Remembering Dr Karl Skopal

Karl was born on 27 August 1937 in Kikinda, Yugoslavia. In 1944, his family fled the war – through Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Italy before eventually emigrating to Australia in 1949.

Karl graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1961. He worked first in Norwood then Woomera before settling back in Adelaide, where he established practices in Para Hills and Ingle Farm. His daughter, Angela, followed in his footsteps, graduating from Dentistry in 1994. She joined him at Ingle Farm Dental where they worked together until Karl’s retirement in 2014. Even after retirement, Karl remained very active. He played an active role in many community groups around Adelaide and enjoyed gardening for anyone who needed it. He also maintained contact with colleagues at the Australian Dental Association and Senior Dentists Association and, though he had retired, his connection with Ingle Farm Dental continued. He would regularly drop in to the surgery, greatly enjoying the greetings and smiles of former patients and the chance to catch up with all the staff.

Karl's warm personality and skill with people had made him a popular dentist and highly regarded by his friends and dental colleagues.

Karl passed away suddenly on the 18 December 2023, following a stroke. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his children Paul and Angela, son-in-law Maarten and grandchildren Phoebe, Danny and Ryan. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.