RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - It is with regret that the Krobath family of Rustenburg announces the passing of legendary “master chef” - Karl Krobath (formerly of Karl’s Bauernstube - probably one of the most popular restaurants in the history of Rustenburg) at the age of 76 years - only a few days prior to Christmas on 11 December 2024.
This tribute to Karl was compiled by the Krobath family.
Karl Theodor Krobath was born on 29 October 1948 in St Lorenzen ob Murau (Saint Lorenzen near Murau) – a small town in the province of the Steiermark in Austria. His parents – Matthäus and Ludmilla Krobath – were simple, hard-working people. Karl was their 6th child, altogether they were 9 children. He went to elementary school and then at the age of 15 (1963) Karl began his apprenticeship as chef at the Grand Hotel Baumann in Leoben, Austria until 1966. From late 1966 until 1969 in Lech am Arlberg, Austria, then onward to Salzburg. Karl’s South African journey began the day before his 21st birthday – 28 October 1970.
He arrived at the then Jan Smuts airport with one suitcase, no money and without a return ticket to Austria. The South African Government had recruited him and many others, to be trained in the hotel industry. On 2 November 1970, he started at The President hotel in the CBD of Johannesburg. In February 1971, Karl was part of the opening of The Heinrich’s restaurant – the one on the top floor of the Hillbrow Tower - whereafter he was the chef at the Sunnyside Park Hotel from July 1971 until September 1973. From there, he went on to be the Head Chef at the La’Provence restaurant in Pretoria. This is where Karl met Suzi. Suzi had worked in another restaurant at the time.
With his partners – Margaret and Diethelm Kurscheid – the pair and Karl opened their own restaurant - The Zottelhexe - in the centre of Pretoria.
On 27 September 1975, Karl and Suzi were married. They had two beautiful daughters, Natasha and Martina.
After selling The Zottelhexe in 1983, Karl, Suzi and the girls moved to Kroondal to open the legendary restaurant: Karl’s Bauernstube, from November 1983 until December 2005. Karl decided to come to Kroondal – firstly because of his dear friend, Hermann Reiners and also because of the German school and church – wanting a German upbringing for the girls – which was happily achieved!
Once Karl’s Bauernstube was up and running, Karl and Suzi started an amazing memory and friendship bank. Many good friends and family are no longer with us, but we remember them all – and most of you, as well as your children – have travelled this journey with us. Thank you! Karl/Karli/Charlie/Schatzi/Papa/Opa was such a special person. Dedicated, hard-working, hard principles, ethical - so loyal – and made strong friendships throughout his life, a no-nonsense-guy! The last five (or so) years have been such a roller coaster ride for him, health-wise. In and out of hospital – so much so that we practically have shares there now. Then good, then bad – but Karl was always a tough soldier – on and on and on!
Since 25 October 2024 – four days before his 76th birthday – he faced his ultimate battle with leukaemia, bad blood and major sepsis in his leg. He fought like a brave soldier, but the dear Lord needed him more. On Wednesday, 11 December 2024, the angels called him home - we are so proud that he was our husband, papa, friend, Opa and mentor. We are sure that all the family and friends were waiting in line in heaven to greet him with open arms – and asking when he would be making Schnitzels again!! The family thank you all for being his friend – and Suzi’s. (See our In Memoriam page for more information on Karl’s memorial service this Saturday.)
