Karl Eilers

“A great human being and friend, and an incredible musician,” with “a wildly inappropriate sense of humor.” Karl Eilers, 71, took his final bow on Tuesday, October 5th at his home near Nelson.

Karl was born in Alexandria on July 26th, 1950 to Donald and Ellen Eilers. He graduated from Jefferson High School, and attended the University of MN where he found his voice as a radio personality and audio engineer at the student radio station. He also managed to offend a number of administrators and made many life-long friends.

Karl discovered the love of his life at a young age: pipe organs. He was a recognized and respected organ performer, builder and engineer. Renowned for his theater organ performances, Karl worked to bring pipe organ music of all kinds to the lives of those around him. He played in many venues, from a pizza restaurant named Cicero’s, to concert halls, to churches. He was a member of the American Theatre Organ Society, and half a dozen or so of those folks might speak of him fondly if pressed. He especially loved to provide music for silent films at the Heights Theater. Karl also found joy in sacred music, sharing his talents and deep knowledge of liturgical music as an organist for several churches.

Karl lived most of his life in Minneapolis, working as an audio technician/engineer. His teaching efforts at the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting afforded scores of children and parents exposure to Karl’s unique personality. He was one of the first proponents of online learning, and created an online technical certification course for ETA International.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, and brother David (Patricia) Eilers. He is survived by brother Michael Eilers of Nelson, and sister Karen (Mark) Koch of Alexandria. A celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.