Carl J Quertermus, Sr.

Living by faith, Carl J. Quertermus, Sr. made it his point in life to be a loving, dedicated provider to his wife and family. Family meant everything to Carl, and his example will be cherished for generations to come. An easy going fellow who had a way with people, Carl was a joy to be around. Gracious and caring, time spent with him was equally enhanced with his ability to carry a conversation. A family man who held fast to his faith, Carl will be lovingly remembered.

The year was 1913 and many changes were evolving as the threat of World War I loomed overseas. The first assembly line was established by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan, and at 60 stories high, the acclaimed Woolworth Building was completed, towering over New York City. For Frank and Alma (Gielow) Quertermus of St. Louis, Missouri, the end of the year brought much change in their household when on December 5, 1913, they welcomed the birth of a little boy they named Carl into their lives.

Having been born and raised in St. Louis, Carl’s parents did their best to provide a loving and faith filled home for Carl and his younger sister, Laverne. Devout in faith, Carl became quite involved at church where he took part in many activities. Enjoying a typical childhood, he attended the local schools and spent much time with neighborhood friends, experiencing memorable adventures growing up. Yet, as times became more and more difficult, the years of the Great Depression began to take its toll around the country, and Carl decided to venture out on his own.

Following high school, Carl moved to Chicago, Illinois. On July 9, 1932, he was fortunate to find a job working for American Airlines. Grateful for the opportunity, it was here that Carl would remain for the next eight and one half years. Making a home for himself in Chicago, Carl soon found a church home to call his own. He took joy becoming involved at Nazareth Church, taking part in all it had to offer. Through some friends he had met at church, Carl was introduced to a young woman named Marie Buszin. The two became quite taken with one another, and through Marie, Carl found true happiness and contentment. They were happily married, making lifelong vows to each other on November 25, 1939.

In time, Carl and Marie were blessed with three sons. They were overjoyed by the birth of their firstborn, son Carl, Jr., followed by John, and Richard was the youngest. It was also during these early years of raising his family that Carl found time to further his education. He received a four year diploma, the equivalent to a Bachelor‘s Degree by today’s standards, in Business from Northwestern University.

Foremost in Carl’s life was family. Many fond memories were made on family outings, going fishing, or simply spending time together as a family. They continued their involvement while attending Nazareth Church where Carl served in many capacities throughout the years. In 1950, Carl and Marie built their family home in Palos Heights, Illinois where the boys attended the local schools, and where many lifelong friends were made. Each year, with boys in tow, Carl and Marie, along with four other families, would create memorable times traveling to Lou’s Big Muskie Resort on Big Muskie Lake in northern Wisconsin to go fishing. Carl and the boys would often head to Minnesota on fishing excursions too.

In his spare time, Carl enjoyed playing softball and was a member of the church team, even acquiring league champs one year. After several years of softball, he went on to bowling. Another sport he became quite fond of, Carl enjoyed many years on various leagues along with his coworkers. An avid baseball fan, Carl loved the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs. After his eldest son Carl, Jr. settled in Atlanta, Georgia, he began to follow the Atlanta Braves as well.

Over time, Carl eventually left American Airlines when he went to work for United Airlines in their accounting department where he processed refunds. As time went on, Carl was promoted to Manager of Revenue Accounting. An integral part of the company, Carl was instrumental in introducing computers to the business, as well as teaching them the benefits and know-how in their use. He remained working at United Airlines until retiring in 1977.

After retiring, Carl and Marie decided to move to Vicksburg, Michigan. Later, they moved to Portage, making the area their retirement home. As each of their sons had families of their own, Carl and Marie desired to be closer to them where they could find enjoyment watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. They wanted to be a part of their lives, and be involved with the family they held dear.

Outgoing and personable, Carl never met a stranger. After settling into the area they now called home, they began attending St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, becoming active members. With new found friends, Carl was more than happy to talk about his days with the airlines. Prominent fixtures at son John’s annual Fourth of July parties, Carl and Marie became acting and gracious hosts at the yearly event. They not only took part in the preparations, but could be found chatting, socializing, and making everyone feel welcome. Carl also embraced his role as grandfather, making sure to pass on the family tradition and love for fishing that has grown with each generation.

As Carl and Marie began to age, they eventually moved to Wyndam Apartments in assisted living. Due to Marie’s health, she later moved to the Upjohn Nursing Home in Portage. When Carl began having health issues of his own, he joined her at the nursing home where they shared a room. Sadly, Carl died on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the age of 95.

Carl was preceded in death by his son Richard in 2007. Members of his family include his wife Marie; sons Carl Quertermus Jr., Dr. John and wife, Susan Quertermus; daughter-in-law, Mary Quertermus; sister, Laverne Galvin; 7 grandchildren, Kathy Dickason, Mike Quertermus, John Quertermus, Jr., Robby Quertermus, Chris Quertermus, Kristin Olsen, Lisa Norris and16 great-grandchildren. Visit with his family and friends on Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 AM at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2381 Romance Road, Portage, with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM. Please visit Carl’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to MacKenzie’s Crusaders, 233 Pare, Clawson, MI 48017. Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600)