Karl Wolf

Karl Erich Wolf was born November 17, 1960, in Waco, Texas, to Albert and Hermine Wolf. He grew up in McGregor, Texas, where he attended McGregor ISD, graduating as the Salutatorian of his class in 1979. That summer, he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Fulp. Karl went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in May 1983.

Shortly after graduation, Karl and Mary Margaret married on July 23, 1983. They relocated to New Jersey, where Karl began his career at Bell Labs. Living on the East Coast gave them the opportunity to experience fall foliage, take train rides into New York City, and spend summer days along the chilly Atlantic coast.

In 1985, Karl was transferred back to Texas, where he worked for AT&T, Lucent, and TYCO. He and Mary Margaret first settled in Mesquite before eventually making their home in Rockwall. As a mechanical engineer, Karl had a deep understanding of both electrical and mechanical manufacturing concepts, bringing a unique perspective to design and development. His colleagues admired his willingness to explore innovative ideas, and working with him felt like collaborating with a friend.

Outside of work, Karl enjoyed coaching his children’s baseball teams, gardening, landscaping their home, and serving as Treasurer at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mesquite.

In November 2002, Karl accepted a position with National Instruments in Austin, prompting the family’s move to Round Rock. Over the years, he continued his career with Motorola and eventually 3M. Then, in January 2022, he decided to step away from the office and embrace early retirement.

During retirement, Karl found joy in home projects, gardening, traveling, working at the farm, and caring for his cattle. A man of few words, he quietly stepped in to help family and friends whenever something needed fixing - whether electrical, mechanical, or otherwise. Gifted with numbers, he often assisted his children, their friends, and later his grandchildren with tricky math problems. His grandkids affectionately called him an “inventor” and loved seeing what he would create for them with his 3D printer. Karl was the one everyone counted on to fix anything that was broken.  

Karl is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Margaret Wolf; his children, Erich Hans Wolf, Stephanie Teal (Michael) Whitson, Emery Charles Wolf; and his beloved grandchildren, Finley, Kyler, Leora, Knox, Ellie, and Hannah Whitson. He is also survived by his siblings, Leo (Kim) Wolf, Ernest (Sherrie) Wolf, Paul (Jeanine) Wolf, and Monica Britten; his in-laws, W. D. and Martha Fulp; his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Kevin) Vansau; his brother-in-law, Matt (Andrea) Fulp; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas, on Thursday, April 3, at 10:00 AM.  Following the service, a potluck lunch will be shared at the church. Please bring a dish to share. Karl’s lifelong friend, Lindsey Luedeker, will deliver the eulogy.