Karl Niebacker

Karl Heinz Niebacker, of Wheelock, Vermont died peacefully after a short period of declining health on September 7, 2017.

Karl was born on March 12, 1920 to the late Elisabeth Ostermann Niebacker and Karl Niebacker in Braunschweig, Germany.  He was their only child and proudly immigrated to the United States on March 18, 1926.  He and his mother came to Ellis Island where his father was waiting for them.  They travelled to New Haven, CT and resided there in various rentals until June 25,1941 when they moved to Piper Road in Hamden, CT.

Karl lived in Hamden, CT with his parents until his departure into the Army for World War II on May 27, 1943. He continued to remain in constant contact with his sweetheart Grace Lucille Frischkorn. He proudly served in the Hawaiian Islands and Tiniaan until his Honorable Discharge from the service on February 4, 1946.   He saw the Enola Gay take off from Tinian for the bombing of Hiroshima and still would speak of this.  He received for his service during World War II the following decorations and citations-Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and The Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon.   He was truly proud to serve his country.  On March 16, 1946 Karl married Grace Frischkorn. They were together for over 57 years at the time that Grace passed away in 2003.

After graduating from Boardman Trade School in New Haven, CT Karl held many different jobs over the years.  He was a machinist, a research metallurgist at Olin-Winchester, a painter and a custodian for Blue Cross-Blue Shield of CT to name a few jobs that he held.  Karl always worked hard  throughout his life.

Among Karl's greatest accomplishments was the building of the retirement home for he and Grace in Gray Court, SC at the age of 59 years old.  He worked on his home, land and gardens in South Carolina for the next 34 years.  He loved sharing his completed projects in South Carolina with his family.  Karl had been an avid bird watcher for as long as anyone could remember.  Hummingbirds were among his favorite.   Each of us has special memories of the delicious food he could create in the kitchen.  He was known to have a passion for being in the kitchen and whatever was on the menu always came out superb when he cooked it.  Karl's granddaughter expressed one of her memories of Karl- "patience: Maybe it's the job of a grandpa to be patient, but, I don't remember that he ever lost his patience with us.  Whether we were swinging on the swing in SC, catching lizards and fish, or working on a puzzle together.  You were perpetually a patient person!"

Karl had a never ending love for all of his family.  He always enjoyed when his granddaughters came with their families and friends for a visit.

Most of all he was a man who had a strong sense of faith and the word of the Lord.  His book, The Bible was always by his side from morning until night.  He practiced each day of his life what he read in "the Good Book."

Karl is survived by his daughter Carol Pohlman and husband Jim of Wheelock, VT.  His grandchildren include Jenn Reynolds (Rich) and great-grandson, Oliver and Sarah Pohlman (Mark) and great-granddaughter Rayla.  His daughter Linda Niebacker and husband Ricky Roach of Easley, SC.  Karl was predeceased by his wife Grace and daughter Nancy Mayer.

Carol and her family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff at NVRH and St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation for their compassion and caring during Karl's final days.

Donations in Lieu of Flowers are requested to be made in Karl’s name to Rabun Creek Baptist Church, 17045 Hwy 101 South, Gray Court, SC 29645

Funeral Service was held at the Rabun Creek Baptist Church at 12Noon Thursday, September 14, 2017, with the Rev. Jayson Payne officiating.  Burial was held immediately after in the Rabun Creek Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 11AM until the hour of services at the church on Thursday.

Gray Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements for more information please visit www.grayfuneralhome.com