Karl Iochum

Karl Francis Iochum, Sr., passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the age of 88.

Karl was a proud lifelong resident of Philadelphia and retired to the Southampton area in 2019. He was very mechanically inclined and hands-on from a young age.

Karl graduated from Dobbins Vocational School in 1955 and went on to join the United States Navy where he rose to the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer as a reservist. He worked at the Budd Corporation as a tool and die maker for several years. He worked for the Philadelphia Fire Department for over 30 years as a Fire Boat Pilot. During those years, he was also the owner/operator of Iochum's Garage, where he built race cars with his friends, as well as Iochum's Welding and Fence Company. After his retirement from the city, he began his last career as a tractor trailer driver with old Dominion Freight Lines, until 2005.

Karl was a passionate car enthusiast. He loved racing and was a very active member of the Sports Car Club of America for over 30 years. Karl was truly a "Man of many hats" and could fix anything. He was a great teacher and mentor to many over the years, especially his children. He made sure his children were self-sufficient and could fix things themselves. Karl was also a caring animal lover, and gave a loving home to many unwanted pets.

Beloved husband of nearly 66 years to Margaret (nee Zlotnicki) and loving father of Karl F. Jr. (Linda) Iochum; Karen (James) DiSante and Michael (Karen) Iochum. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pauline Zlotnicki, his nephew, George Zlotnicki as well as many members of the Iochum and Schweibenz families.

Relatives and friend are invited to attend his viewing and funeral on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 10:45 Am from Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19154; followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karl's memory may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org
OR to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

To share a memory of Karl, please visit www.tjfluehr.com

Florists, all deliveries must arrive at the church on Tuesday, by 9 AM.