Karl Robert Kuelthau

1972 - 2020

Karl Robert Kuelthau obituary, 1972-2020, Downers Grove, IL

FUNERAL HOME

Toon Funeral Home - Downers Grove CLOSED

4920 Main Street

Downers Grove, Illinois

Karl Kuelthau Obituary

Karl Robert Kuelthau

Born: August 21, 1972

Died: July 18, 2020

Karl Robert Kuelthau, age 47, of Downers Grove, IL, formerly of Brookfield, WI, died unexpectedly July 18, 2020.

Karl was the beloved husband of Tiffany Kuelthau and loving father to his daughter,Taylor (15) and son, Jack (14). Karl is also survived by his parents, Bob and Kathy Kuelthau, his sister Kristin (Bob) Paulsen and numerous aunts, uncles,cousins, nieces and a nephew.

Karl was born August 21, 1972 in Milwaukee, WI, and graduated from Brookfield East High School in 1990. He attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and graduated with an Economics degree in 1994. Karl continued his education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1997 and his MBA in 1998.

Karl was an accomplished financial professional, obtaining both his CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) and CLU (Certified Life Underwriter) certifications and was a registered securities broker. After beginning his career in valuations at KPMG and Investment Banking at DN Partners, Karl shifted his focus to what he loved and did naturally - helping people. First at Northwestern Mutual, then at Googins Advisors, Karl advised and guided families through financial and life planning decisions, so they could live their fullest lives and achieve all of their family's dreams. His calm nature, sincerity and level head instilled confidence in his clients. He particularly loved working alongside his Aunt Louise during the last 5 1/2 years and was looking forward to assuming the role of President and Owner in the very near future.

Karl was a devoted husband and father, and family was the most important part of his life. He enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, biking, tennis and reading. He had a thirst for knowledge, a caring and sincere demeanor, always a friendly smile, an exceptional sense of humor and quick wit - loving to laugh and have fun. Karl walked through this life with a heart of gold and a happy soul. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A private family memorial was held in Eagle River, WI and a celebration of Karl's life will be held in Downers Grove, IL at a later date.

For Information www.toonfuneralhome.com OR 630-968-0408

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Aug. 6, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Viviana Lopez

Friend

October 3, 2020

I would like to offer sincere condolences to all Karl's family and loved ones. We met in law school and I will always remember his generosity of spirt,intelligence and how funny he was. Jason and I will miss his friendship and are very sorry for your loss.

Bobbi and Jason Nau

September 8, 2020

I am very saddened by Karl's passing, I knew Karl at Googins Advisors as a client, I thought a great deal of Karl and had so much respect and confidence in him. I assumed he would be working with me the rest of my life. It is a very great loss to me personally to hear and know of his passing. He was a calm and vibrant presence in my life. Because I feel such a loss, I know his family has a great loss to bear, I will keep both Karl and his wife and children in my prayers. God bless you Karl and your family.

Margaret Hutnik

Acquaintance

September 7, 2020

We will miss Karl's welcoming smile, and sincere heart.

Patrick and Diane Dailey

Neighbor

August 9, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home

August 6, 2020

I am so saddened to hear of Karl's passing. I can hardly believe it since we just had talked on the phone for about an hour just a few weeks ago, as we would typically do a few times every year. Karl has been a great friend for over 20 years and I will remember him for his kind, caring, and thoughtful manner as well as his sharp and funny wit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tiffany, Taylor, Jack, and his entire family.
With love,
-Tom & Amy Courtright

Tom Courtright

Friend

August 2, 2020

Dear Kuelthau Family -

We could not be more saddened by the news of Karl's passing. Truly.

His gentle thoughtfulness came through in every interaction. An innate interest to positively reference his family speaks further to his character and priorities. We will miss him greatly and appreciate the time we were able to spend in his company.

We will think of you all often and pray for as much peace as is possible during this time.

-The O'Rears

Bryan O'Rear

August 2, 2020

So sorry to hear of Karl's passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Karl. He was the best and will missed so much. He was so kind and willing to help with out investments for our future. I was so shocked to have gotten the email. Remember all the good times and keep the memories close.

Susan and Al Nelson

Acquaintance

August 1, 2020

The world and all of us need more people like Karl in our lives. He was a gentleman through and through. His kindness and light will be missed! To Karl's family - please take care of yourselves and thank you for sharing Karl with us.

Rob Hughes

Coworker

July 31, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home

July 31, 2020

Knowing Karl’s parents, I can see what a terrific human being Karl was!
What an outstanding man !

Terry Jelinski

Friend

July 31, 2020

I worked for Karl at Northwestern Mutual. He was great fun! He was a great boss and a great friend. We had lots of laughs at the office and got a lot done. I will always remember being in his office on the 46th Floor of 1 North Wacker just enjoying the view. He’d let me stay as long as I wanted. Gazing out the windows. Karl was a great man. A great boss and a great friend. My heart is heavy for his loss. I wish Tiffany and his children the best of healing.

Molly Durr

Coworker

July 31, 2020

I am very saddened by Karl’s passing, my very sincerest sympathies to his wife and children. I was a client of Karl’s and became a client because at my first meeting I could see he was both knowledgeable and a great human being. His passing is a great loss. Mat God hold Karl in his hand.

Margaret Hutnik

July 30, 2020

Karl was an incredible man to co-workers, clients, neighbors, and was a true friend. He was kind hearted and funny as ever. He will be greatly missed... our hearts are broken for the loss. My sincere condolences to Tiffany, the kids, and his family.

Jim Garabedian

Friend

July 30, 2020

Karl was a wonderful person who always had a smile on his face and we always enjoyed a laugh. He did the right thing for the clients we worked with together and he cared deeply for them. Karl will be missed.

Ben Voigt

Friend

July 29, 2020

I met Karl when I was 6 years old, it didn't take but a blink of an eye to become friends. We were lucky to be able to go to Brookfield East high school together. All I have are great memories of Karl being a really down to earth kind person. My sincerest condolences to Karl’s wife, children, the rest of his family and closest friends.

Kevin Wollenzien

Friend

July 29, 2020

We are so incredibly saddened by the loss of Karl. He was a special man, and we feel blessed to have known him. Please know we are thinking of you and sending the entire Kuelthau family love and strength. May his memory always be a blessing. Sincerely, Yael (Babcock) Stein and Family

Yael Stein

Friend

July 29, 2020

Karl had a way of making people feel they were important to him. That is a special gift. He also always felt to me like he was enjoying the ride through life which made him fun to be around. While I'm glad he didn't have to suffer (much?) I imagine his sudden death must be quite a shock to those close to him, most especially because he was so present and engaged. Be gentle with yourselves.

Christina Collins

Coworker

July 29, 2020

I'm thankful from what I learned rom Karl while we worked together at Northwestern Mutual. Always kind, thoughtful and empathetic to his clients; a true gentleman. Karl talked glowingly about his family. He will be missed by many.

Chad McQuade

Coworker

July 29, 2020

Karl was one of those rare guys who nobody ever said a negative thing about. He had a calm disposition, a quiet confidence, and a sly sense of humor. He and I are the same age - we met and hung out in the city after college, got married around the same time, and had kids around the same time. We had many conversations about raising a family (including just a few weeks ago), as it was his favorite thing to talk about. He will be missed.

Dave Stumm

July 29, 2020

Tiffany, Taylor and Jack, my heart aches for you all and I am sending lots of love and peace your way. Karl was an awesome person and I will miss seeing him around the neighborhood walking the dog. I've known him since his days at Northwestern Mutual where we were colleagues and always loved running into him in our little DG neighborhood. My family sends our sincerest condolences to you, your family and friends who are grieving this tragic loss.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal." - unknown

Katie Vokral

Neighbor

July 29, 2020

Tiffany and kids, my family's hearts are grieved for you, I am so sorry for your loss. Tiffany - your husband and kids - your dad - was one of the kindest, most loving people I have known and he will be deeply missed by many, including me. We love you.

Nathan Kinzinger

Friend

July 29, 2020

Karl was a true gentleman and professional. I enjoyed the time we spent together at NM, particularly the times we drove together to Lake Geneva. Fortunately we got to see each other again recently during flag football in Downers Grove. I was incredibly sad to hear of his passing. May God give you and your family peace and comfort in the days ahead.

John Roland

Friend

July 29, 2020

Karl and I graduated the same year from Brookfield East. Though I haven’t seen Karl in many years, I still remember him vividly. I remember Karl as a wonderful soul and extremely kind person. My sincerest condolences to Karl’s wife, children, the rest of his family and closest friends.

Luka Gale

Friend

July 28, 2020

My heart is full of sadness for your family.

Carol Willuams

Friend

July 28, 2020

Karl was a great guy, super nice and patient. He will be missed for sure. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Jason Hagen

Friend

July 28, 2020

Karl was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His energy lit up a room the second he walked in. He was a kind soul that will be greatly missed. We are absolutely heartbroken. All of our prayers go to his beautiful family.

Adrienne Gilla

Friend

July 28, 2020

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