Karl Robert Vorsatz

1951 - 2025

Karl Robert Vorsatz
03/24/1951 - 04/04/2025
Karl Robert Vorsatz passed away on April 4, 2025, from complications resulting from cancer. Karl was born on March 24, 1951 to his parents, Frank C. Vorsatz, Sr., Esq. and Beatrice Rose Vorsatz (Byrne). Karl attended five different grammar schools (Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Thomas More, Our Lady of Mercy, Taylor Middle School and St. Dunstan's) as his family moved down The Peninsula from Westlake to Mills Estate. It was at Junipero Serra High School of San Mateo, CA, where he truly found his legacy. Karl was the fierce Center on the historic 1968–1969 Serra Football Hall of Fame team under the direction of Coach Jesse Freitas, Sr. In 1969, Karl was one of four players on offense to make first team all WCAL - the other three became pros. His passion for Serra and its football program never waned, and it remained one of his life's most enduring touchstones.
After graduating from Serra in 1969, Karl attended the University of San Francisco where he majored in Government and continued to play football. After graduating from USF in 1973, he went to San Mateo Law School at night and worked for Jack Daniels Distillery where he managed a National Promotional Program and traveled across the United States advancing the brand.
In 1975, Karl married his high school sweetheart, Ann Irene Zwierlein, beginning a 49-year journey of unwavering partnership, shared laughter, and deep-rooted family values. "The Week That Was" in 1979 marked a defining chapter: the birth of their first child, Kimberly, and Karl passing the bar exam.
Karl joined his family's law office in 1982, Vorsatz & Vorsatz. Karl initially handled matters in several fields of law but commencing in 1990 isolated his legal career to the areas of Estate and Tax Planning. Over the years, he found fulfillment in guiding his clients, building not just a practice but a legacy. In 2005, his daughter Kimberly joined him in the practice, and in 2008, they graduated together with Masters in Taxation Law from Golden Gate University.
Karl's pride only grew as the family expanded: welcoming Kurt in 1982, Erik in 1985, and Ellen in 1994. He poured himself into fatherhood with the same energy he brought to everything else in his life - coaching 42+ youth teams for Burlingame Girls Softball, Burlingame Youth Baseball Association, Burlingame/ Hillsborough/San Bruno AYSO Soccer, and Our Lady of Angels Baseball, Softball and Basketball. In 2011, Karl proudly added a new title to his résumé: Grandpa, a role he cherished above all.
Karl had a gift in building amazing relationships with those around him. Whether it was classmates, clients, colleagues, or others that shared his love for Pontiac GTOs, he instantly connected with people and developed deep bonds with many. His positive energy and outlook was contagious to everyone around him. His senior poll of Most Loveable at Serra High School could not have been more accurate.
Karl is survived by his beloved wife Ann; his children Kimberly Vorsatz Carey (husband, Kevin Carey), Kurt Vorsatz (wife, Erin Post Vorsatz), Erik Vorsatz (wife, Katie Foletti Vorsatz), and Ellen Vorsatz (partner, Summer Harris); his treasured grandchildren Keelin, Maeve, and Quinn Carey; Charles and Kira Vorsatz; and Trent and Tori Vorsatz. Karl was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Frank C. Vorsatz, Jr. He is survived by his brothers Paul F. Vorsatz, Esq., Mark L. Vorsatz, Esq., and sister, Elizabeth J. Smiley, CPA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1310 Bayswater Ave., Burlingame.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karl Vorsatz's memory to Serra High School, care of The Advancement Office, 451 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403.