Karl D. Brodd

On the cool morning of February 3rd 1961 in McKeesport Pennsylvania, Charles Brodd and his wife, Martha (Carter) Brodd welcomed their fourth and final son, Karl Douglas Brodd. From the start Karl was an adventurous spirit, and it showed through his constant curiosity. At the age of 17, he moved to Texas, and soon thereafter, he was one of the proudest Texans that has ever walked the longhorn state. Although he had some jobs here and there, he found a true calling in working for various pipelines, as a welding and coating inspector. A job that could take him all over the country, while also helping make sure he had a decent paycheck so he could have an adventurous life when he was back home. When he had the time to read, he could often be found with a Dean Koontz novel in hand, or at least at his bedside table. Karl's favorite stories to tell however, were of his travels. The wondrous sights, the interesting people, where to get the best food, and the beauty of each and every single place he had ever been to. Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico when he was able was one of his favorite things to do during his time home in Texas. Although traveling was a massive part in his life, and something he thoroughly enjoyed, it was often lonely. In 2013 however, that all changed. Karl met a woman by the name of Tammy Lynn, who loved sight-seeing, adventure, and taking it all in just as much as he did. It didn't take long for him to realize that she was to be his greatest adventure. Together they traveled everywhere, Texas, Pennsylvania, The Caribbean Islands, New York, Oregon. From coast to coast, and farther, sharing every single moment with each other. It would only take a couple of short years before Karl would embark on an adventure he never thought he would, due to having no biological children of his own. In 2015, Karl didn't just become a Poppy, but the very best Poppy there has ever been. With the next few years he would have a total of 5 grandchildren, all of which he loved dearly. Taking trips to the zoo, the dinosaur museum, Potato Creek State park, different states along the East coast, playing with toys and even driving them around on the golf cart as well as much more. On October 25th, 2019 he and Tammy took on the biggest adventure two people can together, and became husband and wife in South Bend, Indiana. Through it all, Karl's heart never left Pennsylvania, he stayed true to The Pittsburgh Steelers and anyone who knew him would agree he was arguably their number one fan. There was almost nothing that could stop him for watching every single game. While wearing full Steelers gear, waving his Terrible Towel and jumping up to cheer at every touchdown. After a long battle of multiple illnesses, Karl went home to be the Lord on June 15th 2025 at the age of 64 years old. Karl is already so missed by those of us still here Earth side, his loving and devoted wife, Tammy Brodd. His three brothers, Charles (Patricia) Brodd of Pennsylvania, Kurt Brodd of Texas and Craig (Kathy) Brodd of Texas. His step-children Larry (Wendy) Melton, and Kaitlyn (Corbin) Penley both of Michigan. All five of his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Joshua Davis, Scarlett Vega, Matthew Melton, Wayne Penley, and Preston Penley. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Although we are left mourning the loss of such a wonderful man, we are also warmed at the heart to think of the reunion he is now having, with those who preceded him in death. His parents Charles and Martha Brodd, his grandparents, a grandchild whom never made it Earth side, many friends, cousins, and so many others. Karl left a legacy of not giving up, and we won't ever stop pushing through to find the beauty in life like he did. Never giving up to make sure it can happen, until our time comes and we are able to join in on the reunion with him.

For those who would like to join to celebrate the life of Karl, visitation will be held at Hanley & Sons Funeral Home, 23421 SR 23 in South Bend on Friday, June 20th from 10 a.m-12 p.m. A funeral celebrating Karl’s life will begin at noon. He will be laid to rest following the service at Porter Rea Cemetery, in Potato Creek State Park.

The family has asked that memorial donations be made in Karl’s name in care of Tammy, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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