Karl W. Fuerste, Jr.

Karl W. Fuerste, Jr., 71, of Crooked Lake, Columbia City, IN, passed away unexpectedly at his home Friday, March 21, 2025. Born July 27, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Karl W. Fuerste Sr. and Susan “June” (Zickel) Fuerste.

His early years were spent in the Ada, Michigan area. He attended Forest Hills High School where he played trumpet in the high school band and was a Varsity tennis player. With a family move to Milwaukee, WI, Karl finished high school in Milwaukee, graduating in 1971 from Nicolet High School.

After high school, back in Michigan, Karl completed his Associates in Applied Arts and Science as well as his certificate in Food Service Supervision at Grand Rapids Junior College. He also managed the Grand Rapids Ski Club, then bartended and managed Savory Street Restaurant in Cascade, MI. He then moved to St. Joseph, MI and managed Holly’s Landing Restaurant, where he and Nancy met.

Karl married Nancy (Hermansen) July 23, 1977. They began their lives together living in Berne, IN followed by Bellefontaine, OH, Decatur, IN, Kokomo, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, and finally Columbia City, IN. While working at CTS, Karl took night classes to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Then, in 1985 he was employed at R.O. Whitesell & Associates as a Sales Engineer, where he continued to work for over 30 years until his retirement. So many friendships were made along the way and lasted a lifetime.

Daughter, Angela arrived in 1982 and son, Erik in 1984. Karl welcomed his role into fatherhood. He loved spending time with his family and friends most of all. He adored his children, grandchildren and enjoyed supporting their every move. He was always looking forward to their next event. He enjoyed his home on the lake, fishing, boating, freighters, rocket launches, golfing, and feeding the birds. He also enjoyed researching family genealogy with his sister and learning about family members and their stories.

Karl lived life to the fullest. He embraced retirement and was always filled with excitement and planning the next adventure. Karl and Nancy enjoyed traveling and had just begun their adventures with trips to Florida, Arizona, cruises, and everywhere in between.

They also bought property near their Crooked Lake home and proceeded to plant flowers, food plots, & a garden large enough to feed the neighborhood.

Crooked Lake was a special place for Karl. He loved the people, lake, wildlife, nature preserve, had been active with the Lake Association and enjoyed helping out in any way. Karl and Nancy were always welcoming family and friends into their lake home. Karl loved planning meals and grilling for all to enjoy. He never met a stranger and had a way of always making those around him feel important.

The hearts of family and friends are heavy with their loss and appreciate all the support that has been shared.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Kay (Hermansen) Fuerste of 47 years; daughter Angie (Pete) Felkner, of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Erik (Heather) Fuerste, of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Logan, Madi, Luke, Bailey, Layne, & Oliver; sister, Rachel (Randy) Longhurst, Milford, MI; nephew, Jason (Andrea) Longhurst, Davisburg MI; niece Krystin (Jacob) Sponsler Chelsea, MI; two great nephews and two great nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm with calling from 12:00 – 2:00 pm on Saturday April 26, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, Indiana. Followed by a celebration of Karl’s life at his home.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations can be made to Crooked Lake Association. Please make checks payable to: Crooked Lake Association (memo line: Karl Fuerste Memorial). Send to: George Banta, 6964 N. Valley Ave., Columbia City, IN 46725.