Karl Martin Strauss, Oct. 5, 1912 “” Dec. 21, 2006
Karl Martin Strauss was born on Oct. 5, 1912 on the second floor of the administration building of the Feldschloschen Brewery in Minden, Germany. From the moment Karl was born, it was as if he were destined to make his name in the brewing business.
Growing up on the premises of his father’s brewery provided Karl with early exposure to all facets of the brewing industry. Despite his early ambition to become a streetcar driver (so he could work with horses all day), he realized his true calling at age nine when he decided he wanted to spend his life working on the technical side of brewing. After high school, Karl enrolled at the Technical University of Munich at Weinstephen and in 1933 graduated with a degree in the science and practice of malting and brewing. Shortly before leaving Germany in 1939, he married Irene Vollweiler, a union that lasted 40 years.
Soon after arriving in the United States, Karl made his way to Milwaukee, where he was to become an integral part of the Pabst Brewing Co. In 1948, he moved to California and helped Pabst cultivate a relationship with Eastside Brewing that made them one of the most formidable brewing companies in the United States.
Karl stayed with Pabst when it merged with Blatz in 1959. He became increasingly involved in the company’s operations, and was responsible for several beer brewing innovations. With Karl’s guidance, Pabst reformulated its beer and created a new Pabst Blue Ribbon. Karl stayed on with Pabst until he retired in 1983.
Karl’s retirement did not last long. He consulted widely in the beverage industry and co-authored “The Practical Brewer,” the definitive handbook of brewing. His strong belief in sharing great beer on a regional basis helped spawn the emerging industry of microbrewing. This led to the formation of Karl Strauss Brewing Co. with partners Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner. His first creation was Karl Strauss Amber Lager, an extremely popular and highly drinkable medium-range dark beer. Karl Strauss Brewing Co. became the first microbrewery of its kind in San Diego. Today, the company’s beers are enjoyed in more than 2,500 bars, restaurants and retail outlets throughout South California, including downtown at 1157 Columbia St.
Karl Strauss’ success and impact on the brewing industry is profound and indisputable. The Museum of Beer and Brewing in Milwaukee now presents the Karl Strauss Award to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the industry over their lifetime. Karl also is the only person to receive the three highest awards given by the Master Brewers Association of America. As master brewer, Karl Strauss designed the brewery operations and processes now used by Karl Strauss Brewing Co., formulated the beers and personally trained the company’s brewers. Since 1989, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. has grown to become the largest distributing microbrewery company based in Southern California.
Throughout his lifetime Karl Strauss has been a model of hard work and dedication.
Karl is survived by his loving wife, Marjean, to whom he had been married since 1980, his close relative Chris Cramer and legions of beer fans who have long enjoyed his great beers and good cheer.
The family and company ask that, in lieu of flowers, please send contributions payable to the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, with a notation on the check or in an accompanying note Karl Strauss Brewers Education Fund. Please mail directly to the Jewish Community Foundation, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123. The Jewish Community Foundation is accessible online at www. jcfsandiego.org.
