Search by Name

Search by Name

Karl Pfotenhauer Obituary

Karl Donald Pfotenhauer Lansing Karl Donald Pfotenhauer, age 17, of Lansing, formerly of Escanaba, passed away at his father's home in Rapid River due to natural causes. Karl was born April 28, 1993, in Escanaba, the son of Thomas and Linda (Christiansen) Pfotenhauer. Karl attended Jefferson Elementary School before transferring to Holy Name Catholic School where he attended the fourth grade. Following his fourth grade year, Karl relocated to Lansing where he attended the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and the Lansing Catholic High School. Karl was an accomplished percussionist and section leader in his high school band and excelled as tenor drummer on the marching band drum line. In addition, Karl enjoyed playing electric and acoustic guitar, performing in high school musical productions and playing on the high school bowling team. He also enjoyed drawing, hunting, golfing, swimming, playing with his dogs and in recent years, snowboarding and four wheeling. Karl always had a great sense of humor, a warm smile and was kind hearted to all. He will be deeply and sadly missed. Karl leaves to survive: His loving father: Dr. Thomas Pfotenhauer of Rapid River, MI. His loving mother: Linda Pfotenhauer of Lansing, MI. Brother: Thomas Pfotenhauer Jr. of Lansing, MI. 3 sisters: Audrey (Mark Thresher) Pfotenhauer of Carnation, WA. Dr. Kim (Joe Latunski) Pfotenhauer of Freeland, MI. Kelly (Bob) Davidson of Macomb, MI. Maternal Grandmother: Marilyn Christiansen of Escanaba, MI Also listed among the surviving family are many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Karl was preceded in death by: Maternal grandfather: Oliver Christiansen. Paternal grandfather: Donald Pfotenhauer Paternal grandmother: Marcella Pfotenhauer. Infant sister: Tracey Sue Pfotenhauer Karl's family will receive friends on Sunday, from 3:00p.m.to 7:00p.m., at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday, at 11:00a.m., at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson and Rev. Fr. Ron Skufca officiating. Karl will be laid to rest, following mass, at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Luncheon will continue at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish Hall following committal rites. Memorial contributions in Karl's name may be offered to the Lansing Catholic High School. Envelopes will be available on Sunday throughout visiting hours at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba and at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, Mass of Christian Burial, on Monday. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are in care of arrangements. Messages of condolence to the Pfotenhauer family may be directed online at www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jul. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Pfotenhauer

Not sure what to say?





Katie Conway

July 29, 2010

When I was having a bad day Karl would always make me feel better!! I remember all the times we laughed together in class and during the fall plays and I will never forget his funny laugh and his smile. He was an amazing drummer and he entertained us all!! I will never forget Karl, and I will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers!! Karl made me happy like he made everybody else happy!!

Michelle Dziurgot

July 27, 2010

Kelly,
Our deepest condolence is with you and your family at this time. We love you and are here whenever you need us. Dr. Dziurgot and your family at MCDental

July 27, 2010

One of the biggest blessings in my life was having Karl as a student and teaching Sophomore Theology to his Lansing Catholic Class of 2011. Having my own son in that grade and getting to know each of his classmates is truly a gift from God.

One of my favorite memories of Karl happened on the first day of class. As I was taking attendance for the first time, I could see he was anticipating that I would pronounce his last name incorrectly and, therefore, he was getting ready to correct me. When I said it properly, the shocked look on his face was priceless. That look was quickly followed by a his trademark grin and twinkle. Then he said, "Wow, you got it right."

Karl will be deeply missed, especially by our Scott, his drumline buddy. Be assured of our daily and continual prayers.

With sincere condolences,
Mrs. Mary Jo Thayer

Mari Murphy

July 26, 2010

While being in attendance at LCC drama practices, my daughter asked Karl to help her draw angel wings on a drawing she was making of her great grandmother. He happily helped my 9 year old with her drawing. That was quite a kid to sit on the floor amidst all of the peers and color/draw with a little girl. He always had a smile on his face and was entertaining to watch on the stage. We will not forget him. Karl has earned his wings... My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Connie Waddell

July 24, 2010

As a Lansing Catholic family, we would like to express our deep sorrow in learning of Karl's death. Our son Greg shared classes with him and said he was a great person with a super sense of humor. He was obviously someone very special who touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Guz

July 24, 2010

Karl was one of my best friends. I miss him so much and its hard for all of us right now. I am praying for him and his family. He was the best and a true friend :)

Jacob Vandewiele

July 23, 2010

My brother Griffin Vandewiele was very good friends with Karl before he moved to Lansing. Even as an 8-9 year old karl's sense of humor was very well developed. He was special. My best wishes to all of the family, and especially Kim...im really sorry kim.

Karen McPhilamy

July 23, 2010

It was a treat to be Karl's fourth grade teacher. His smile and the twinkle in his eyes lit up the room. May God's peace comfort your family in your deep sorrow.

July 23, 2010

I did not know Karl personally, but I attended his high school. He was always smiling and loving life. I am just learning that he is a fellow Yooper and it is a shame I did not get to know him better. In his death I have learned a lot. God bless and his family is in my prayers.

Karen Kasprzak

July 23, 2010

I always enjoyed Karl's humor and his joy in so many things, especially music. May God comfort you in this great loss.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Karl Pfotenhauer's name

Memorial Events
for Karl Pfotenhauer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Karl's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Karl Pfotenhauer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more