Karl David Stoltzfus Sr.ituaries:
Karl David Stoltzfus Sr., 80, of Bridgewater, VA, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2020.
Karl was born September 15, 1940, in Parkesburg, PA to the late Christian David and Irma Hess Stoltzfus. Karl’s father, known as “Airplane Chris,” was an aviation pioneer, and he instilled into Karl a love for that world. Even at a young age, Karl developed a deep desire to operate a large fleet of aircraft. After graduating high school, Karl began working at his father’s aviation business as a pilot and fabricator. On August 3, 1963, he married the love of his life, a young nurse named Barbara Sue Beiler, who survives. In 1967, he and his twin brother, Ken, took their families and moved to the Shenandoah Valley to attend Eastern Mennonite College, from which he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. To pay their way through school, Karl and Ken founded K & K Aircraft. Seven years later Karl and Barbara purchased Bridgewater Air Park, and K & K relocated there. This business has become Dynamic Aviation, an aviation business that has thrived under Karl’s hand for over 50 years.
As an avid pilot, Karl was passionate for all things aviation. His depth of knowledge regarding aircraft parts, maintenance, and modifications was unparalleled. He bought and sold many aircraft throughout the years, including the purchase of 124 King Air 90 aircraft from the army in 1996. In 2016, Karl purchased the First Air Force One and has led the restoration since. He was a voracious reader of both aviation and history, and loved to share what he learned with everyone he met. Karl demonstrated integrity and honesty. He taught people to do the right thing and do it well. He taught them how to laugh, how to learn, and how to begin everything with a “yes.” Additionally, he had a distinct honesty and clear passion for Jesus that affected everyone with whom he interacted. He also had a special love for his grandchildren. He put them first and had a meaningful relationship with each one of them, both encouraging them to pursue their dreams and deepen their relationships with Christ. His compassion and selflessness extended past the familial bounds to all those he came in contact with, and because of this, many people came to call him brother, father, or friend. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church of Harrisonburg, VA.
Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.
