Elmer Karl: A legacy beyond business

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Whether you knew him personally or simply recognized him from his commercials, Elmer Karl was a familiar face to generations across the Midwest. The 94-year–old businessman died on Wednesday in his hometown of Gregory, the same place he opened the first Karl's TV & Appliance store. The legacy Karl leaves goes far beyond any showroom floor. Just ask Tom Johnson, the former general manager of Karl's in Sioux Falls. "People see him on TV all the time, and they know him, but they don't know him. But the guy you see on TV is the guy you see in the grocery store. He's quiet, he's humble," Johnson said. Today, Johnson still holds onto pages of handwritten notes of advice he's written down from Karl over the last two decades. They show his dedication and personality. Johnson says it's a reminder of the man who helped shape his career. "He had one thing at the heart: take care of the customer," Johnson said. "He also put that into context of the community. The customer is also the community. Take care of your community. Be involved." That commitment stretched far beyond Karl's stores. A former president of the South Dakota Retailers Association, Karl built relationships with other business leaders, including Clark Sinclair. "To me, that's service. That's what he built his business on was service... a servicing dealer," Sinclair said. Of course, not every day was about business. Karl enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf every summer with the Shriners. "This is the 15th year we've had that here at our home on Lake Madison. Last year was the first year Elmer was not able to join us... 93-years-old and still socializing with his buddies," Sinclair said. Whether people knew him as a boss, a business leader, or a golfing buddy, the memories they made with Karl will last a lifetime. "Protect your assets. You know who they are," Johnson said. "That's the line that is most important because he understands that your most important asset is your people." "He loved being around people," Sinclair said. "He loved dancing. He was just a happy person." Karl's TV and Furniture released a statement today on social media. They're remembering him as a mentor, leader, and friend who embodied small-town values.