Obituary of Karl Hans Uhlemann

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Karl Hans Uhlemann, who passed away peacefully at home in Erin, Ontario, on April 17, 2026 in his sleep at age 83. He had lived the past few years battling several medical conditions.

Karl was born in Oederan, Germany, on June 30th, 1942, during WWII.  Borrowing his older brother’s motorcycle, and not telling his family, Karl narrowly escaped communist East Germany with a friend at age 19.   Karl emigrated to Canada November, 1962.  Karl learned English, and looked for opportunities, and within a few years became a key technical partner in what would become a successful metal fabrication business, Slot All Limited, precision metal fabricators in Toronto.   After 30 years in the metal business the company was sold. A few years later, Karl became a founding partner of the Flying Monkey’s Craft Brewery in Barrie, Ontario.  Karl utilized his tool-making expertise to solve many engineering challenges for numerous clients during his Slot All days and then he took pride in being part of the craft beer business in Ontario.   Karl never wanted to retire, and indeed, he stayed involved with the brewery operations, and worked with his youngest son Eric, right up to the end.   

Karl had many hobbies and interests that he always enjoyed:  riding his motorcycles, boating on his 35 ft. Mainship: KACI on Sparrow Lake and the Georgian Bay. He was a skilled skier and loved his ski trips with Cynthia and Eric to Whistler, Banff and Lake Placid.  Karl also loved music: enjoyed playing piano and being able to play popular songs and classical music by ear.   In 2008 he and Cynthia bought a house in Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed 15 years of life as snowbirds. He loved cars and over the years owned a Porsche 911, and several Merecedes.  Karl was also a keen ping pong player and, in his day, could top-spin a ball to overtake a competitor with ease.  Karl and his wife also loved to travel; especially to Germany and Austria, to visit his homeland, friends and family.

Karl Uhlemann is predeceased by both of his parents, Hans Karl Uhlemann, and Trudi Uhlemann; his brother Horst, sister Annamarie, and first wife Sandra Maureen (nee Boxall).  He is survived by his wife Cynthia Uhlemann (nee Edwards) of Canton, Ohio, and his children David Uhlemann, Elaine (Kitty) Uhlemann (David Hopkinson), Eric Uhlemann (Stephanie Tremblay) in Ontario, and stepson Whitney Puncheon (Tiffany Thrivener) of Ohio, and his grandchildren Joseph Burbine (Jackie) and Elliott Burbine (Caitlyn) and great grand-daughter Audrey Ellen Burbine in Ontario.  From Germany, Karl is survived by his brother Bernd Uhlemann (Illona), and his many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind two beloved dachshund dogs: Cooper and Max, who have been by his side night and day.  Karl will be greatly missed by all! 

The family wishes to thank the many doctors who have cared for him at Brampton, Georgetown and Oakville hospitals, and extended Karl’s comfort in the last few years, especially nurse, Kara Brake.  A private funeral will be held at Brombal Funeral Home in Guelph, Ontario on April 22, 2026.   In lieu of flowers…one of our favorite charities is The Ontario Humane society..  A celebration of Karl’s life will be held at the Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery in Barrie, Ontario at a later date.