Karl F. Wittkopf

Karl was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Allen and Elsa Wittkopf of Spread Eagle, Wis.; his maternal grandparents, David and Antoinette Roach of Commonwealth, Wis.; and his father, Allen Thomas Wittkopf.

He is survived by his mother, Rochelle Wittkopf; two sons, Luke (12) and Kaden (15); his partner, Joy Beatty; two brothers, Tom Wittkopf and Will (Jen) Wittkopf; two sisters, Amy (Ruben) Uribe and Polly (Chris) Noll; many nieces and nephews (Victoria, Kenzie, Zoe, Noah, Tucker, Grace, Ally, Mikkey, Jack, Jo and Parker); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Born on July 17, 1975, Karl was the youngest of five children, a role he embraced fully and joyfully. He shared a special closeness with his parents and treasured his upbringing on Keyes Lake in Florence, Wis., where many of his happiest memories were made. As the youngest, Karl often had the best spots for naps under the steering column on the boat, on top of the custom luggage rack in the back of the van or on dad’s shoulder. He was always outside following along with a brother, sister, cousin, or neighbor; he tanned well and quickly and never with any tan lines. He was summer’s child.

Karl graduated from Florence High School in 1994. He was good-looking, charismatic, smart, and had a flashy smile. He had a gift for connecting with people. That talent was present as he performed in nearly every music group through high school and later as a member of the classy choral jazz group, the Swinging Knights at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis.

His good looks got him noticed, and he modeled for Paul Mitchell (the haircare company) during his college days. He spent a year of those college days studying in Australia and graduated SNC in 1998 with a degree in business. His personality and talent served him well at numerous bartending jobs, where he could predict the next cocktail, strike up a conversation with the regulars, engage with those passing through, and quickly leave an impression.

Karl found joy in bringing people together, especially around food. Whether it was a casual afternoon or a planned gathering, he loved firing up the grill for friends and family. He was generous, always ready to share what he had, or make others feel welcome. Those moments, full of laughter, friendly conversation, and easy hospitality, were several of the ways he showed his love.

He had a well-known sweet tooth and was rarely without a stash of candy, Smarties, Sprees or Sweet Tarts, which he was quick to share with his nieces and nephews. Much the same as trying to share his uncanny and proficient skills at any claw game he could find. Karl would be surrounded by a group of nieces, nephews, and other kids, filled with suspense and cheering for the win.

Karl loved all things snow and downhill skiing, but eventually traded northern winters for the warmth and sunshine of Florida, where he built a new chapter of his life. Prior to living in Lake Worth, Karl lived in Kissimmee, Fla., where he worked in golf course food and beverage management. He found love, became a father to two sons, and remained deeply devoted to them. Karl faced personal struggles privately. Through those challenges, he continued to fight, grow, and seek connection. In recent years, he again found companionship and support with his loving partner, Joy, who stood by his side and helped hold his family together.

Karl will be remembered for his wit, good looks, big smile, his generosity, and the way he brought people together. He leaves lasting memories around tables, grills, claw games, pockets full of candy, and conversations filled with laughter.

A Celebration of Life for Florida family, friends, and neighbors will be held at their home in Lake Worth, where there is a big yard for the dogs to run and everyone is welcome.

Family memorial services will be held in Florence, Wis. But not until the sun is high, the days are warm, the grass is green, and the lake is ready for swimming.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Karl’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Florence, to honor Karl’s legacy of life.