Karl August Menzel

05/13/1931 - 09/03/2025

Karl August Menzel passed away at the age of 94 on September 3, 2025, in Brookeville, MD. He will be remembered as a devoted father, natural leader, and a man of curiosity, energy, and perseverance.
Born in The Hague to Karl Sr., a German engineer, and Elisabeth (née Knuist), Karl was raised in Germany during WWII. Early hardship and displacement shaped his deep commitment to family and stability.
After the war, Karl trained in business administration and emigrated to the U.S. in 1952. While serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War—stationed in Germany—he married Kunigunde "Gundel" Bierer in 1955. They settled in Maryland and raised four children: Mark, Margaret, Marian, and Caroline.
While working full-time and serving in the Army Reserves, Karl attended night school, eventually earning a BA in Accounting from the University of Baltimore in 1962. He worked at Chesapeake Paper Board, then spent 27 years at IBM as a financial analyst and budget manager. Known for his discipline and integrity, he was nevertheless always home by 5:30 for family dinner.
Karl and Gundel lived in Catonsville, Damascus, and Gaithersburg, where they were active in church and community. He led the Damascus Ecumenical Society, served as president of Schlaraffia Washingtonia and was an active member of Damascus Garden Club, Knights of Columbus and Rotary.
A lifelong do-it-yourselfer, Karl maintained his cars and home into his late 80s, and embraced technology long into retirement.
Above all, Karl cherished his family. A proud "Opa" to nine grandchildren, he followed their lives with love and keen interest. After Gundel's passing in May 2025, Karl's health declined, but his spirit remained strong—using voice text to stay in touch even when he could no longer talk on a phone.
Karl is survived by his children: Mark (Kathryn), Margaret (Rob), Marian (Brian), and Caroline (Dan); and grandchildren: Gabe (Haley), Sebastian, Brooks (Abbey), Caroline, Karlie (Dan), Gavin, Maggie, Charlie (Jenna), and Henry. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Gerda Gurney.
A life of resilience and service, Karl built a lasting legacy for his family and community. He will be deeply missed.
A family funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 10 at 10 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, followed by interment at 11:15 a.m. at All Souls Cemetery, 11401 Brink Road, Germantown, MD. Refreshments will be provided for friends and family after the interment.