Karl Stirner, 92, of Easton, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family.
Born November 14, 1923 in Germany, he was a son of the late Karl and Pauline Stirner. His wife, Gay Lee Elwell, died in 2012.
Karl was well known as the patriarch of the Easton arts community and was instrumental in stimulating the economic revival of Downtown Easton. He served in the Army during WWII and was an instructor at Tyler School of Art, Moore College of Art and Design, and Swarthmore College. His work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Hunterdon Art Museum, Allentown Art Museum and James A. Michener Art Museum. He was honored by the City of Easton with the creation of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by Lafayette College.
Surviving are his children, Heather Stirner Nutting and her husband, Mark of Easton, Noelle Stirner and her husband, Philip Lauer of Raubsville, and Jonas Stirner of Florida; a brother, Fritz Stirner of Cinnaminson, NJ; and six grandchildren, Devin, Liam, Ian, Jackson, Hudson, and Phoebe. His sister, Frida Grimm and his brother, Kurt Stirner died earlier.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 in the Bank Street Annex, 316 Northampton St., Easton. A viewing will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be private in Easton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, c/o City of Easton. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Kaija Korpijaakko, Teemu korpijaakko and Tuomas Korpijaakko
February 21, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Our deepest condolences for Karl Stirner family.
Karl was the creative force for arts in Easton.
My husband Pekka had his studio in Karl’s ferry street building and they shared love for art and sculpture, often discussing each other’s work. With Karl’s support Pekka was creating his art until his untimely dead in 2001.
Karl and Gay were celebrating the new year 2000 in our house on college hill.
It was happy occasion, little did we know what was waiting around the corner.
Karl’s art will live in our houses, now away from Easton.
He was truly remarkable person, generous and kind. We will miss him. Sincerely, Kaija korpijaakko and family.
John Robertshaw
February 22, 2016 at 5:48 pm
I want to express my deepest sympathies to all Karl’s loved ones and legacies.
He was such a great energetic artist whom I met but once but was glad to know of through his extraordinary daughter, Heather and her family. I am happy to think were closer to him during the final year.
John Robertshaw and Peter Karow
Janice Loughlin
February 22, 2016 at 11:45 pm
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. Regardless of their age or ours, losing a parent is hard. You were a devoted daughter and I know your father appreciated all you did for him. What an accomplished man! Never having met him, I was impressed to read of his many talents and extensive contributions to his community. What a legacy he has left, with his art and his beautiful family. I am thinking of you with love. My deepest sympathies to you and yours, and hugs from me in ME. 💗🙏🏼
Janice Loughlin
Frank Calabrese
February 23, 2016 at 12:48 pm
My condolence to the Stirner family on the loss of your father.
Loretta Susen
February 23, 2016 at 6:27 pm
Noelle, Devin & Liam; I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Robert Anderson
February 24, 2016 at 1:48 pm
My warmest sympathy for Karl’s family and friends.When life gives you a friend,cherish that gift.Karl Stirner was my Hero and he was my friend.We traveled many roads together in search of knowledge and treasure.Wonderful objects that were made for ceremonies or to honor a God,Spirits or Deity.Old things are special,Old people are treasures,old souls are magic.Karl was a Wizard and his magic touched many lives.
Chris & Jen Thornton
February 24, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Our love to you all.
While I know getting through the next few days will be challenging, may you all feel the warm embrace from all those around you.
This might sound a bit silly, but I had to smile as I took note of the time of today’s unusually loud, and brief thunder & lightning performance. . . .it was right about 11AM. I had to think, nice touch. . . one final show.
XO XO xo xo
Stephen Neimiller
February 25, 2016 at 12:25 pm
For a short period I rented space from Karl, but during that time we enjoyed exchanging stories after hours. He allowed my business partner and I to enjoy his fantastic African collection and eclectic apartment. He was a great artist that will be sorely missed. My condolences for your loss.