Karl Frederick Poetter

1956 - 2023

Karl Frederick Poetter, born Jan. 8, 1956, died on Aug. 18, 2023 at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
People who remember Karl will understand why this column is so lengthy. He lived a sparkling life full of joy, challenges, adventures, and creative endeavors. Karl was born to Marietta and Howard Poetter in East Saint Lewis, MO, the closest medical center to their home in Lebanon, IL. It was there he kindled his first and forever love - baseball-although he was beckoned by other sports as well. When the family moved to St. Marys, Ohio in 1961, his loyalty to the Cincinnati reds was cemented. He played a mean pick-up basketball game and helped his high school cross country team to victory. In college he played soccer for Heidelburg. But it was baseball that he played well into adulthood, long after his knees became unhappy about it.
Karl earned several academic degrees including a BA in History and a BS in Biology from Heidelberg University. He also has a Doctorate in Molecular Biology from the Ohio State University. Between earning his degrees, he served the residents of Detroit as a VISTA member and the Camp Washington United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, helping the people of those communities learn skills and find hope for the future. Also, while in Cincinnati, he patronized the famous Camp Washington Chili every single day (way superior to Skyline.) Post doctoral work took him to The University of Wisconsin, and later the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. His research contributed to early understanding of the human genomics project, including the genetic link to the devastating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
At NIH, he met Sarah Russell, a woman brilliant enough to keep up with him and charming enough to keep him in line. They married and had their first child, Adam, in the United States. In 1996 they relocated to Melbourne Australia, where Amelia was born. At the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Karl continued his work by furthering science in the field of medical diagnostics. He loved developing new techniques in the lab, and he has the patents to show for it. His work took him all over the world. When possible, he seized the opportunity to meet up with friends and family overseas, taking in the occasional Reds game or Monopoly tournament when possible.
Creative to the core, Karl was an outstanding trombonist, lending his expertise to the Jazz Band and Pep Band at St. Marys Memorial High School. He also played in concert band, marched, and performed in the District Band. He was proud of placing first in the state history competition while in high school, too. Somewhere along the way he managed to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. When traveling with Karl, one learned it would be best to bring hiking boots; you're definitely going for a "walk" i.e., climbing over a mountain. He felt at home in nature and took comfort amongst the plants and birds in the garden. In later years, he continued his lifelong interest in reading, enjoyed moving rocks around their extensive garden, and built sheds, furniture, and pizza ovens. He could do anything he set his mind to.
Karl is survived by wife Sarah Russell PhD, son Adam and daughter Amelia, a brother Thomas Poetter PhD, a sister Vivian Poetter MD, and belove cat, Alf. Family members who preceded him in death include the Rev. Howard Poetter, Marietta Poetter Bowlby, and Anne Poetter.
A celebration of life will be held in Melboure, Australia, date to be announced on the family's website: MemorialSource.com/memorial/karl-poetter. Please visit the site and add your stories and pictures for the family.
Memorials in honor of Karl are greatly appreciated. In the USA, please send gifts to Heidelberg University, 310 Market ST, Tiffin, OH, 44883; or Washington UCC, 1223 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214. Other ways to contribute can be found on their respective websites.