Karl W. Mehlmann

Karl W. Mehlmann – Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2002

Born – October 27, 1919

North Platte, Neb

Passed peacefully Thursday afternoon May 5, 2011

Service will be held Thursday May 12th at 10:00am at the

Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd, Littleton, CO 80121

Karl growing up had a dream to become a manager of a major hotel, but not just any hotel, the Brown Palace Hotel. He came to Denver in 1937 to attend the University of Denver Business School and in 1940 started as a key and information clerk at the Brown Palace.

His hotel career was interrupted in 1942, when he enlisted in the Unites States Army Air Force during WW II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Tech Sergeant.

He returned to Denver in Dec 1945, entering the management trainee program at the Brown. From his return to 1960 he worked in many capacities, such as a room clerk, cashier, night auditor, auditor, steward, reservation’s manager, front desk office manager, relief assistance manager, assistant manager and assistant to the general manager.

Shortly after his return he started dating Jean Manor a payroll clerk at the Brown Palace and on November 22, 1947 they were married.

In 1960 he was promoted to the Resident Manager. At this time he and his family moved into the hotel, and they resided at the hotel until August 1976. Several promotions followed; in 1965 he became the general manager, in 1970 the vice president and general manager, and in 1976 the president and general manager. Karl became the chairman of the board in 1983, retiring in September 1984.

During his career he met many dignitaries as he escorted them up to their rooms. The list includes Presidents of the United States, European Dignitaries, Prince and Princesses, actors, rock bands, etc. Some of the people he met include Harry Truman, Dwight D Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, King Hussein of Jordon, who at the time was a fighter pilot in training at Lowry Airfield, the Beatles, Moody Blues, Princess Anne, Carol Channing, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller, and the list goes on.

Karl was greatly involved in the Hospitality Industry during his years as manager and he was an active member of the American Hotel and Motel Association. In 1979 through 1982 he served on the Board of Directors and from 1980 – 1981 he was a member of the Executive Committee. He was a member of the Colorado and Wyoming Hotel and Motel Association from 1970 – 1984, where he served as director, president and chairman during this period.

Karl was also involved in the Denver and Colorado Visitor’s Bureau from 1961 – 1984, where he was a director, president and chairman

In the early 70’s Karl and a number of other small independent hotel managers chartered a new organization, Preferred Hotels. Preferred Hotels was designed to market as a group of small independent hotels, providing a central reservation system and setting a standard for the visitor experience that was of the highest level. Preferred Hotels expanded to become a worldwide organization that exemplifies highest quality industry standards of today. He was Chairman and President from 1979 – 1983 and became an honorary lifetime member in May 1984.

Karl was involved in many Civic and Business organizations, and many times was involved as a board member, director, or chairman.

Charter member of SKAL Club

Denver Chamber of Commerce, director 1962 – 1964

Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, director 1968 – 1983

Downtown Denver Inc (Denver Partnership) director 1961 – 1984

Denver Symphony Association, member 1972 – 1976

Central City Opera House Association, director 1972 – 1982

National Western Association, director 1961 – 1984

Co-chairman Junior Livestock Committee 1981 – 1983

Rotary Club of Denver, member 1960 – 1987, director 1968 – 1970

Mile-Hi Club, member 1961 – 1985

Denver Club, member 1964 – 1982, director 1964 – 1978

Cherry Hills Country Club, member 1961 – 1985

House Committee, chairman 1975 - 1976

During Karl’s illustrious career his accomplishments, leadership and vision were recognized with the receipt of numerous awards:

American Jewish Committee, Institute of Human Relations national award, April 1982

Executive Women International, executive of the year 1965 and 1982

Colorado Press Association, Special Award of Merit 1975

Colorado/Wyoming Hotel and Motel Association – Hotel Man of the Year 1965 and 1980

Colorado Wyoming Restaurant Association – Hall of Fame 1982

In May 2002, Karl was inducted into the Denver and Colorado Tourism Industry Hall of Fame. (link to their page http://www.tourismhalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/inductees/bio - Karl Mehlmann)

One of his greatest recognitions and the one he most prized and cherished was the creation of the Karl W Mehlmann Scholarship Fund in 1978 by the Colorado Wyoming Hotel and Motel Association. The award is presented annually to students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership potential, and a dedicated interest in the hospitality industry.

During his induction dinner into the Denver and Colorado Tourism Industry Hall of Fame Karl was able to meet a number of the scholarship winners and see the impact the scholarship has had on future hoteliers.

From the Karl Mehlmann Scholarship web page.

For over 40 years, Karl W. Mehlmann has been an outstanding leader of the hospitality industry and active in furthering education in the lodging industry. Mr. Mehlmann's career at Denver's presti¬gious Brown Palace Hotel began in 1940. After eleven years in executive positions at The Brown Palace, in 1963 he was named Vice President and General Manager; in 1966 President of The Brown Palace Hotel Company; and Chairman in 1983. With his dedication to the highest standards of traditional service and innovative management, he led The Brown Palace to a position as one of the premier hotels in the United States. Mr. Mehlmann retired from The Brown Palace on November 1, 1984.

To learn more about the Karl W Mehlmann Scholarship go to http://www.coloradolodging.com click on Education & Events – Scholarship Program

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Karl W Mehlmann Scholarship fund

Attn Stephanie Van Cleve

Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association

730 17th Street, Suite 920 . Denver, CO 80202

Karl loved to play golf, in his later years watch, read books, cook and spend time with family and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Jean (Manor) Mehlmann, February 1999

He will always be in our hearts, remembered, loved and a part of us – Kathy Mehlmann, Greg and Carol Mehlmann, step grandsons Chris and Taylor Stevens and grandsons Greg (Mehlmann) Ames and Nicholas (Mehlmann) Ames