Karl Kodrzycki

Karl Heinz Kodrzycki, age 80, passed away peacefully at Pleasant Ridge Manor and used his wings to fly his way to Heaven.

Karl was born on May 5, 1936 in Hagen/Westfahlen, Germany, son of the late Heinrich Kodrzycki & Hildegard Abrasowski Kodrzycki.

He started his journey to this country while in his early 20’s, (after surviving WWII as a young boy) looking for a new beginning with his then wife Margarete (Potocki) in 1958. After receiving citizenship in the U.S., he went on to learn a new language and began working for Nemanz Construction. After sometime, he went into the local brick layers union where he mainly worked for William Pustelak Masonry Inc. He then started his own company in the early 70's, named Karl Kodrzycki Masonry now run by son Steven as Kodrzycki & Son Masonry. In his time, Karl was known for his specialty, building custom fireplaces.

In his free time, during the 60's, he fell in love for drag racing and the thrill it gave him. He spent time racing at Thompson Raceway and PITA (Lucky’s Raceway). Later he found his true passion in flying. It started with hang gliding and he founded the United States Hang Gliding Association of Erie Chapter in Garland, PA. He and a close friend built many hang gliders as innovators in the area and instructed many others. Later as the smaller engines and technology came around, he designed and erected a private airstrip known as Highflyer Para Port where the true advanced flying began for him and many others who flew ultralight planes and powered parachutes.

He had many other hobbies including hunting, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, and hosting fly-ins. Anyone that knew him, knew he was one of a kind! You could find him at a local donut shop enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with the locals to start his day taking the “day olds” back to camp for the bears. He may have been an ornery stubborn German at times, but was a good father, teacher, and friend and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his son Steven Karl Kodrzycki and his wife Jennifer and a daughter Wendy Kodrzycki Lowry; three granddaughters Paige and Brooke Lowry and Karlie Kodrzycki of Erie and two step grandchildren Savannah and Zackary Yonkin. He is also survived by three step sisters; Monika Kodrzycki Lipper (Dieter); Gabriel Kodrzycki Harrmann (Paul), and Christel Kodrzycki Dirkschneider (Bernd) all of Germany, and many step nieces & nephews in Germany.

Arrangements are private at the convenience of the family and are entrusted to Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506.

Burial will be private in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

To send condolences, please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com