Frederick Stephen Karl's Obituary
Frederick "Sonny" Stephen Thiel Karl, age 81, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, July 20, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 24, 1928, son of the late Ralph Englebert Karl and Hedwig (Gross) Karl.
The family moved to Baltimore, MD in 1937 and lived in Catonsville until June 1946. Fred attended Mount St. Joseph High School. After graduation in 1946, he moved to Lewes, DE. In 1947, he was employed as a motor boat operator for the Delaware Pilots Association.
In 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with the 101st Airborne Division as a cook; he was later stationed in Manheim, Germany. He did his basic training in Breckenridge, KY.
In 1956, Fred opened the Pure Oil service station on Rehoboth Avenue. He joined the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company in 1963 serving as President in 1977 and 1978 and as Chaplain since 1980. From 1986 to 1993, he was the Ambulance Captain and was a Life Member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
Fred became a member of St. Edmond's Catholic Church in 1946. He was a two-term President of the Parish Council and was a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council 7297. He was an usher and a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He also drove the school bus for St. Edmond's school.
In 1966, Fred was the proud recipient of the Mae Hall McCabe Memorial Award for community service. In 2006, he received the Order of Merit for Outstanding Contributions to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anna (Jaschke) Karl and three children: Heidi Karl Fuller, Ralph E. Karl, and Theresa Karl Thomas, all of Rehoboth Beach. He is also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Joshua Aaron Fuller, Elijah Adrian Fuller, Zebulon Steven Thomas, Carey Anna Karl, Stephanie Alicia Karl, and Thaddeus Ralph Karl.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday July 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM, at St. Edmond's Catholic Church, King Charles & Laurel Streets, Rehoboth Beach where friends may call one hour prior to services in the church. Friends may also call on Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Interment with full fireman's and military honors will be at Henlopen Memorial Park , DE Route 1, Milton, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. or to St. Edmonds Catholic Church King Charles & Laurel Streets Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot's Way, Milford, DE 19963.
(www.parsellfuneralhomes.com)
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