TENANTS HARBOR – William J. Karl, 61, died Monday, March 27, 2006, surrounded by his family, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center. Born Aug. 27, 1944, in Rockland, he was the son of William A. and Katharine Delano Karl. He was educated locally and graduated from Rockland High School, Class of 1962. While in high school, Mr. Karl played on the football team and was the only one to be elected to the All Stars that year. He started his career as produce manager at Sampson’s Supermarket. Mr. Karl moved on to Shop N Save as meat manager and worked his way up to district manager. He then began employment with Rockland Fruit and Produce. For the past 27 years Mr. Karl was employed with Pine State Trading Company as a sales associate. On May 30, 1965, Mr. Karl married Jeanne Estes at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockland. The couple made their home there until moving to Tenants Harbor two years ago. A 39 year member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, Mr. Karl often worked on many charitable functions there. An accomplished chef, he was well-known for his ‘Steamship Round’. He served as exalted ruler and until this past September, on the board of trustees. He was an avid New England Patriots fan. He enjoyed spending time in the summer on his motor boat, picnicking and island hopping. Building rock gardens and growing his own vegetables were other favorite pastimes. His family remembers his devotion to his grandchildren, who all called him, ‘Bamp’. He was predeceased by his father in 1997; and brother, Peter W. Karl in 1990. Mr. Karl is survived by his mother, Katharine D. Karl of Rockport; his wife of 40 years, Jeanne of Tenants Harbor; two daughters, Pamela Stillman and her husband, Lance, of Frankfort, Susan Branch and her husband, Robert, of Bucksport; one sister, Julie Clement and her husband, William, of Rockport; brother-in-law, David Estes of Rockland; sister-in-law, Violet Karl of Rockland; niece, Lindsay Clement of Rockport; nephews, Jeffrey Karl of Oklahoma City, Okla., Jon Karl and his wife, Darci, of Warren; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Branch and Hannah Stillman; as well as several other nieces and one nephew. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 31, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. The Rev. Mark Adolphsen will officiate. After a reception at the Elks Club, a committal service will be held 1:30 p.m. at Seaside Cemetery, Tenants Harbor. Those who wish may make memorial donations to either the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, care of Northeast Health, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841 or Rockland District Nursing Association, P.O. Box 1713, Rockland, ME 04841.
WILLIAM J. KARL
