Earl Jacob Karp

Earl Jacob Karp
August 1, 1949 – November 9, 2025
Earl Jacob Karp, 76, of Wynnewood, PA, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 9, 2025. A gentle soul with a brilliant mind and generous heart, Earl dedicated his life to family, Judaism, and helping others in countless ways.
Born in Milwaukee, WI, and raised in Shorewood, Earl's journey took him to many places-including Katamon, Israel; San Ramon, CA; Buffalo Grove, IL; and Wynnewood, PA-but his heart always remained connected to the people and communities he served. He held a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Master's in Jewish Studies and Education from UW Milwaukee, and earned his JD from Marquette University in 1988.
Earl wore many hats throughout his remarkable life, each one reflecting his commitment to helping others. At Herzl Camp in Webster, WI, he was beloved as an OZO and later as "Papa OZO," touching the lives of countless campers and staff. As a sports lawyer, he advocated for young athletes, negotiating contracts and helping them purchase their first homes. At Trader Joe's, customers knew him as the friendly clerk who always had the perfect product recommendation. Once he moved back to his hometown, Earl served as a Public Service Ambassador for the city of Milwaukee for over 10 years, helping tourists and locals alike find the best restaurants, navigate to various museums, and enjoy all downtown Milwaukee had to offer.
A published poet and accomplished writer, Earl found beauty and wisdom in words. His love and devotion to his family was unmatched. This dedication to family was perhaps most evident when he returned to Milwaukee in 2007, moving back into his childhood home to care for his mother until her passing in 2022. After moving back to the Philadelphia area in 2023 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, he treasured spending nearly every Shabbat together with them.
Earl found joy in music-singing it, creating funny songs for his children, and listening to his favorites, be they The Temptations, The Beatles, The Paul Butterfield Band, or CCR. He was incredibly smart, gentle, and soft-spoken, bringing humor and warmth to every interaction.
Earl is survived by his daughter Rebecca Bar (Matt) and their children Micah and Jonah; his son Steven Karp; his sister Niki Karp Skinner; his brother Scot Karp (Lance Jason Karp); and his former wife, Marlene Karp. He was predeceased by his father, Sherman Karp, his sister, Toby Karp, his brother-in-law Gary Skinner, and his mother, Doris Karp.
Above all, Earl was immensely proud of his two children, Rebecca and Steven, and loved them beyond measure.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, November 13th, 2025 at Agudas Achim Cemetery in Cudahy, WI at 10:30am CST.
Earl loved Herzl Camp, and Herzl Camp loved him. Memorial contributions may be made to Herzl Camp in his honor.
To join virtually:
When: Nov 13, 2025 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Earl Karp Graveside
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89448322471?pwd=69CS4DaoVKa4pHF8XVPvoiW93ICjgs.1
Passcode:Earl
Shiva in Milwaukee will be at The Porticos, 500 W Bradley Rd C Building (last building in the complex), in the community room - Thursday following burial until 5pm; Friday 11am-3pm.
Shiva will resume at, 41 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood, PA on Saturday evening, November 15th, beginning at 6:00pm with minyan at 7:15pm.
Shiva will continue in Wynnewood, PA as follows:
Sunday, November 16th. Visitation will begin at 10:00am and minyan will be at 12pm and 7pm.
Monday, November 17th. Visitation will begin at 10:00am and minyan will be at 12pm and 7pm.
Tuesday, November 18th. Visitation will begin at 4:00pm and minyan will be at 7pm.
Wednesday, November 19th. Visitation will begin at 4:00pm and minyan will be at 7pm.