ANGOLA - Carl Unger, 81, of Angola, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at Parkview hospital in LaGrange.
His loving wife of 60 years was by his side.
Carl was born on May 27, 1938, in Angola, Indiana, to Clarence and Marguerette Matthews Unger.
Carl resided with his wife and three children in Fort Wayne until 1978. He then moved his family back to Steuben County, spending time living between Angola and Clear Lake.
As a boy, Carl enjoyed carnivals, and helping set up when the circus came to town. He also enjoyed going to the local movie theater with his sister., Suzanne.
Carl learned the value of hard work at a young age, as he was required to work in his parent's Angola hardware store, Unger's Bait and Tackle.
After graduating from Angola High School in 1956, Carl attended Indiana University and Tri-State University. He also proudly served in the Army and National Guard.
Carl became a very successful salesman and entrepreneur, working two careers in his lifetime. He worked for 38 years as a sales representative for Wayne Distributing, calling on tv/appliance stores across the tri-state area, and earned many awards in sales along the way.
On Nov. 7, 1995, Carl purchased Buck Lake Ranch and became known as Captain Carl. He worked very hard and had the pleasure of restoring, owning and operating the business for 21 years. He enjoyed all of the people he met and worked with there.
Carl attended Fairview Missionary Church and everyone who knew him knew he had a passion for serving the Lord. He loved people and animals and would help anyone, any time he could.
Carl loved boating on Clear Lake with his family and spending time on the beach in Florida. One of his many mottos was, "work hard, play hard".
Carl was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, adored by his family for his warm, fun and outgoing personality. We thank God for the blessing of Carl's life and the time we got to spend with him.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; his three daughters, Janelle (Kevin) Beard, Jill Ledbetter, and Dawn (Russ) Handwork. Carl was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Stebing, Nicholas (Sarah)Beard, Brittany(Warren) Burkhart. Bridgette, Sydney, and Savannah Ledbetter, and Ashley, Heather, Alexa, and Nicole Handwork.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Don; and a sister, Suzanne.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Fairview Missionary Church, 525 E. C.R. 200N, Angola.
Calling will be from 10 a.m. to noon, and a memorial service will begin at noon, with Pastor Norm Fuller officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Fairview Missionary Church.
Arrangements are being handled by Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Fort Wayne.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Highland Park.
Marie Dillon
October 9, 2024
Meeting Carl at Buck Lake and becoming the Buck Lake Photographer and seeing the joy it brought him when he did the Legends shows ..He was a very special person who loved what he did.RIP Captain Carl..
Dean O
September 13, 2020
Carl and I talked about Christ while I interviewed him for a vlog I had always wanted to do with him. Carl was passionate for the lord and it showed in everyday life. It’s nice to know confidently that Carl is with the lord today.
Becky Sheckell
October 25, 2019
Joan,
I am so sorry to hear about Carl's passing. I had lunch today with Art Garringer who told me. We were reminiscing about all of the wonderful trips we all shared during the time we were at Wayne. Carl was always the life of the party! We all had such good times working there. May God bless you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Kathy Miller
October 17, 2019
I am sorry to be sending this so late. I just found it. I knew Carl when I was younger. He worked for my dad, Paul Miller, at Wayne Hardware. He was a wonderful person and I adored him! I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he is greatly missed by anyone who knew him. May he RIP and may you & the family find comfort knowing that he's now with the Lord. God bless you all.
SueEllen Hephner
September 27, 2019
Losing a loved one is so difficult but one we have to go through fortunately we have our loving heavenly father to go with us. Carl was such a dear man I met him when I started working with Franny and I always enjoyed spending time just talking with him. He was always faithful to pray for my prayer request and always had a smile to share. I will miss him.
Paula Jo Taylor-Marqueling
September 24, 2019
I'm very sorry to hear of Captain Carl's passing. He worked so hard restoring Buck Lake Ranch and we are all grateful for the wonderful job he did in bringing back to life a true Indiana iconic piece of history. His passion and dedication reflected the good man he was and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family, may God be with you.
Sandy Hagen
September 23, 2019
Captain Carl introduced me to his creation of Buck Lake. It was a joy to see how this project made him happy. I was fortunate to see the efforts of his passionate work. Prayers to his family.
Karen Sigl
September 22, 2019
With heartfelt sadness, I want to send my deepest condolence in the loss of your beloved husband. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories in this difficult time. Prayers......
Mike VanBuren
September 22, 2019
I am very sorry to hear of Captain Carl's passing. He was a fine man with a firm Christian belief who I'm sure influenced many people with his faith. I had the privilege of meeting him more than ten years ago when my late wife and I were working on a documentary video about Buck Lake Ranch. Mr. Unger was very supportive and helpful with that project, and we established a friendship that continued until this day. Rest in peace, my friend, and we'll see you on the other side. Thoughts and prayers for Joan, his family and friends.
Paul Stepp
September 21, 2019
Known Carl for 40 years. Good coffee drinking friend. Hard worker and focused on his plans. God be with Joan and kids and grandkids.
Dave & Kathy Bruns
September 20, 2019
Joan & family,
We are saddened by your loss however, we celebrate the life of Carl. We know he is watching down from Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Dave & Kathy Bruns
ellen bisson
September 20, 2019
Joan and family,
So sorry to hear that Carl has died. He was a great guy and will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dean Orewiler
September 19, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear about passing of Carl - what a super guy with a love for Jesus. I'll catch up with you in Heaven Capt'n !
Laurie Mitchener
September 19, 2019
Dear Joanie, Janelle, Jill and Dawn:
I have such fond memories of all of you and the large family gatherings at the old lake cottage both on Lake James and your place on Clear Lake when I would go with Cathy & Cheri to your place sometimes. Carl was always such a "presence"! He was so loved by everyone and will be so missed. Having just lost my own pops recently who was also a "presence", I know what a huge hole in your heart he will leave that can never be filled.
I will lift all of you in prayers and keep memories of happier times close in my heart. We know that joyous times of reunion in Heaven await us and at our own time of passing, they will joyously be there with open arms and a smile waiting for us! With much love and prayers
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