Dr. Karl D. Brandmeir

LAGUNA VISTA, TX. – Dr. Karl David Brandmeir was born on February 1, 1946, in Seattle, WA, to William Jack and G. Betty Brandmeir and left us on April 6, 2020. For once in his life he left the party early and we are all heartbroken because of it.

He was the oldest of three children and everyone knew it, especially his brother Christopher and sister Stephanie (‘Bugs’). He was married to Susan (Martens) Brandmeir for more than 30 years.

Karl was always in a hurry and couldn’t wait to explore the world. He was in the hospitality industry all of his adult life, and man was he good at it. There wasn’t an event, back of the house operation, or a hotel that needed help that he couldn’t fix. He was the man you wanted in the room and his bigger than life presence filled the room and you knew when he left it.

He graduated from the Washington State University but always wanted his graduate degree. In 2005, he achieved that goal by graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Ph.D. in Hotel Management. He was in his element as a professor and it opened up the world for him to spread his wit (although an acquired taste) and wisdom to his students across the globe. He taught in Bad Honnef, Germany; Singapore; Buffalo, NY; Vung Tau, Vietnam; and was set to be an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the fall.

He is survived by his wife Susan and a large family that will miss him very much. This includes his brother, sister, and his children. Karl claimed all of his children – either biologically or those by marriage. Those include Seannalyn Brandmeir, Marsha Jay Brandmeir, Patricia Brandmeir, Abraham Pierson, Heidi Hagen, Kassandra McGregor, Christine Butler, David Downey, Heather Burke, Glenna Butts, and John Pless. He also had cousins, nieces, and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial fund ( click here for donation information ) to create an endowment at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Hospitality and Tourism management focused on assisting the department with faculty and student needs.

He would want all that knew and loved him to raise a glass, tell a great story, and have a good laugh in his honor. Here’s to you Karl!

Memories of Dr. Brandmeir may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.