Karl J. Altpeter

Karl John Altpeter, age 40, of St. Paul, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 26, 2017. Karl, the son of Franz and Karen (Jenke) Altpeter, was born on August 14, 1976 in Madison, WI and joined his Prescott family for life, 6 weeks later. He was a curious and gentle child who loved his family and dogs equally. His early education was guided by the caring and skilled teachers of the Prescott School District. In high school he transferred to and graduated from Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. Karl chose to attend Guilford College, a Quaker school, in Greensboro, North Carolina "where everyone is appreciated and judged based on their contributions and performance rather than gender, race, religion, physical abilities, sexual identity or socio-economic condition." Karl felt at home there from the start. He graduated with a degree in geology and a cadre of friends that have lasted a lifetime. Karl loved animals, especially his beloved cats Blue, Passion, and Milo, as well as the family dogs. Music, movies and literature, too, were close to his heart. Always a private person, lucky was the individual who was knew Karl as friend. He was loyal, kind, accepting, generous of spirit and a very gentle man. Karl maintained a rich, active and deep connection to his many friends, both near and far, especially those from Guildford and his 2nd family at Carbones Pizza in Hudson, WI. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and great aunt, Bernice Horton. Karl is survived by his parents, Franz and Karen Altpeter; brother, Scott Altpeter (Kari Hobson) and niece, Sydney; uncles, Philip (Nancy) Altpeter and Noel Jenke; aunt, Susan (Denis) Parsley; also ten cousins and many friends. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2017, at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh St., Hastings with Reverend Dr. April Davis Campbell officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 -11 a.m. on Friday morning at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in the Pine Glen Cemetery, Prescott, WI. Memorials may be made to the Animal Ark, 2600 Industrial Ct., Hastings, MN 55033 or Guilford College, 5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410.