July 9, 1931 - March 21, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Karl Zumkeller on March 21, 2024. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who cared deeply for his family. Karl was born on July 9, 1931, in Hoppetenzell, Germany. The youngest of six children, he grew up on the family farm before becoming a carpenter. He immigrated to Winnipeg in 1955 where he worked on homes and on the railway. Johanna Fecht soon followed and they were married. After the freezing winter, they decided to move to Port Alberni where Karl worked at the pulp mill while starting their family. In 1965 Karl came to Campbell River joined the Carpentry Union and built a home. The family joined a year later. While he raised his five children, he also constructed many homes and buildings like the Austrian Chalet, Royal Coachman, and Above Tide Hotel, to name a few. He enjoyed walking, camping, mushroom picking, building trails in the Beaver Lodge, attending church and his "stylish hats". He loved his Octoberfest dances at the Merville Hall where he met his long-time companion, Gisela. Karl was a kind, generous and hardworking man. He could build anything out of scraps as he hated to throw anything out. One of our fondest memories was the family road trips in the V.W. Bug with us five kids in the back seat.
Karl was predeceased by his five siblings, and also Johanna, son-in-law Bruce Cottrell, and Gisela Cryderman.
Left to mourn are his children Karin MacMillan (Myles), Peggy Cottrell, Markus Zumkeller (Trish), Patrick Zumkeller (Tess) and Sylvia Zumkeller. Grandchildren Daniel, Bradey, Lisa (Hans), Sheri, Chris (Sarah), Mike, Hayley and Quinn, Great-grandchildren Benjamin and Annabelle and many nieces and nephews in Germany. As per request, there will be no service.