A Myerstown man has been confirmed as deceased following his disappearance in mid March.
According to his obituary, Karl F. Messerschmidt was born in Hershey October 29, 1972, and graduated from ELCO in 1990. After ELCO, he attended Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he graduated in 1993. After graduating, Messerschmidt worked in the electronics, communications, and computer fields.
Messerschmidt was also an avid HAM radio operator, holding the call sign KA3RCS. His family said that he enjoyed hiking, mountain views, geocaching, and loved his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and dreamed of moving to Arizona.
Lancaster area police became involved in the investigation began Monday March 18 with a call from Pennsylvania State Police, who indicated that Messerschmidt was possibly suicidal and his Jeep had been found parked at Middle Creek, unoccupied for approximately four days.
An intensive search of the area was held over March 18 to March 20. Search resources include drones, horse-mounted teams, ATV searchers, foot searchers, law enforcement help, EMS help, Pennsylvania State Police aviation resources, and logistics teams helping organize the effort.
Messerschmidt’s body was found the morning of Saturday, March 30. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office told Fox43 that he had died of self-inflicted wounds.
Do you or a love one need help? You matter, and local resources are available 24/7 by calling 211.
In addition to extended family, Messerschmidt is survived by his mother, Ellen Arnwine; sister, Julia Majury; and her husband, Kyle, of Elliottsburg, PA.
More Top Stories
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
“De mortuis nil nisi bene dicendum.”
You put me in mind of the town gossip. I was unaware of the family trials and didn’t really need to know. That was really mature on your part to air the dirty laundry for all of whomever reads anything on the internet.
To whomever made the comment as to why Karl did not want his biological father cited in the obituary, it would have been enough to say that Karl did not what the name included. You didn’t need to air the family laundry.
Thank you for sharing. RIP to Karl.
The “father” was excluded from the obituary in respect for Karl’s wishes. He was no father to Karl. Their last contact was when he had Karl evicted by the Sheriff from the family home years ago. Anyone who actually knew Karl, and cared about him, knows the truth of the situation, and would be respectful of what Karl wanted.
Thank you for your comment. It was not my intent to exclude anyone from the post. Messerschmidt’s father is not listed as a survivor in his obituary. https://www.centralpaprofessionalservices.com/m/obituaries/Karl-Messerschmidt/Memories
We are looking into this more. Thanks again.
If you are going to report, get all the info correct.
“In addition to extended family, Messerschmidt is survived by his mother, Ellen Arnwine; sister, Julia Majury; and her husband, Kyle, of Elliottsburg, PA.”
Don’t forget Karl was also survived by his father Franz Messerchmidt.