Bernhard Karl

Jantzen

B. Karl Jantzen husband of Martha Lent Jantzen entered into eternal rest on November 9, 2026. His Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 20, 2026 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, Charleston. Burial will be private.

Karl was born in Charleston, SC on July 4, 1928, the first son of Bernhard K. Jantzen, Sr. and May Sease Jantzen. After graduating from Murray Vocational School as a machinist and president of his senior class, he studied mechanical engineering at Indiana Technical College. Later he was trained in the advanced art of locksmithing by the famed Barny Zoin of New York City. He became a master locksmith and served the Charleston area for 64 years. He was widely known for his restoration of old locks for historic churches, plantations and homes. He made many technical contributions to the industry which included several inventions to his credit. Karl was proud that his son Steven also became a master locksmith serving in the Charleston area until his retirement.

Karl served 20 years in the SC Army National Guard and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant at Ft. Riley Kansas. He graduated from the Advanced Infantry Officers School at Ft. Benning, GA, and was the commanding officer of Company B, 1st Battalion of the 118th Infantry Regiment for 4 years retiring, with the rank of Major. Maj. Jantzen was the last man standing of the charter reactivation of Co. B after World War II.

Karl was a member of many organizations including the Arion Society and the Bruderliche Bund Society. He was a lifetime member of the Hibernian Society, the US National Guard Assoc. and the Sertoma International Club, having served as District Governor for SC. He was a lifetime member of the German Friendly Society, serving as its 146th President in 2007, and as Finance Chairman for many years. Before his passing he was the oldest living member. He was a member of the Washington Light Infantry since 1947, serving on the board and as their Finance Chairman for many years. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 2017 and became an emeritus member in 2019. Karl also served on the board of the Salvation Army and of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He was an emeritus board member of the finance committee for the association.

Karl was a very successful entrepreneur and investor. Besides directing the finances of many organizations, he helped many of his family and friends develop very lucrative portfolios.

He also enjoyed many happy hours golfing with his friends at the Country Club of Charleston. He was the proud owner of two hole-in-one trophies.

Karl was a man who enjoyed a good laugh and was known to liven many a party with a funny story or joke from his vast repertoire. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He happily shared his knowledge with friends and family alike. He loved his family and served as a role model for them, as well as for future generations, setting the standard for integrity and stewardship.

Karl was predeceased by his first wife of 57 years Evelyn Eye Jantzen (Nancy), brothers Carsten E. Jantzen and Ernest F. Jantzen, sisters Elizabeth Linker and Hermine Mood, and a grandson Ben Jantzen. He is survived by his second wife Martha Lent Jantzen, daughter Judith Y. Jantzen, son Steven K. Jantzen, a granddaughter Adrienne Evans, nieces Linda Jantzen and Debby Touchberry, nephew Rick Jantzen of Aiken, a sister Frances Beck of Greenville, and Joe Villaponteaux, whom he considered another son.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1 Carriage Lane, Charleston 29407, and Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, Charleston 29401.