Karl J. Schmaeh, Sr.

Karl J. Schmaeh, Sr, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

Born on May 12, 1933, in Hagnau, Germany, a son of the late Max and Elizabeth (Hildabrant) Schmah.

Karl attended school in Germany until the 8th grade, where once he was out of school, he went on to earn his license in carpentry and became a mason. In 1957, at the age of 24, Karl came to the United States. In 1981, Karl started his construction business, Karl Schmaeh Construction, which his family still runs today. 

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Tribes Hill and the Holy Name Society.  After retirement, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.  Together with his late wife, Bettina, they loved to travel and even had the opportunity to travel to Egypt. In their retirement years, he and his wife would spend winter in Punta Gorda, Florida where they had many friends.  Most of all, Karl was a loving father, grandfather and friend to so many, who will be greatly missed. 

Karl was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Bettina (Clairmont) Schmaeh, who passed on March 1, 2023. He was also predeceased by his brother, Albert Schmah. 

Survivors include his sons, Karl Schmaeh, Jr. (Nancy) and Peter Schmaeh (Mary); daughters, Elizabeth Gannon (Lester) and Karen Schwabrow (Jimmy); grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Bethany, Chad, Teanna, Matthew, Kyle, Emily, Andrew, Josh, Sam and Julia; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Renate Schmaeh; nephew, Peter Schmah and niece, Alexandra.

Calling hours for Karl will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4pm until 7pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30pm. Karl will be laid to rest at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill. 

Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.