Karl Zipf

Karl Zipf Died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on March 16th, 2006 after a battle with leukemia at age 77. Karl was born on July 3rd, 1928 in Bethlehem, PA. He came to San Francisco at age 17 and went to work as a carpenter for his older brother's construction firm. He joined the Navy in 1948 serving with distinction in the Korean War as a quartermaster third class earning ribbons and medals. Upon returning to the Bay Area, he went into the car upholstery business and continued working as the owner of Haney and Whitt in San Rafael until age 75. Karl married his wife Anne in October 1956 and moved to Mill Valley in 1958. He served as a firefighter with the Tamalpais Fire Department for over 35 years as a volunteer working his way up to captain of volunteers and was the training officer. He was honored in 1990 by having Engine No. 5 named for him for his many years of dedicated service. In addition Karl was an active member of the TVIC appearing in numerous Rhubarb Revue performances, a coach for the Mill Valley Little League, an avid fisherman and a skilled bowler. He was a man of many skills and interests including knowledge of old-time hot rod cars, cooking, jazz music and was a wine enthusiast. Karl will be deeply missed and best remembered for his great decency and human kindness. He was a man of deed who would do any thing for the people he cared about. He touched many lives and we were changed forever by knowing him. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Anne, his beloved children Jana Zipf Harman and Kiel (Yvonne) Zipf and his grandchildren Caiti Harman, Tiffani, Stefan and Kiefen Zipf. He is also survived by his sisters Trudy Brown and Caroline Radchuck and many nieces and nephews including Nancy DeLuca. Funeral Services will be Monday, March 20th at 2 p.m. at Russell and Gooch Mortuary, Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. Donations in Karl's memory may be made to Hospice of Marin.