Karl Otto Niedergesaess passed away peacefully at AB Smith Homestead House on July 13, 2026, after several years living with cancer and Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia (Corry) Niedergesaess (née Smallegange); his daughters, Esther (Adam Young) and Deborah (Jefferson Thompson); and his grandchildren, Nathanael and Anna Young, and Cooper and Alexandra Thompson.
Karl was the eldest son of the late Gerhard and Hanna Niedergesaess (née Schulz), and brother of the late Heidi (late Karl & Amalie), Doris (late Karl), Ruth (Rainer), Ernst (Margaret), Edith (Edgar), and Thomas (Sabine). He is also remembered by his siblings-in-law in the Smallegange family: late Wieske (Fetze & Clara) Venema, late Sjoerd (late Marie) Smallegange, late Wiepke (late Fred) Jonker, Loura (Grant) Guild, Jannie (late Sjoerd) Grendel, late Jan (Lori) Smallegange, Marie (late Barend) deWit, late Susan (Feike) Grendel, and Adrie (Stuart) Leyenaar. He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews in both the Niedergesaess and Smallegange families.
Born on September 7, 1940, in Silesia, Germany, Karl immigrated to Canada in 1964. He worked in CP and Fairmont hotels across the country, from Montreal to Calgary, before marrying and settling in Kingston, Ontario. In 1976, Karl and Corry opened The Pastry House in Picton, where his skill and entrepreneurial spirit found a lasting home.
A talented baker, Karl created a wide range of pastries and breads that became well known in the community. His butter buns, Black Forest cakes, and sunflower seed bread were favourites for many. Despite increasing health challenges, particularly in his later years, Karl continued to find satisfaction in baking for friends and family. He took pride in his work and enjoyed sharing it with others.
In accordance with Karl’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to gather for Coffee and Conversation (visitation) at the James Reid Funeral Home Reception Centre, 1900 John Counter Boulevard, Kingston, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10 to 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am, followed by a light luncheon.
The family would like to thank the staff of Cataraqui Heights Retirement Residence and AB Smith Homestead House for the compassionate care, dignity, and kindness they provided to Karl, particularly during his final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karl’s memory may be made to the Open Door Café at Eastminster United Church in Belleville, or to University Hospitals Kingston Foundation in support of AB Smith Homestead House.

Online condolences may be made at www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com