Karl Nagele

Karl Nagele was born in Haiming, (Tirol) Austria on February 17, 1929, to Alois and Maria Nagele (Zoller), and passed away at the age of ninety-five on July 9, 2024. Karl met Jutta Braun in 1956 and was married for 68 years.

For the weeks prior to his death, Karl was surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife, children and their spouses, the families of his grandchildren and his great-grandchild. This was a wonderful time of sharing, listening, prayer, music, and thoughtful reflection.

Karl’s early education in rural Tirol was provided by the Catholic nuns. They saw the potential that Karl had for higher education and encouraged him to pursue this path. Karl attended Austrian Hauptschule, and Gymnasium. Upon completion of his education, he worked at the Messerschmidt factory running lathes and mills. The General Manager, recognizing his talent, mentored Karl and encouraged him to learn the tool and die trade to expand his knowledge and increase his skills and improve his future opportunities. Karl made the choice to follow this path that would profoundly affect his future. The tool and die trade is what enabled Karl to leave his beloved Tirol and move to Canada for better opportunities. New opportunities continued to present themselves as Karl worked for a helicopter manufacturer (Bata Engineering) before moving to Peterborough, Ontario and working at Outboard Marine.

It was while working in Peterborough that Karl met Jutta, the love of his life, at a camera store. Jutta was the friendly face behind the counter as well as developing the film and printing the photos. She also spoke German and liked to take photos. Their mutual love of photography brought them together, and Jutta was a common subject in Karl’s photos. Six months later, on May 5, 1956, Karl and Jutta were married and off to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. Karl and Jutta enjoyed a passion for life and raised a wonderful family together.

The need for tool and die makers continued to provide opportunities for Karl. A job at Ford Motor Company in Cleveland provided the opportunity to emigrate to the USA. Subsequently, the newlyweds moved on to their dream state of California in 1957. Karl worked at California Industrial Products in Santa Fe Springs until his retirement in 1991.

Karl often worked seven-day weeks and 12-hour days to provide for his growing family. He still found time to attend community college to learn how to build furniture for their house and their cabin.

From an early age Karl developed two lifelong passions: skiing and music. He grew up in the alps of Austria where skiing was as much transportation as sport. As there were no lifts (or lift lines 😊) in the late 1930’s Karl would hike up the mountain with his life- long friend Herbert and then ski down the mountain. This love for skiing has been passed down to the grandchildren and brought many wonderful memories .

Karl’s accordion, love of singing and yodeling and gemütlichkeit were an influential part of his life at an early age. He entertained family and friends as well as played in Gasthof’s and for venues throughout Europe. On the slopes when the ski day would end Karl would pull out his accordion and join his fellow musicians and singers at the local Gasthof for an evening of food and music.

After Karl emigrated to Canada he would work a full week, and then entertain his friends on the weekends. Upon emigrating to the US, he worked hard to learn a whole new genre of American standards and pop music; becoming a ‘crossover’ artist well before the concept was well known.

Karl played at the Weinstube at Old World in Huntington Beach for many years and was well loved by all. Karl and Jutta were members of the Phoenix Club for 60 years. Karl played there often and enjoyed the company of their many friends.

These passions lasted Karl well into his retirement. He skied well into his 60’s and played the accordion into his 90’s. He was a much sought after entertainer for Oktoberfest events, restaurant openings, (particularly from one fellow Austrian, ex-governor), private parties (notably two ski industry moguls), wineries and wherever the Tiroler sound was desired. After retirement, Karl and Jutta traveled to their beloved Austria almost every year. One of Karl’s accordions frequently accompanied them on the trip.

Karl was also able to spend time with his grandchildren and spend time at their cabin in the San Bernardino mountains. He loved taking photos of flowers, landscapes, and the cakes, cookies, and roasted duck and goose that Jutta would cook on special occasions. Karl particularly enjoyed Jutta’s cooking and baking talents and would often encourage her to open a restaurant to share her fabulous food.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jutta, his two children Carla, (Daniel) and grandson Kyle; Ron, (Claudia) and their granddaughter Robin, grandson Thomas (Lauren), and great granddaughter Madeline, and grandson Benjamin. Karl was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Maria, his sister Anna and his brothers Johann and Franz.

Karl had a great love for his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Through the grace of God, Karl was able to visit with the entire family in the last two weeks before passing away on July 9th. It was a great gift for both Karl, his family and his friends who visited or called him. Karl will be missed by all who knew him and were able to enjoy his love of life with him. Wir wuenschen dir herzliche gemütlichkeit mit dem Vater im Himmel!

A Celebration of Karl’s life will be held Saturday September 14th 2024 at 2 PM.

Zion Lutheran Church

222 North East Street Anaheim CA 92805

There will be a reception immediately following the service

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to www.harmony-project.org- Harmony Project brings music education, instruments and services to underserved children in Los Angeles and Orange Counties