Carl Eric Gaenslen

Carl Eric Gaenslen, has died at the age of 75. A proud retired Naval aviator, whose love of flying also included years as a commercial airline and airfreight pilot, Carl was also a consummate music lover. He loved to sing in the choir of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church and relished the low notes of the bass section. He seldom missed a Virginia Opera production or the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts at MacArthur Mall. Carl was passionate about listening to organ music, especially loud organ music with lots of fancy footwork! He served on the Vestry and several other committees at Christ and Luke's, which he was pleased to say was his spiritual home. He encouraged young people's musical education by serving on the Board of the Academy of Music and also volunteered as a Docent at the Chrysler Museum of Art, where he enjoyed sharing the wonderful collection with visitors. Carl's other passion was travel and he would combine musical and art filled events in his numerous trips. A kind and compassionate man, Carl also served as a mentor to many AA members. He is survived by his sister Marty and his many, many friends throughout Tidewater. His mischievous smile and the ever-present twinkle in his eye will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on September 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ and St. Luke's (560 W. Olney Rd.) with a reception to follow. Memorial donations can be made to Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 11499, Norfolk, VA 23517.