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JOACHIM HAEDRICH Obituary
January 3, 1929 - January 26, 2023
Joachim Haedrich, age 94, passed on January 26, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Mr. Haedrich, who was affectionally known as "Big John" in the community, was widely recognized for his many civic and philanthropic works both locally as well as internationally, receiving multiple awards and other symbols of recognition from the community at large.
Mr. Haedrich immigrated to the USA in 1959 and in 1967 established Tip Top Meats, first in Glendale, and subsequently in Carlsbad in 1980.
The business blossomed, and Big John was known as an immigrant success story who always exclaimed: "I am proud to be an American!"
Mr. Haedrich received the Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his efforts related to the restoration of the Maria Magdalena Church in his hometown of Bad Biba, Saxony, Germany.
A tribute to the life and blessed memory of Mr. Haedrich may be made by planting trees in Israel in his name through the Jewish National Fund.
https://shop.jnf.org/collections/plant-trees/products/trees-for-israel
800.563.0099, Option # 1.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOACHIM HAEDRICH
Peter
July 30, 2025
Was in San Diego today and hoped to stop in and grab some sausage for the drive back up to Ventura. Knew John since the 80´s. Back then worked with Fritz Thaller at Alpena Sausage. We produced a wide range of European sausages and meats. I got to know John over the years. Very intimidating at first, but as I got to know him, a wonderful man. When working with Alpena and San Diego I always made a point to have lunch and often he would come and sit with me and chat. He is an icon and as I read the stories below, well respected within the community. The best to the family and hope to see you back up and running. Peter
Merlina
October 26, 2023
First time I came to his restaurant in 2007 when my husband took me to Tip Top restaurant. I was homesick and craving kohlrouladen or liver and onion. It was so good it was like I wish I could have eat it everytime. So I met him first time when he was working to serve at the counter. He was big tall guy I would say a gentle giant. Friendly smile and he used to come for buffet at my work almost every weekends. It was sad to know he passed January this year when I read the local newspaper.
It's not a goodbye but it's a see you later!.
Belinda Rachman, Esq.
August 27, 2023
He contributed so much to our community! His butcher shop had ONLY the BEST meat! I loved seeing him behind the counter. May your memory be a blessing!
LInda Fornelli
March 14, 2023
Mr. Haedrich, Big John, purchased at the Del Mar Fair animals raised by 4-Hers. This support of 4-H youth in San Diego County is just one of the many youth and community programs he generously supported.
Linda Fornelli, Carlsbad
Tina Thompson-Billingsley
March 10, 2023
John was my first boss at Tip Top in Glendale in 1976. He was such a great guy, and I was so happy to visit him a few years ago at the Tip Top in Carlsbad. May he rest in peace. Sending condolences to his family and friends.
Hershy Kerr
March 10, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family. Been a loyal customer of Tip Top Meats for years.
Hershy
Tip Top Meats customer
Colin Franke
February 20, 2023
So great to learn from the best butcher from the old country. Tip Top will remain a great landmark. Such great memories working with the crew that I will never forget. Big John will be missed.
Rick Krost
February 18, 2023
Big John was bigger than life, such a great person with a big heart! I´ve known John since 1967 as his accountant. He was such a joy to work with, I always looked forward to our meetings. We shared a love for the horse races and we would make sure when we got together for business we would save time to catch 9 races either at Santa Anita or Del Mar. Although I have not seen Big John much since I retired I think of him all the time, what a gentle giant!
Herr Livingston
February 17, 2023
Big John always loved sitting down with my German students and chatting with them in his native language whenever we came in.
Always a friendly smile and greeting for all. For him "der Kunde ist König" was more than just a cliche. Ich vermiss Dich schon, Big John...Auf Wiedersehen im Himmel!
John callahan
February 17, 2023
We owned the company next to tip top until 1996. I remember so vividly Big John moving in and meeting him the first time. What gentlemen what an inspiration! Got to know him for many years!
A great heart of giving!
May God bless you!!
Debbie hart
February 16, 2023
The man was so sweet and best boss I ever had the pleasure to work for we shall see each other again Big John
Willi and Gisela Hauser
February 16, 2023
We first met in your butcher shop in Glendale and followed your successful life till the end here in Carlsbad. It has been a pleasure knowing you.
Last greetings from the Hauser Family.
Megan
February 16, 2023
I miss you so much my otee, you made me who I am today! I Love you more than words can describe! Until next time
Juan Andrade
February 15, 2023
Will miss U.
Jeff in Carlsbad
February 14, 2023
A good man, God bless his soul. He will be missed.
Katrin
February 14, 2023
"Die Liebe höret nimmer auf "
(1. Korinther 13:8)
Das war der Leitspruch unserer gemeinsamen Vorfahren Eduard und Lina Schröter aus Lippersdorf, Jochens Geburtsort.
Ein letzter Gruß in Liebe und Dankbarkeit von Deiner Cousine Susanne mit Katrin und Familien aus Oberndorf und Jena
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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