Carl H. Speck

CARL H. SPECK, age 99, beloved husband for 71 years of Nancy (nee Norris); loving father of Cherise Simecek (husband Joseph), Carl Norris Speck (wife Chick) and Susan Speck Callahan (husband David); and his American Field Service son, Reinhard Eisen from Germany. Devoted grandfather of Courtney Speck, Jessica Plickert (husband Daniel), Calvin Callahan (Fiancé Jessica Gonzalez), Luke Callahan and Shane Callahan (Abby Frania) and great-grandfather of Adalynn Rose, Trevor and Cade; cherished son of the late Andrew and Francis (nee Souchek); preceded in death are dearest siblings and their spouses; John Speck, Kathryn Patterson (husband John), Peter Speck (wife Ferne) and Jan Taczy (husbands John and Frank Pokorny); dear uncle and great-uncle of many. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran.

He was born on June 15, 1925 in Hambden Ohio on the family farm. Carl was drafted during his senior year of high school to serve his country in WWII as a member of the US Army. He was part of the second wave of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. After being wounded twice in war, Carl was honorably discharged and presented with a Purple Heart. Carl then returned to high school and graduated from Chardon High School in 1947. Being a hard worker with motivation, he continued his education by earning his bachelor’s degree from Hiram College where he met his wife Nancy Norris. Carl married Nancy on June 20, 1953. He then obtained his master’s degree from Kent State University. Carl worked as a Guidance/Vocational Counselor for Mayfield High School for 29 years. He put his education and worldly experience to excellent use in guiding many students that stayed in contact with him throughout the years. During his career and after retirement he enjoyed selling real estate. He was a kind and gentle man with an easy-going personality. Carl found enjoyment in dancing with his wife, gardening, camping throughout the USA, traveling to Europe and spending the fall seasons in Maui 25 years in a row. He also enjoyed their Florida home in the winter months, and working on his stained-glass projects. This gentle soul passed away on September 27, 2024 and will be lovingly remembered by his devoted family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Carl to St. Mary’s Church, 401 North Street, Chardon, OH 44024. 

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, October 3, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 North Street, Chardon, OH at 10:30AM. Burial following with Military Honors at Chardon Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Carl at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY OF CHARDON (formerly Ritondaro) 126 SOUTH ST. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2024 from 3-6PM.