Carl John Wannemacher

Carl John Wannemacher, Jr. completed the circle of life he began June 12, 1945, on July 31, 2024, under the gentle care of his wonderful family and friends and the caring spirits of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Carl's circle took him from an idyllic childhood on his father's farm in western North Dakota to Wahpeton, ND where he finished high school and college. He worked for Midland Hospital Supply in Fargo, ND his entire career of 43 years, retiring in 2010.

He married Steffany Klaers of Minneapolis in 1967 and they had a daughter, Kerri. Tragically, Steffany succumbed to complications six weeks later. In 1974, he married Susan Jean Stein of Moorhead, who became the love of his life and along with Kerri, brought Peter and Joseph into the ever-moving circle.

They lived in Fargo until 2013 when retirement allowed them to convert their summer cabin into a new "Dream Home" on Little Pine Lake. His joy at lake living and sharing it with his wife and children, relatives and friends was endless. His mantra was "I love this place". A master "putterer", he did more and got less done than anyone and enjoyed every minute. Hunting, fishing and golf were all high on his agenda, even if he never really got around to them in earnest. Reading consumed much of his time burrowing down the rabbit holes of history. Travel to national parks, historic sites and the beaches of Fort Myers filled out a wonderful retirement.

He leaves his forever wife of 50 years, Susan; daughter Kerri (Logan) Fabyanske; sons Peter (Ellie) and Joseph; his grandsons Ethan and Wyatt Fabyanske and Malcolm and Calvin Wannemacher; his brother Jim; granddogs Brandy Manhattan, Charlie and Millie; and his forever friends Timothy Owen Myers and Perry Harold Engstrom Ill to continue their journeys with his undying love.

He will join those who have also completed their journey: his parents Carl John Wannemacher, Sr. and Jacqueline Englehart Wannemacher; Susan's parents Chuck and Almira Stein; brother-in-law James Stein; his first wife Steffany Klaers and her parents Bob and Dorothy Klaers; sister-in-law Elizabeth Klaers; and the pets who graced his life Pup, Shnicklefritz, Sport, Gypsy, Tavisha, Meggie, and the beloved Mocha.

A private service will be held. Gifts to Hospice of the Red River Valley are appreciated for the care and comfort they provided.

In the words of the great poet, Bob Dylan, "May your hearts always be joyful, may your song always be sung and may you stay forever young."

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com