Karl Fredrick Menzel

Karl Menzel, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Cura Care Center in Monticello.

Born in Excelsior, Minnesota on November 4, 1936, Karl Frederick Menzel was the son of Martin and Emma (Braun) Menzel. In 1945, he moved with his family to Monticello where his father managed a gas station and car repair business in the heart of downtown Monticello.  Karl and his brothers spent many hours at the station during their growing up years. After graduating from Monticello High School in 1954, Karl joined the Air Force Reserves and spent some time on active duty during the Cuban Crisis. As a young, single man, he did some traveling and explored various vocations before finding his niche in office management. He spent several years at Pako Corporation in Golden Valley and later worked for Gleason Printing in the field of graphic design. In his spare time, Karl enjoyed his garden tractor, crafting numerous clocks, and socializing with his friends at McDonald’s.

In 1965, Karl was married to Claudia Jean Kopff, and they later built their home on a small acreage east of Monticello. Karl is survived by son, Dan (friend, Helen) of Monticello; daughter Suzanne (Chris) Christian of Charlotte, North Carolina; and grandchildren Conor and Torin Christian. Also surviving are a brother, Rollie (Gretchen) Menzel of Wyoming, Minnesota; a sister-in-law Rita Menzel of Laguna Niguel, California; and brother-in-law Ted Kopff (Gloria) of Monticello. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Loren, a younger brother, Gary in 1995, and his oldest brother, Vern, in 2021.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM at the Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 Broadway Street East, Monticello on Sunday, January 19, 2025. His memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 413 3rd Street East, Monticello. Visitation will be one hour prior at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred in Karl's name to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church ~ Monticello or the charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel ~ Monticello. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com