Karl Weining

Karl Weining
Mr. Weining, 67, was called by his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 27, 2005. He departed this earthly life peacefully at his home, surrounded by his dear and loving family. God was so clearly present during each step of Karl's courageous battle with cancer, and his relationship with the Lord grew deeper as he continued to proclaim his trust in Jesus. We rejoice that he will now be forever in the awesome presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Karl was born in Germany to the late Karl and Else Weining, and was the oldest of their five children. He received his engineering degree in Germany, and his career took him to many countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. He and his wife, Renate, ultimately settled in Charlotte, NC in 1974. Karl worked as an engineer for Hoechst Celanese until his retirement. He was a highly regarded specialist in his field, readily recognized by his company as well as his customers for his steadfast integrity, honesty, and loyalty. Karl truly loved the challenges his work presented and treasured the many enduring relationships. He was also an active member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorits (AATCC). Karl was a strong supporter of the Red Cross, donating blood regularly throughout most of his life. He was also a member of the Philatelic Society, and always maintained his collection of stamps.
His many lifelong interests gave him the balance he needed to be so successful in his career. Karl thoroughly enjoyed salt and fresh water fish, spending hours each week observing them in his large 125 gallon tank and frequently visiting renowned aquariums worldwide. Scuba diving allowed him to take an even closer look! Karl's passion for traveling never faded; there are few places he has not been. He genuinely appreciated each culture he encountered, admiring their customs and learning common phrases, easily making friends with his charming nature. He was an avid photographer and had countless stories about his adventures. Every year, he eagerly planned extensive and memorable trips with his family to see more of the world. As one vacation ended, his thoughts already turned to where he would take them next. His excellent sense of direction was truly astounding, as he navigated unfamiliar territory from Canada to Europe to as far as Australia.
Karl loved spending time with his family. On weekend mornings, he used to make giant blueberry pancakes, and would awaken his girls by playing his favorite classical music loudly in the house. He could identify almost any composer upon hearing the first few notes of a piece! Through attending the opera and symphony together as a family, he instilled in them an appreciation for classical music.
Karl treasured and marveled at all of God's creation, especially the variety of beautiful flowers and plants, fish, birds and even insects. Packages with various flower bulbs and plants arrived each year without fail. He loved being outdoors, and spent countless hours caring for his yard.
Karl took great interest in learning about vitamins, alternative medicine, and juicing. He wanted to ensure he and his family received what they needed to maintain good health. He was also very disciplined about exercising at the gym. Karl, however, did not deny himself the pleasures of good food -- especially fine pastries, rich cheeses, and nuts! Some of the other things he enjoyed doing was bowling, watching James Bond movies, and science fiction programs.
He was a good judge of character and sought to bring out the best in others. He was an industrious man, never wasting a minute and planning out each day to its fullest. A lesson he taught us, 'Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.' Karl was a truly humble, kind man, with a gentle, nurturing nature, never seeking the spotlight, and loved by all who met him -- he will be deeply missed. Our lives will be forever blessed and enriched for having known Karl as a husband, father, brother and friend. As we are one in the Spirit and one in the Lord, he will always be in our hearts, and we anticipate the joyous day when we will join him and our Heavenly Father!
He is survived by his wife, Renate; his daughters, Melanie Weining and Anya Weining Ward, with her husband, Don, and his much anticipated first grandchild, due in November. He is also survived by three sisters and their spouses, and by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Karl was preceded in death by his brother Bernd, as well as by Karl and Renate's first precious baby, stillborn in 1970.
Please join us for the prayer service, with visitation following, which will be held Tuesday, May 31, 7 PM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road/Sharon Lane. The funeral mass celebrating Karl's life will take place Wednesday, June 1, 10 AM at St. Gabriel Church. Father Edward Sheridon will officiate, with the burial following at Forest Lawn East in Weddington. Memorials may be sent to Room at the Inn Catholic Maternity Home at 3737 Weona Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209, or Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home. On-line guest book will be available at heritagefuneral.net.