WIPFLI, Karl
Upholsterer
On Thursday, June 15, 2017 Karl was taken off life support at KGH, and slipped peacefully away from us. The care and compassion of the staff on Davies 3, and Kidd 2 ICU was exceptional, especially Drs Payne, Maslove and Galvin. We extend our sincere thanks to all who cared for Karl, and for us, during his hospitalization, especially our dear friend, Dr Linda Panaro.
Karl was born in Kriens, Switzerland, the middle child of five. He is survived by his siblings Anita, Berta, Sabine and Christian, and their families. After completing his apprenticeship as an upholsterer he worked in Gstaad, Switzerland, and in the 60’s his adventurous spirit took him to Australia. He travelled extensively, and in Perth, Western Australia, he found an “Australian souvenir” that really appealed to him, and he and Susi were married in Sydney. Together they went back to Switzerland, lived in Horw, and raised two daughters, Karin (Greg Chiasson), Lac La Biche,AB, and Sara (John Babcock), Odessa. Life in Switzerland was good, but Karl had the wanderlust, and in the 70’s the family moved to Montreal, where Karl worked for a Swiss furniture company. Within a couple of years the firm briefly relocated to Kingston, and it was here in South Frontenac that Karl found the life of which he had dreamed. He was a member of the Limestone Beekeepers Guild, the Ontario Woodlot Association, and Legion 560. He had been a blood donor for many years, both in Switzerland and Canada. He was a gifted craftsman in his chosen career of upholstery. Other interests included woodworking, collecting Canadian coins, but above all, being grandpa to his three grandsons. Karl cherished his Friday beer with Ted, cutting trees and splitting wood with Erich, working in the beeyards with Tom, and golfing with Erich, Henk and Tom. Left to mourn are Susi, his wife of 47 years, his dearly beloved daughters Karin and Sara, and his three amazing grandsons Stephen, David and Ken Babcock. Karl’s life will be celebrated in the summer when his family is together, and details will be announced. Cremation has taken place.
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