Karl Peter Ameriks, 77, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Raclin House in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was born on November 5, 1947 in Munich, Germany to the late Arturs and Maude Margaret (Mitans) Ameriks. Karl was also preceded in death by one brother, Juris Ameriks. On December 26, 1970 in Mexico City, Mexico, he married Geraldine Anne Benjamin who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Michael (Angela) Ameriks of San Diego, California, Kevin (Mary) Ameriks of Lemont, Illinois, three grandchildren, Nolan, Jack, and Maude and one brother, John Ameriks of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
After earning his undergraduate and PhD degrees from Yale University in 1973, Karl joined the Department of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, where he taught for more than 40 years and served as professor emeritus until his death. Karl wrote extensively on the history of modern philosophy, as well as continental philosophy. He was recognized as a distinguished scholar of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2009. Karl was also a devoted teacher and supporter of young colleagues. Several of his former students have gone on to become prominent scholars too.
A Memorial service will be held at 1PM on May 31st at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1021 Manchester Dr., South Bend, IN 46615. Interment will be at a later date in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Karl’s honor to The American Cancer Society, The Northern Food Bank of Indiana, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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