Karl F. Freed

I worked with Karl while on the MIchigan Chapter of the American Planning Association (MAPA) Board in the early 1990's. Karl was the Professional Development Officer for the Chapter and he taught me a lot about how to strive for excellence in urban planning. I would explore many things with Karl including whether or not to get a second planning degree. He insisted that I get a Masters in Planning to demonstrate commitment to the profession. I felt since I hade an undergraduate...

I was working for Snell Environmental group back in the 1980's. We would occassionaly work with Gove & Associates. I got assigned to work on a project with Karl in Gladwin, MI. I was only a few years out of college when I met him. Karl opened my eyes to the world of plannning, its late night meeting demands and the treacherous drives home in the dark. He was a great mentor, teacher and friend. I thought the world of Karl, his knowledge and his ability to work with people while teaching them...

So sorry to hear of this. My father (Ron Rousch) worked with Karl for many years and always had great stories and a fondness for him. Hopefully they are together now drafting out some kind of pathway in heaven

Sue, know that our prayers are with you.

Karl hired me out of WMU grad school (Geography), my first real job. My first assignment was to review his masters thesis which he was having some trouble getting approved, ha ha. My wife used to say "Karl´s just a big teddy bear". He was a great boss and friend. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Karl was my first boss after graduate school. He gave me a chance to become a department leader. I learned a great deal about the business of consulting and customer care duing my time at Gove Associates that i carried with me years later. I have fond memories of speaking with him about business and learning how work got done.

So sadden to hear of you passing. I know you must be in heaven with your beloved son Brett. We shared many good conversations and I always enjoyed our friendship. Blessings to Ralph and Roger.

Karl was an amazing man. He was very dedicated to the Edison Neighborhood and while at Gove you could often see him outside picking up trash to make his block on Portage Street shine. He was instrumental in helping the Edison Neighborhood Association with our never ending revitalization plans. He shared his vision and oftentimes a drawing or two. I'm going to miss the drinks with all those stories about his youth and the incredible life he lived. RIP Karl, you are missed!

I got to know Karl through our Kalamazoo County Republican party. He was a friend of friends. Before long the circle got bigger, candidates were considered, and I was asked to join in. The consideration part coincidentally occurred where libation was served. During election years, we did a lot of considering. Elections, candidate-recruitment, and lining up behind "Our guy" was a routine that I´ll forever remember when hanging out with Karl. Having been around longer, his take on candidates...