Carl I. Brahce

Carl I. Brahce, 88, of Kent, died Saturday, October 3, 2015 at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna. Carl was born February 10, 1927 in Flint, Michigan to Brör John and Goldie (Zerbe) Brahce. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Carl served as a signalman on a minesweeper during the Second World War. Carl was an associate professor of education and research scientist in educational gerontology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from 1977 to 1984. At Kent State University, Carl served as director of the Gerontology Center from 1984 to 1994. He took pleasure in developing and promoting programs that provided opportunities for seniors to engage in lifelong learning. Carl was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kent. He is survived by his wife, Eileen L. (Farnsworth) Brahce, whom he married on March 25, 1951; sons, Mark Brahce (Janice Pappas) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Paul Brahce of Madison, Wisconsin, Carl R. (Diane) Brahce of Cedar Park, Texas, and Dr. Joel (Laura) Brahce of Auburn, California; grandchildren, Johanna, Brita, Michael, Jacob, Anna, Evan, Alena, Isaac, Adam, Nathan, Kyle, and Kelcie; brother, Jack Brahce of Grand Blanc, Michigan and sister, Evelyn (Duncan) McDonald of Grand Marais, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister, Irene Kielts in 1986, and son, Aaron Brahce in 2004. Carl was a loving and faithful husband, and a devoted father and grandfather. A writer, musician, poet and painter, Carl was a true renaissance man who found beauty in nature, people and everyday things. He was an avid reader and a deep thinker. With a background in journalism, Carl was quick to notice any misspellings or grammatical errors in a written text – and if there are any typos in this message we are certain he has already noted them. Carl's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center who provided such wonderful care and support in his final weeks and the caregivers with Robinson Visiting Nurses who tended to his needs so thoughtfully when he was receiving their care at home. Calling hours will be held 6-8 PM Wednesday, October 7th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, October 8th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Elizabeth Hazelton and Pastor Douglas Fidler officiating. Burial will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carl I. Brahce Gerontology Fund, #11960, Kent State University Foundation, PO Box 5190 Kent OH 44242 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 600 S. Water Street, Kent, OH 44240 or The Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20004.