Jul 4, 2021

Karl Edward Kerr was a beloved father, brother, son, friend and partner, who loved life and was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. Karl was born May 19, 1941, at the family home in Oak Forest, Pennsylvania, and was one of seven children. After graduating from Waynesburg High School in 1959, Karl moved to El Segundo, California to live with his sister, Joan Kerr Tokar, and her family while he attended college.

Karl and his first wife, Noreen, married in August 1964 and Karl was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and was stationed in Landsthul, West Germany. Noreen joined him there, and their daughter, Karen, was born there the following year. Karl was honorably discharged in January 1968 and the family returned to Southern California where they welcomed their son, Michael two years later. Karl and Noreen divorced in 1976, but Karl remained in the greater Long Beach area and played an active role in his children’s lives and activities. Over the next two decades, Karl remarried twice – to Ellie Frye of Pennsylvania in 1985 and then to Jane Winneman of California in 1990. Throughout his life, Karl lived in Northern California, Pennsylvania and Colorado, before returning to Southern California to spend his final years with his girlfriend and life partner, Martha Sievert.

Karl spent over 50 years as a physical therapist and found great joy in getting to know each of his patients and helping them with their rehabilitation and healing. He graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy and later in his career taught as a part-time faculty member in the program.

Karl passed away at home Sunday, June 13, 2021, after suffering complications from congestive heart failure. While his loss will be felt by all who knew him, Karl leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and a lifetime of wonderful stories and memories for us to treasure.

Karl is survived by his children, Karen Owens and Mike Kerr; sisters, Joan Tokar, Kathie Ingram and Renee Jones; brother, Tom Kerr; and grandson, Drew Owens; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Martha Mildred Kerr; brother, William Mitchell; and sisters, Louella Underwood and Patty Diamonte.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. (PST) Friday, July 23, at Skylinks Golf Course, 4800 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90808.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www.garysinisefoundation.org in honor of Karl’s lifelong support of veterans, first responders and health care workers.