Karl William Buchholz, a devoted father, grandfather, and longtime resident of the Philadelphia area, passed away peacefully in Lansdale, PA, on October 29, 2026, at the age of 91, following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Philadelphia on December 1, 1934, to Edward and Anna (Heinz) Buchholz, Karl grew up in the Kensington neighborhood until the passing of his father when he was nine years old. He subsequently attended and graduated from Girard College. Fond childhood memories included spending summers at his Aunt Sadie’s home in Cape May.

At a high school dance in 1953, Karl met the love of his life, Margie DeVries. They married in 1956 and shared 66 wonderful years together until Margie’s passing in 2022. Following his stateside service in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 and his studies in Business at Rider College, Karl built a dedicated 37-year career as a senior electrical technician at Western Electric/AT&T.

Karl and Margie raised their four children in the Cobalt Ridge section of Levittown. As a father, Karl was deeply loving, supportive, and actively involved in his children's education and extracurriculars. He leaves behind his children—Terri Hammatt, Susan Heins (Mike), Karl Buchholz (Dianne), and Kurt Buchholz (Jennifer)—who cherish his guidance and the life lessons he imparted. He was also a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Jennie, Jim, Michael, Sara, Peter, Natalie, Ben, and Violet.

Karl had a lifelong passion for history, travel, and civic engagement. He served for many years as a Republican Committeeman in Middletown Township, often involving his children in civic life and volunteering at their elementary school to teach students about the electoral process. He was a lifelong and devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, cheering for his teams through every season.

In retirement, Karl and Margie traveled extensively, embarking on road trips to visit out-of-state grandchildren and exploring National Parks and Presidential Libraries across the country. Their adventures also took them to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, the Soviet Union, the Middle East, and Zimbabwe.

Karl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margie; his parents, Edward and Anna; his brother, Edward; and his son-in-law, Noel Hammatt. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, November 24, at 1:00 PM at Dock Woods (Living Branches) Derstine Chapel, located in Lansdale, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Parkinson’s Research: The Michael J. Fox Foundation

The Living Branches Foundation: Living Branches Foundation