BRUNSWICK – Karl Frederick Lauenstein, 89, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at his home in Brunswick.

Born Oct. 6, 1935 in Hackensack, N.J. to Marie and Edward Lauenstein, he is survived by his daughters Susan E. Lauenstein of Glen Ellen, Calif. and Jean-Marie Lauenstein of Laurel, Md., and daughter-in-law, Karen E. Sanders of Laurel, Md.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan A. (Ruskowski) Lauenstein; and his sister, Ann M. Korologos.

Karl, a retired Air Force Colonel and Brown University graduate, began his 26-year Air Force career as a Strategic Missile Operations Staff Officer at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, S.D., where he met his wife, Joan.

Since 1969, Karl served in congressional liaison positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and at Air Force Systems Command Headquarters. While serving as Chief and eventually Director of Congressional Relations at the Defense Security Assistance Agency, he had the honor to escort congressional delegations to locations around the world.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Karl brought to General Dynamics Corp. his experience as principal Congressional Liaison Officer on matters pertaining to the security assistance and foreign military sales programs as the Corporate Director of Legislative Affairs, International Business Development, a position he held for 15 years.

Karl’s passion for travel continued into retirement with frequent trips with his wife and family. Upon his passing, he had visited over 85 countries, enjoying meeting new people and sampling fine cuisine as he identified favorite places to eat everywhere he visited. He was known for his rapid punning, love of food, and ability to perform all nature of car and house repairs. Karl continued to serve his community until his passing, first on the Board of Trustees for the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, then for the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

A celebration of life will be held at his home on Sept. 28, followed at a later date by a service at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Laurel, Md. Contact karl.f.lauen@gmail.com for information.

Donations may be made

in Karl’s honor to the Maine State Music Theatre, Brunswick

(https://msmt.org).