I am in absolute shock to learn of Karl's passing.  We went to McMaster together and became close friends, and went on a few trips together during our undergrad years.  Although we lost touch after school, we did manage to get together at a couple of my summer functions over the past few years.  Karl was an incredible person, easy to talk to (even after years of not seeing each other) and I am better for knowing him for the better part of 20 years.  My sincerest condolences go out to the Grotke family, what a fantastic person he was.

My condolences to Karl's family.  Karl & I began our teaching career the same day at Barton SS in Sept 2005.  He genuinely loved teaching and enjoyed the camaraderie of colleagues - always laughing and seeing the positive side of things.  Cheers to a great dude and a life well-lived...

We are at a loss , for words.  Have known Karl, for so many years.  He always had a moment to chat with us, would send us messages.  Had so many laughs, when we worked together.  He was just always there!!  But what a light of goodness he was, so happy to have had him, in our lives.

There are no words to express what Karl meant to me, to my family and to all of us. He was integrated into all our lives. He was everyone's brother, best friend, confidante.  Thank you for bringing us together, for putting us before yourself, for wanting the best for everyone. My children know you are are watching over them .Nick and I know that you were our best friend. I love you.

We had the honor of being Karl’s Summerhouse Park neighbour for a long time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Klaus, Susan and their family,  We’re going to miss his late night visits and texts!

Karl was a real light in this world, always with such kind words and jokes to make you laugh and smile. He always wanted everyone to have a good time and was always there for everyone, always trying to bring people together to create beautiful times and memories. 
I was so lucky to be able to call him my friend, he was a real one. 
He always made me feel special, included, someone who mattered. Just wish we had some more time, some more laughs and a few more pints. 
Karl you were the best, you had a heart of gold. I'll miss you bud, thank you for being my friend.  
Drew

My sister Joanne texted me and I was so sorry and shocked to hear about Karl who I remember accompanying  Susan, my dear cousin, to England. 
My thoughts and prayers are with you Susan and Klaus, Raymond and Melanie, at this difficult time. Karl was a great guy and a credit to his parents. He was very popular with everyone and is a great loss to many.

I had the pleasure of working with Karl at Barton Secondary years ago. He was always such a pleasure to be around: easygoing, funny and super friendly. I’m devastated to hear of his passing at such a young age. My condolences to Karl’s family. Know that he is looking down from heaven and sending everyone positive vibes. Karl was a true gentleman!

Dear Jesus,

We lift up Karl’s family and loved ones . We come to You today asking for strength, wisdom and  understanding for them and for all who were touched deeply by Karl’s passing. He will be missed, God. We know he is well with You God. We know that he is smiling down at us by Your side, God. We know you have accepted him into your Kingdom and that he is thriving, happy and at peace with Granny and Grandad and other loved ones. 
That smile God, that would light up a room here on earth is doing it in heaven. That laugh and that sense of humour, I’m certain he has all the Angels laughing and smiling around him. 
We thank you God for the precious time we got to spend with Karl here on earth. We are grateful to you for his presence. There is deep comfort in knowing that he is with You in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Amen

There are not enough tears to express my despair and sorrow for Karl's loss.  He was a true human being who brought joy to all those who loved him and knew him.

Dear Susan and the Family, 
I am so sad to hear of the shock of losing our precious Karl. I was texting him only last month about how much he enjoyed your trip to see us when he was a boy and we hired a day boat on the Broads. We also talked about meeting up next year. Wendy and Kevin are sad for you too and send their love.
Be assured that I am praying for you every step of the way as you process your grief. I am comforted from hearing how your loving family is united in supporting each other. What a lovely family your mum and dad created! You'll all have warm memories of Karl and although he will be absent I am certain you will smile as you recall the happy times you spent together. 
I think you will know by now that we were not created to face these hard times on our own. We were created to sink into our Heavenly Father's arms and allow His strength to sustain us, and we can each have this relationship one on One with Him because He is big enough and strong enough! Through our trust in Jesus our Saviour He has so much love to give us if we share our hearts with Him and let Him collect our tears. My prayer for you all is below.

Please pass on my love especially to Klaus, Raymond and Melanie and to all my cousins .
With Love and Prayers from,
Cousin Jo, Steve and Aaron and Issi and family xxxx

Heavenly Father,
I bring Susan and Klaus and all my precious cousins to you now. May they know you are just a heartfelt cry away and that you invite them to share their deepest feelings with you. May they not only know of your love, peace and even joy but actually experience them even during times when it seems to contradict the darkness they are going through. Thank you for your promise that you provide blessed comfort to those who mourn. Help them to fathom through these difficult days with their eyes focused on Jesus the source of all light and life. 
Amen

Dear Susan and Family,
Though we taught together many decades ago, I remember how very proud and busy you were with your young family. Your loss is unimaginable, Susan. I hope the thoughtful and loving messages of family and friends will bring you comfort.

