Karl Erich Uhlig, 80, of Forest City passed away peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. Born on May 9, 1936 in Passiac County, NJ, he was the son of the late Werner Erich Uhlig and Dorothy Murry Niederhauser Uhlig. He was an alumnus of Port Jervis High School in Port Jervis NY, Biblical Life Seminary Dixon Missouri, Shaftsberry University in London, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army as a member of the Army Band. For several years he was employed by Kirby Vacuums as a sales representative before founding FIX-EM Appliance Repairs. He was also a co-founder of Great Commission Ministries International. There were many enjoyments which he found in life, but among his favorites were his family, music, and poetry. He also was a very talented author. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Bedell. Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Jeanne DuSharm Uhlig; children: Cheryl Lansburg and her spouse, Scott, of Covington, GA, Trisha Blann of Syracuse, NY, Mark W.C. DuSharm and his spouse, Kristie, of Sherwood, AR, and David Uhlig of Forest City, NC; siblings, Helene Kuhn and her spouse, Edward, of Matamoras, PA, and Kathleen Starbuck and her spouse, Donald, of Delaware; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 1, 2017 at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

[Jeanne] Karl’s love of music began in High School when he rode his bicycle 5 miles in each direction to receive lessons on the French Horn. Not only was he talented with the French Horn, but he also sang with the Port Jervis High Chorus and the Acappella Choir.  His beautiful bass voice covered 5 octaves and can be remembered when listening to some of his recorded music.

He continued this pursuit beyond High School when he had a Try Out for the Army Band.  He was so pleased and entered the US Army as a bandsman. This was his primary duty during his years as an enlisted man in the US Army during the Korean War.

He continued after his duty to the Country was completed.  Karl went on to become the Choir Director at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and formed a Youth Choir during his tenure.  He also was a member of Port Jervis Symphony Orchestra where he was the 2nd & 3rd Horn. Was a member of both Orange County (NY) County Band , the County Chorus and the Dell Choraliers.   He later went on to sing with several other Choirs and formed a Gospel Singing Group, named Trinity.  Trinity performed in several places in Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. They also performed in the Empire Court at the New York State Fair.  Karl went on from there to compose and write the lyrics to many songs. He created one CD with lyrics and several instrumentals.

Karl’s next love was his ministry.  He had speaking engagements in several places both locally and abroad. His speaking engagements encompassed FL, NY and Barbados.  He and his wife were engaged in Prison Ministry in state prisons and county jails in NY, PA, & NJ.  Also they were strongly involved in ministry to victims of Domestic Violence and providing food to the needy in both NY and NC. To encompass this ministry, they co-founded Great Commission Ministries International, registered in both NY and NC.

Rev. Uhlig has written and published two books.  He has also written several poems, some of which he had set to music.

It would be difficult to find a more loving man who was loyal to his family and his God.  There was never a stranger in his life, only those waiting to become friends. Once one became a friend, he or she was considered a part of the family displayed the same love and loyalty as those born into the family.  He will truly be missed not only by his family, but by many people around the world.

 Service Information