Karl Beetz, a retired machinist and maintenance mechanic, died May 25 of heart failure at his Timonium home. He was 90.
The son of a mason and a homemaker, Karl Beetz was born and raised in Kronach, Germany. After he graduated in 1938 from a technical high school in his hometown, he was inducted into the German Navy.
Mr. Beetz served for four years aboard a minesweeper, attaining the rank of sergeant.
Shortly after the war, Mr. Beetz immigrated to Baltimore where his brother Henry Beetz was living.
While a student learning English at night at Polytechnic Institute, he met and fell in love with the former Irmgard Homp, whom he married in 1953.
Mr. Beetz became a U.S. citizen in 1957.
He worked as a machinist and maintenance mechanic at Domino Sugar Co. from 1954 until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Beetz was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church.
"He was a gentle man and not a boisterous committee chairman. He'd do things like set up chairs for meetings and arrange for food," said a son, Edward Beetz of Baltimore.
Mr. Beetz enjoyed working and growing vegetables in his garden, much of which he gave away to family members, neighbors and friends, his son said.
He also liked fishing.
Plans for a memorial service are incomplete.
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Beetz is survived by two other sons, Gary Beetz of Baltimore and George Beetz of Collegeville, Pa.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
