Fred Lewis Karren

1936 - 2023

Fred Lewis Karren
October 17, 1936 - October 4, 2023
Fred Karren passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 4, 2023
Fred possessed an unparalleled capacity to be interested in people and for friendship. He cared deeply for people, and he positively affected countless lives and organizations. His interests were wide ranging, particularly travel, and the visual and performing arts. He will be greatly missed by his family and his countless friends.
Fred was born in San Antonio, Texas. When he was two months old, he moved to Oakland, CA with his parents the late Joe and Mildred Karren. He graduated from Oakland High school in 1954. He then attended UC Berkeley where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. He earned a BS in Business in 1958 and a BS in Architecture in 1968.
In 1963 his was introduced to the love of his life Beth Davis Karren. They were married in 1964 in Toledo, Ohio and enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage until Beth passed away in 2017. Their daughter, Leslie Karren, the apple of Fred's eye, was born in 1967. In addition to a wonderful father-daughter relationship they enjoyed working side by side in the family real estate business. Fred, Beth, and Leslie, enjoyed many family trips throughout the world, and spending time in their vacation homes in Napa and Palm Desert.
He had an over 50-year career as an architect. Fred designed or remodeled many homes and retail stores throughout the bay area. He served on the Piedmont Planning commission for many years and chaired it twice. His architectural expertise was called upon when realtors had a home to sell, and they would seek Fred's advice on how the home could be remodeled to benefit the new owners.
Fred kept active until the very end. On his last night, Fred went to the Opera, and had a night cap with his daughter at her home, kissed her goodnight and said, "See you in the morning, and we will go for coffee."
He enjoyed weekly bridge and dominos games with his friends. He was a big supporter of the arts. He had season tickets and supported the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theater, and many other institutions.
He loved animals. He adopted his dog Bentley, an adorable terrier-chihuahua mix, in 2018. He encouraged his friends to do the same because so many dogs, especially senior dogs, need a good home.
Over the years he was involved with many clubs and organizations. He was a member of The Pacific Union Club, The Family Club, Claremont Country Club, El Dorado Country Club, Marrakesh Country Club and Temple Sinai in Oakland. He had served on the boards of Sinai Memorial Chapel, Jewish Community Federation of the East Bay, Oakland Ballet, Oakland Symphony, Goodwill Industries and the 100 Club.
In addition to being survived by his daughter, Fred is survived by his sister Ann Karren Gitlis, his brother-in-law Sam Davis and his wife Joanne Cuthbertson, his nieces Sara Gitlis Schneider (Michael Schneider), Hadley Davis Reierson (Lee Reierson), Carrie Davis (Michael Lebovich), step-niece Jennifer Thomas (Michael), step-nephew Alex Cuthbertson (Elizabeth Meriwether), and five grand nephews, two grand nieces, three step-grand nephews, and one step-grandniece. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends. He was a loyal and great family member and friend.
A celebration of life will be held at Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace in Oakland on Tuesday, November 7th at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Temple Sinai Oakland, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609; San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco CA 94102; or a charity of your choice. A private burial was previously held.