Road in Santa Barbara on Friday, July 26th at 2:30pm. A celebration of Karl’s life will follow immediately in the church hall.
I remember Karl from SBRC. He was a jovial, great guy. He was sorely missed when he retired. My full condolences go to his family and friends.
I was friends with Tessi and Victor. Great kids from a great mom and dad. Sorry for your loss.
Auf wiedersehen.