Karl Albert Goellner.

In Loving Memory of Karl Albert Goellner

It is with both sorrow and a hint of disbelief that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad, Opa, brother, uncle, and great friend, Karl Albert Goellner, on January 30, 2026, just days shy of his 82nd birthday and less than a month after learning about his fatal cancer diagnosis. Karl was born to Karl E. "Gene" Goellner and Ruth E. (Godwin) Goellner on February 6, 1944, in Ann Harbor, Michigan. The second of four boys, Karl grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Forever adored and remembered by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ellen (Taylor) Goellner of Dahlonega, Georgia; his daughter Kari (Goellner) Kitchens and son-in-law Sam Kitchens of Macon, Georgia; his grandchildren Trapper Kitchens (Jessica) of Macon, Georgia, Hughes Kitchens (Evie) of Ellijay, Georgia, Karl Kitchens (Graci) of Macon, Georgia, Emma Dean (Liam) of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Tyler Dean of Raleigh, North Carolina. Karl is also survived by his brothers Dr. John Goellner (Ann) of Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Mark Goellner (Anita) of Duluth, Minnesota, sister-in-law Bette Colville of Spooner, Wisconsin; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and four great-granddaughters. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, his precious infant daughter, Joelle Goellner, his cherished daughter Katrina Goellner Dean, his son-in-law Bryan Dean, his great-granddaughter Samantha Kitchens, and his brother Dr. Paul Goellner.

A year after graduating from Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Karl married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Goellner (Taylor) in 1964 and eagerly began his professional life working as a chemist in a laboratory. As his career progressed in the field of water sanitation, Karl and his bride moved throughout Illinois, seeking new water and sewer sanitation management opportunities, while also starting a family. Eventually weary of the harsh Midwest winters, Karl relocated his family to the Tampa Bay area in Florida. There, he transitioned careers, becoming a general contractor and partner at Wiles and Goellner, LLC – a home-building construction company.

Identifying a need in the housing industry, Karl founded Realty Check, Inc., a home inspection business, in 1988. His reputation for evaluating under strict standards, his extensive knowledge of building codes, and unwavering business ethics earned him widespread respect within the industry. Karl was actively involved with the National Association of Home Inspectors and the Suncoast ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), serving in various leadership roles throughout his career. After selling the business in 2004, Karl retired and moved to Youngsville, North Carolina.

In 2010, Karl moved to Dahlonega, Georgia, where he spent his remaining years. His love for the scenic mountains of North Georgia and the welcoming community made Dahlonega his "favorite place" he ever lived.

Karl was strong in his Christian faith. He was born again in his early adult life and believed the way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Upon moving to Dahlonega, he and Mary became members of Dahlonega Methodist Church, where he served as a Trustee over properties from 2013-2015. In 2018, Karl was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Dahlonega and served as Chairman of the Commission in 2021 before rotating off the board. Also, during his time in Dahlonega, Karl became a dedicated volunteer with CASA, advocating for children in foster "as if they were his own grandchildren."

Karl found great joy in gathering with his friends at the local pub every Thursday afternoon. These regular meetings were more than just social occasions-they became opportunities for lively conversation, camaraderie, and as Karl would say, "solving the world's problems." His presence at these gatherings was welcomed, as he was celebrated for his quick wit, dry sense of humor and remarkable command of the English language. Karl's clever remarks and insightful observations left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Of all his interests, golf was Karl's greatest passion. He played the game faithfully, no matter where life took him or what season it was. For Karl, golf was not just a pastime, but a vital part of his life, one that he continued to enjoy until age eventually interfered with what he affectionally called the "three P's" of his game. Despite stepping back from the sport, Karl never lost his enthusiasm for it and often joked that he wanted to be remembered most for his "not one, but two hole-in-one golf miracles."

While his achievements were many and his qualities memorable, those who knew and loved Karl will remember him most for the wisdom he shared. In his final days, he offered advice that reflected his deep compassion: "show more empathy to others." This message serves as a testament to his spirit of goodwill and impact he had on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Community Helping Place (CHP), Dahlonega, Georgia in Karl's memory, or that you simply raise a glass after a round of golf in his memory.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dahlonega Methodist Church, Dahlonega, Georgia. Lunch will be provided immediately following the service during visitation with the family.