So sad to hear about Karl, he is a good soul!  I have a long connection with the Grotke family, starting with his mom.  I remember his easy smile, golf shirts and laughter.  I hope the memories shared here help ease the new path for the his family, he will be dearly missed everywhere. 
Margo Dobie - Westdale

Both Debbie and I are shocked by Karl's passing. We had a lot of fun on our visits to Columbus to see Jane. Karl would come over to our fire and have a nice chat. The last year we were there  I was sitting alone at the fire and he came over and brightened up my night. Just sat there, drank, beer, and talked. He will be missed by many.

Ted and myself are totally in shock, such terrible news. 
We send our condolences to the family.

Photo here of my son, Ty, feeding a chipmunk on Karl’s beautiful porch at Miller’s Lake. Karl loved his small slice of paradise. And it was truly paradise. 
 Words won’t take away the sorrow.  But we all know that Karl touched the lives of so many. He was the kindest, warmest person I’ve ever met.  He will remain in our hearts forever. Gone too soon. Love to his family and friends. His memory will live in our hearts forever.

Lisa Guimond & Family sending the deepest condolences to the passing of your cousin Karl  Jack& Peggy Guimond

We only met once but as soon as I met you I could tell you were a lovely man! Sending thoughts and prayers to all family and friends, rest in peace Karl❤️

My deepest condolecences to the Grotke Family. A great colleague, teacher, and overall great guy. Your legacy will live on in all the many lives you touched, taught, mentored, and loved. Rest in peace Karl.

It was a pleasure to work with, and to get to know Karl at SWC. He was so positive and kind, and is already missed. My deepest condolences.

Our sincere condolences to you Ray and your entire family. When we think of Karl it's his smile, kindness and soft loving giggle Karl will be truly be missed. Chris and l will forever treasure all the beautiful memories up north, family gatherings. RIP Karl love you til we meet again. 🙏🙏🙏💔

Our deepest condolences to Susan and Klaus and family for your loss. He was a great person and friend taken way to soon.

He was an amazing and kind teacher, co-worker and friend at our school, rest in peace Mr. Grotke.

I was friends with Karl throughout his teaching career. Hill Park, Waterdown, Tim Hortons Field. He would come to section 114 and watch the second half of the tiger cat games with Gary Brown and I.   A true friend. My condolences to his family. Oskee Wee Wee.  Thank you for the laughs over the year. RIP KARL.

Our sincerest condolences to the Groetke family. We are still in shock ourselves at the news - can’t even imagine what you are all feeling and going through. To Karl’s parents, Susan & Klaus, we are so sorry for your loss and we send our love to give you  strength to help you through the upcoming months. To Karl’s siblings, Melanie & Raymond - he was lucky to have you, just as you were lucky to have him.  To Karl’s many aunts, uncles, and cousins, our hearts go out to all of you. We know how much Karl loved his family time. May his memory bring all of you comfort in the days and months and years to come. Sending love to all of you at this very difficult time.

Our deepest condolences to the Grotke family members in the sudden passing of Karl. My wife and I have been long time neighbours to the Grotke family. Karl's passions in life became a reality as he treasured every moment of his life. He was always a positive influence to everyone he knew.
Sincerely, Mark & Lucie Kaulback

I met Karl several times at Ticat games when I was with my brother in law Paul Sartor who is also a teacher and was friends with him. Great guy and we always shared a few laughs talking about the state of our beloved Ticats. My sincere condolences to Karl’s family.  
 
Gary Brown

Susan and I will remember your friendship, gentle style and smile spread throughout the decades. You brought joy and laughter to our family.
And, of course there was the LEGENDARY WEEKEND with Grant, you and me in Miami and Key West during Spring Break.  We pooled our money for beer with you in charge. At 2am we asked you how the budget was doing, and you answered that it was gone over two hours ago, and went to go for more beer.  Typical Karl.
Rest in Peace our Friend
Al and Susan Higgins

A tragic loss far too early in life. Karl, a good friend and SHP seasonal camper, always there to lend a hand and help others in need, or just to be there participating in the action and festivities. You will be sorely missed Karl. 
Your friends, 

Rick & Marylin Finlay.

This was at Christmas. Love that smile that was so familiar to us all. Karl loved getting together with family.

OBITUARY

Karl Simon Grotke

August 28, 1978 – February 15, 2025

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

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