Richard L. Carls

Richard L. Carls age 87 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born March 5, 1927 in Sturgis, Michigan son of the late Fred W. and Forestina (Wagner) Carls. Dick was a lifelong resident of Fawn River Township, Michigan and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1944. He continued his education at Michigan State College where he earned a certificate in Agri-Studies. On July 31, 1948 he married Venice B. Dickinson at the United Methodist Church in White Pigeon. She died October 24, 1999. Dick retired from the City of Sturgis Fire Department following many years of dedicated service where he held the position of Assistant Fire Chief. He also served as a fire fighter for the Sturgis Rural Fire Department. He loved farming and held great pride in continuing the ownership of the families Centennial Farm. Dick served on the Fawn River School Board, the Fawn River Township Board of Review and was proud to have served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy earning the rank of Hospital Apprentice First Class. He was a member of the West Michigan Fire Chiefs Association, the Michigan Centennial Farm Association and Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion. Dick co-authored a book and did many informative presentations on the history of the Froh Home. He had an appreciation for tractors and enjoyed going to tractor shows. He enjoyed wintering many years in Florida and always made a trip to the Centreville 4-H Fair. Dick is survived by one son: Dr. John C. (Pam) Carls of Kalamazoo; three daughters: Patricia A. (Bill MacDonald) Carls of Kennebunk, Maine, Sally J. Carls of Vacaville, California and Nancy (Greg) Purlee of Howe, Indiana; four grandchildren: Kelly, T.J., Mariah and Tracy and four great grandchildren: Owen, Lauren, Sydney and Maggie Mae. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Monday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard L. Carls will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. The Rev. John Sterner of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Carls memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.