Karl E. Kaufmann's Obituary
Karl E. Kaufmann, 67, passed with his family by his side on Friday, December 29, 2023, in Gainesville, FL.
He was born February 6, 1956, in Long Island, NY to William and Phyllis “Felicia” Kaufmann as the second of three brothers. The family moved to Orlando, FL where he found his love for sports, martial arts, animals and the Florida Gators. Karl attended the University of Florida in 1973 on a baseball scholarship before suffering a career-ending injury. Not one to stay down or refuse a challenge, he tried out for the UF cheer team on a dare and spent the next four years cheering on the Gators, first on the sidelines and later as the mascot Albert the Alligator. He also found a home within the halls of Lambda Chi Alpha, winning his fraternity brothers over through their stomachs as kitchen manager and then through their hearts as president.
Though his degree was in animal science, Karl instead followed his passion for marketing and entertainment. He managed several local bars and radio DJed part time, becoming the morning show host for WYKS-FM (now KISS 105.3). Time on-air earned attention from animation studios, and he gave voice to iconic cartoon characters such as Beetlejuice. Unsurprisingly, his favorite role was for the Gators. In 1979, Karl began his decades-long tradition of serving as emcee for the University’s annual homecoming event Gator Growl. He also originated the voice of Albert the Alligator, a role he’s played each of the 44 years since.
In 1996, he hung up his radio DJ mic to open an integrated marketing firm Kcom Media. This paved the way for a career in hospitality, working in sales and marketing for the area’s largest hotels. He especially enjoyed partnering with rival sports teams who, when coming to play against UF, could count on him for their group’s accommodations. He remained a proud Gator Booster and gave back to the University as the director of the 2-Bits Scholarship Golf Invitational, a tournament funding scholarships for the UF Spirit Teams.
Karl held many titles, but the one he was most proud of was “dad.” He and then-wife Nelle Stokes welcomed their daughters Kelli in 1995 and Kaitlyn in 1999. His signature cartoon-character energy colored their childhood. He chaperoned field trips and coached sports teams at every opportunity, and he was the loudest “cheer dad” in any competition. After a near-fatal heart attack in 2008, Karl committed to a healthier lifestyle, determined to be there for his daughters for as long as possible. They enjoyed many more trips to the beach, home-cooked meals and Gator tailgates together thanks to his stubbornness and sheer will.
The last few years were some of his happiest – celebrating Kelli’s wedding and Kaitlyn’s graduation, cruising with Bear in his Jeep, and reconnecting with the undergraduate brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha UF as their advisor. He enthusiastically shared his love of puns, cooking, cars, and keeping the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, and he couldn’t go anywhere in Gainesville without running into a long-time friend. He’ll be remembered for the generosity with which he gave his time, love and talent; for being dependable no matter what; and for lighting up any room he was in. He inspires those who loved him to persevere in the face of challenges and to wear your heart on your sleeve.
Karl will be missed by many, especially his daughters, Kelli Fealy and Kaitlyn Kaufmann, and son-in-law Kevin Fealy III; brothers Bill and Chris Kaufmann; niece Alessandra and nephews Gabe, Eli and Josh; grand-dogs Ophelia and Henry; and fur babies Bear and Mowgli. He joins his parents William and Felicia in heaven.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from noon - 3pm at the Best Western Gateway Grand; 4200 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606. Lunch will be shared along with memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Karl’s memory to the Florida Rising Stars Foundation, a non-profit he supported that inspires high schoolers through mentorship and education on the many career paths available within the sports industry.
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