Karl Maximillian Doetsch

Karl Maximillian Doetsch was born in Vienna, Austria on June 2,1941 to Ernestine Lehr Doetsch Hammock and Karl Heinrich Doetsch and passed away Sunday, October 26, 2014 at his home following a lengthy illness. His parents preceded him in death. At age 7 he and his mother came to the US settling in Virginia in 1948. Karl was a Life Scout, active in track helping set school records in the 4-mile relay. He also was named to All State Basketball team his senior year and played on the freshman team at Duke University. He left to join the Air Force serving as Lab Tech in Viesboddent, Germany and Lakenheath, England where he made lifetime friends. Karl returned to finish his college at the University of Richmond earning a BS in Chemistry. While working as Lab Director for A.H. Robbins he married and returned to school at the University of North Carolina earning a Masters Degree of Public Health and then a Master of Clinical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina. He returned to active duty at this time in the Navy at Bethesda Naval Hospital, where his children Walter and Sharon were born. He worked for several years as Lab Director of Herman Hospital in Virginia. He was active in the American Association of Clinical Chemists, served as President of Texas section for 2 years. Karl returned to academia, attaining a PhD in Clinical Pathology from Louisiana State University. It is here he met Dr. Priscilla Metcalf. They were married on January 16, 1988 after he moved to Wharton, where they raised 3 sons. Karl enjoyed golf and cooking with an avid interest in nutrition. He has his own lab consulting business and retained an active role in the American Association of Clinical Chemists Society. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla, sons Walter Doetsch of Washington, D.C., Dr. William Metcalf-Doetsch of Chicago, IL, Eric Metcalf-Doetsch of Houston, Carlton Metcalf-Doetsch of Waco, daughter Sharon Doetsch-Kidder and husband Matt of Reston, VA, grandchildren Miles and Ada Doetsch-Kidder, brother Robert Hammock and wife Nell, nephews Timothy Benjamin Hammock of Richmond, VA. Visitation was held Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. A graveside service was held on Friday, October 31, 2014 in Randolph, Wisconsin. Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com