Dr. Karl M. Barth

Knoxville, TN

Dr. Karl M. Barth, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 21st surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on December 19, 1927 to German immigrants Emil and Anna Marie Barth. In 1929 his father took a position as a guest worker with a General Motors plant in Russia. The family moved to Moscow for the next five years. At age seven the family returned to their ancestral home of Fuerth, Germany. At 15 years of age he was drafted into the German army -- forced to fight for a country that had taken his own father as a political prisoner for his anti-Nazi activities. Karl survived capture by the British army during the last days of the war, and was later reunited with his family -- including his father who barely survived his own imprisonment.

He returned to the U.S. in 1948, served in the U. S. Armed Forces, and later received four college degrees, including a bachelors, two masters, and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1964. In 1965 he joined the the faculty of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee. During his 28 years on the faculty he made significant impact with his research and teaching, and was well loved by his students and colleagues.

Beyond the University, he is best known for breeding, raising, and showing Miniature Schnauzers. He bred eight champion Schnauzers at his Karlshof Kennels. Karlshof Schnauzers can be found in homes throughout Knoxville, the U.S., and worldwide.

Karl was a long time member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roland Barth. Karl is survived by sisters Louise Steuer and Annina Delaune, nieces Annina Townes, Heidi Curtis, Kelly Ebey, and Nichole Parker, nephews Peter Barth, Eric Delaune, grand-niece Emily Wise, and grand-nephews Philip Schultz and Ian Wise.

A memorial service will be held at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on Friday, February 2nd at 2pm. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the University of Tennessee Department of Animal Science. Online condolences may be received at www.rosemortuary.com.

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

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Barth

14 Entries

Thomas Schmitt

October 25, 2024

Karl was a friend that I dearly loved talking with. Our family had 3 of his schnauzers and Karl and those dogs hold a very special place in my heart.

Azzo came home with us in 2011 Love him and Doctor Barth very wonderful man

Michael Wharton

November 11, 2018

Karlshof Katie's Kidd (April) 6/26/01 - 1/31/18

Bob & Gayle Deimel

February 16, 2018

Karlshof Kiss Me Kate (Katie) 9/20/99 - 9/24/14

Bob & Gayle Deimel

February 16, 2018

Bob & Gayle Deimel

February 16, 2018

We're very sorry to hear about Dr. Barth passing. We met him in 2000 when we wanted to have a puppy after the death of our last Schnauzer and having had Schnauzers since 1970. He trusted us to have Katie who earned her Excellent agility title and was a loyal companion for 15 years. Katie gave birth in 2001 to April who had a brief show career and was a perfect and fun companion until she died two weeks ago. Both dogs are sorely missed. Dr. Barth was a very conscientious and dedicated breeder and the Miniature Schnauzer community has lost one of their best.

Karma's Izzi von DeNel, Jan 9, 2017-present

Amber Lloyd

February 2, 2018

Karlshoff Kommen Zie Zoe, May 5, 2010 - Sept. 7, 2016

Amber Lloyd

February 2, 2018

Amber Lloyd

February 2, 2018

I will always miss Karl's, "HA" and his particular brand of truth.

We became friends late in his life when he introduced me to a little black/silver schnauzer that he and the Lindboms had produced. We formed a special bond years later when Zoe passed suddenly of IMHA. He helped me heal...even Kromie gave me a hug.

Today I am forever grateful to Karl and DeAnn (DeNel) for entrusting me with Izzi. She brings me four-legged joy every day.

I will really miss taking him weekly food surprises and hearing his fantastic stories. He taught me so many things. My thoughts go out to Phillip and all of Karl's family and friends.

Leighanne Sisk

January 30, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man. Because of him, I fell in love with Schnauzers and was lucky enough to have one of his favorites (Gretel) placed in my home in the late 80's/early 90's. Blessings and peace for his family.

Jackson (6 months) Winona (6 years). Dr Barth's grandkids

Todd Shaver

January 29, 2018

Gary Larson

January 29, 2018

Dr. Barth was such a fantastic man. I first met him when I was around 14 and my family adopted a miniature schnauzer . This past August, some 36 years later, I had the incredible opportunity to adopt another puppy from Dr. Barth. I was amazed by his wit and inspired by his sharpness and charm. I am blessed to have known him. Thank you Karl Barth for making life a little better for so many!

Becky Bell

January 26, 2018

Dr. Barth was a wonderful influence on my love for the Schnauzer breed. I remember one year he went home Germany and I kept a litter of puppies for him. ( I lived in TN at the time.) He did not hesitate to to give me his opinion and I always respected him. My condolences to his family.

Marianne Oliveira

January 26, 2018

Karl was a brilliant man with a quick wit. I could listen to stories about his amazing life experiences all day long. He was a dear man and will be missed. Marianne Oliveira

Jessica Lindbom

January 25, 2018

We will greatly miss Dr. Barth. He was mentor and friend, and we all considered him as an extension of our family. He has made such a huge impression on our boys that were only 4 and 5 when we first met him and now they are 15 and 16. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.

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