Carl A. Krabbe III

Carl August Krabbe III passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026, after a brief struggle with cancer. He was 48 years old.

Carl was born May 19, 1977, in Bay City, the son of Carl Jr. and Noreen (Meyer) Krabbe. He graduated from Reese High School in 1995 and continued his education at Ferris State University, where he studied heavy equipment technology. After completing his schooling, he was employed at the General Motors Proving Ground, where he enjoyed vehicle testing. He later returned home to Krabbe Farms, where he farmed vegetables alongside his father for ten years, work they both deeply enjoyed. Carl eventually combined his passion and skills in heavy equipment while working as a mechanic at Midwest Manufacturing.

Carl loved the outdoors-snowmobiling, kayaking, and ice fishing-but most of all cherished time spent at the family cabin in Tawas. There he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and walking the beach with his wife, Tonya. Carl and Tonya Plain were united in marriage on September 10, 2022, in Tawas. He had a passion for building and racing Figure 8 derby cars, and he competed tirelessly in events throughout Michigan. He valued the challenge, camaraderie, and countless hours spent tinkering and working on his cars.

Carl was a hardworking and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. His greatest joy was the children in his life. He was always putting his niece, nephew, and granddaughters first-showing up, lending a hand, and making sure they felt loved and supported. To his nephew Collin and niece Leah, he was proudly and lovingly known simply as "Uncle," a role he cherished deeply. Whether helping with projects, sharing time together, or simply being present, Carl took immense pride in being someone they could always count on. He was also a larger-than-life friend to many.

Surviving family include his wife, Tonya; step-daughter, Courtney (Cole) Walker; step-son, Bryce Lasiewicki; granddaughters, Riley and Avery Walker; his parents, Carl and Noreen Krabbe; his sister, Sara (Jody) Nitz; nephew and niece, Collin and Leah; grandmother, Mable Meyer; and his loyal four-legged companion, Sherman. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Carl was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Alma Meyer, and Carl and Evelyn Krabbe as well as several aunts and uncles.

Carl's strength, loyalty, and deep love for his family will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Trinity St. James Lutheran Church in Munger, with Rev. Jimmy K. Riley officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Penzien-Steele Funeral Home, and again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the PATH Foundation (Passing Along The Heritage) or Trinity St. James Lutheran Church.