Karl Lawrence Hengeveld

Karl Hengeveld passed away on February 2, 2025, in Sacramento, California. He was born on April 20, 1947, in Ukiah, California, where he spent his early years and graduated from Ukiah High School in 1965.

Karl enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1967 and was deployed to Vietnam. During his service, he was severely wounded and spent many months recovering in the hospital. His bravery and dedication were recognized with both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Despite the hardships of war, Karl remained connected with some of his fellow service members throughout his life.

One of Karl’s proudest moments was the birth of his son, Brendan. He cherished their time together, especially their shared love for music. The two attended many Joe Bonamassa concerts over the years, bonding over their appreciation for the Blues.

Karl had a passion for woodworking and created many beautiful pieces that he generously shared with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing. He also had a deep love for animals, particularly cats and dogs, and took it upon himself to care for feral cats while living in Sacramento.

Known for his strong political views, Karl was never shy about expressing his opinions. He had a bold personality and a sharp wit that left an impression on those around him. He also loved to cook, with one of his specialties being a legendary four-pound stuffed meatloaf.

Karl is survived by his son Brendan Hengeveld of Rohnert Park, CA; his sister Niki Manning of Lakehead, CA; his niece Monika of Gig Harbor, WA; and her children Ryan, Lea, and Cooper. He is also survived by his cousins Linda Martin of Petaluma, CA, Jim Hughes of Ukiah, CA, and many other cousins on his mother’s side of the family. He was preceded in death by his father George Hengeveld in 1984 and his mother Ann Hengeveld in 2020.

Karl loved his family and country deeply. His presence will be greatly missed by those who knew him.