Karl Schlesier

I just finished Flakhelfer to Grenadier; Memoir of a Boy Soldier, 1943-1945 and was researching the author when I came across his obituary. I found it to be a very moving primary source of a little known program imposed upon the German youth as the military and the government grasped at straws to avoid the inevitable. Much more than a history book. Thank you for sharing your memories.
My very belated condolences to the family of Dr. Schlesier.

Karl, my mentor, my kindred spirit, was born this day and lived life fully. He shared the resolve of paradox with the world in his writings, orations, and deliberations. Karl's love of wife, family, community, and nations was as vast as the ocean of air, the sea of grass, the plains--open country and life within. Antiquities gave him inspiration, stamina, and perseverance through terrible times and excruciating compassion. I am thankful for his persistence of vision.

More than a year later I learn that Karl Schlesier has passed. Thirty years ago I was one of his students at Wichita State University. I share the grief of his admiring students and send condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. I applaud his life and second the accolades others have posted. Karl Schlesier was a great man.

Karl Schlesier verdanke ich die Begegnung mit der Action Anthropology. Eine ethisch reflektierende Forschung, in welcher der Ethnologe zum Lernenden wird und sich Theorie und Praxis in der Interaktion von Forscher und Beforschten vermitteln. Diese Forschungsrichtung ist für mich und meine wissenschaftliche Arbeit bis heute prägend. Darum wird Karl Schlesier mir immer unvergessen bleiben. Unbeugsam in seinen Überzeugungen, war er doch stets ein aufmerksamer und geduldiger Diskussionspartner....

Der Tod von Karl Schlesier hat uns alle geschockt, aber in DEM Alter zu gehen und zu wissen, dass etwas vollbracht worden ist wofuer man sein Leben lang gekaempft hat, wird es ihm - auch nach dem Tod seiner lieben Frau so kurz vorher - leichter gemacht haben.

Ich erinnere mich nicht mehr daran, dass er in Duesseldorf geboren worden war, aber sehr gut an unsere Sitzungen bei der Gruendung des INFOE e.V., fuer die ich damals (vor fast 30 Jahren; ich hatte neulich noch ein Bild von...

Grief and sadness -- one of the most inspiring personalities in anthropology passed away

My sincere condolences to Karl's family. He was a guiding light for us anthropology students, opening up new horizons beyond the purely academic frame. At the same time he was an example for us with a strong ethical integrity and with that clear vision of scientific responsibility. We thank him for the personal experiences and insights he shared with us in such a generous and humble way. Please, keep guiding us.

My heartfelt condolences go to Karl's family. I feel honoured to have known his work as the biggest inspiration during my student life all those years ago in Munich and to have had the opportunity to visit him personally in his lovely home. His ethics and true compassion for everybody he worked with will be remembered best. A huge loss.