Karl Alfred Flick

Karl A. Flick was born at home on May 13, 1938, in Elmore, Ohio, and lived a full and generous life defined by service, craftsmanship, and a deep devotion to family. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where his love of aircraft and mechanics began—a passion that guided much of his career and personal interests throughout his life.

Karl was one of 8 children of Rowena and Alfred Flick all growing up in a small home on a farm. His extended family also lived nearby and he was exposed to farm life and animals. He learned to drive at a young age, helping his father drive the spray truck, as well as driving produce to market. He passed on stories of his uncle and the “Jenny” biplane in one of the barns, and of working on his uncle’s pickle farm.

After High School he joined the Navy and served on the USS Saratoga with VF-101 as a Crew Chief in charge of jet aircraft like the F4D-1 Skyray. He was both a “Blue Nose” and a “Shellback”, crossing both the Arctic Circle and the Equator while on duty.

While stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, Karl met Irene, the love of his life, who was then in college. He was fond of telling the story about asking Irene’s father for permission to marry her, and being told: “Yes, but you need to date for a year first!” They did, and then they were married on April 9, 1960, beginning a partnership that lasted more than six decades. After their wedding in Key West, they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Karl attended commercial aircraft maintenance school. They later settled in San Bruno, California, for his work in the commercial airline industry with Pacific Southwest Airlines at the San Francisco International Airport.

Karl and Irene made their home in California for most of their married life, living in San Bruno and Burlingame before moving to Highlands Ranch, Colorado, in 2021 and later to Elizabeth, Colorado, in 2024.

Karl had many hobbies and talents. He loved building and flying model airplanes, camping, and fishing—activities that brought him joy and peace. He also took great pride in helping Irene with her antique refinishing and restoration projects, as well as other household projects and upkeep.

Travel was another joy for Karl and Irene. They explored the natural beauty of Lassen National Forest and Park, one of their favorite camping and fishing destinations, and journeyed together to Norway, Russia, Canada, and Hawaii, as well as regular trips to visit Irene’s family in Chula Vista, California, and Karl’s in Elmore, Ohio. They also loved simple pleasures—playing cards and board games with friends, tending to their fuchsias as part of the San Bruno Fuchsia Society, and exhibiting their award-winning plants at the San Mateo County Fair in the 1970s and early 1980s.

He stayed in touch with his high school classmates over the years and frequently met with them over Zoom meetings on Wednesday evenings.

Karl will be remembered for his quiet strength, and dedication to those he loved.

He is survived by his sons, Karl D. Flick (Challeen) and Joel Flick (Jennifer); his grandson, Karl R. Flick; and his grandchildren Rowan, Ella, and Jesse Timmermann. He is also remembered fondly by extended family and many dear friends who will miss his warmth and kindness.

Karl’s family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he shared.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado. A brunch will follow. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom broadcast will be available—please contact Karl or Joel prior to the celebration for the link.