IN MEMORIAM: Karl Inge Eilertsen, 86, Oneonta; Master Boat Builder
ONEONTA — Karl Inge Eilertsen, 86, of Oneonta, a master boat builder in his native Norway who applied his skills to building the Church of Atonement here, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Fox Hospital.
He was born Sept. 14, 1927 in Langesund, Norway the son of the late Eilert and Agnes Eilertsen.
On May 1, 1951, Karl married Ingeborg Thorsen in Langesund, Norway. Ingeborg predeceased him on March 4, 2009.
While living in Norway, Karl was in the Norwegian Navy. Following his discharge he was a customs inspector.
Karl was a master craftsman. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship at the local boat building factory, learning his lifetime trade.
After he came to the United States, Karl began working with Luther Figg and later with Elmore Thompkins. He built many homes in the area and has also worked in many of the homes building custom kitchens.
At night he would work in his own shop and would build custom furniture for his family and friends. Karl was also instrumental on the building of the Atonement Lutheran Church of Oneonta. He had also worked for Harry Graves for several years before going to work at SUNY Oneonta, where he retired.
Karl is survived by his children, Thor and Jeanine Eilertsen of Oneonta and Ellen and Peter Trangata of Lincoln University, Pa.; four grandchildren, Bjorn Eilertsen of Oneonta and Ian Eilertsen and Jenn Ryan of Otego and Kirstie and Courtney Trangata of Lincoln University, Pa.; two great grandchildren, Mason Eilertsen and Ariella Welsh; a very good friend, Peggy Serra-Lima of Oneonta; a lifelong carpenter friend, Claude Baldwin of Oneonta; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 10 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta with the Rev. Paul Messner, pastor of the Atonement Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta