Mr. Carl Thomas Wohlwend

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Carl Thomas Wohlwend. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Carl was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Carl was born on Born at home in Knox County, Tennessee in Tennessee. He was the son of Charles Conrad Wohlwend and Bessie Mae Cannon Wohlwend. Carl was raised in Knox County and Blount County, Tennessee. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Carl was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Carl's personality throughout his life.

Though Carl was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Carl was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Carl worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Carl was raised with seven siblings. He had Vernon, Fred, Anna Mae, Ruth, Charlie Jr. Robert and Harold. Carl and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Carl was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Carl was always tactful. One thing Carl will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Carl had a number of interests and was an active child. Carl took part in Played one year of football in high school; in later years enjoyed playing ping pong and was the family champion-undefeated!

For Carl, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Carl was also adept at details. Carl was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Young High School in drafted into the army out of high school in 1944 when he was a sophomore. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History, Geography and Literature.

There was one thing that all of Carl's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Carl was such a popular person throughout his life. But Carl was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Carl was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Carl was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Carl was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Carl was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Carl made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, he became friends with Edgar Young and Ted Norris, friends. He also had walking buddies that he walked a track with, after he retired. And friends from his Sunday school class. And many of his co-workers at Sears as friends.

Carl was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Carl cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On 1947 Carl married Elisabeth Ann Rauner at A Catholic Church in Plattling, Germany of Plattling, Germany. Compassionate and devoted, Carl worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Carl and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Carl was blessed with three children, Son, Joseph Carl; daughter, Judy Lynn; daughter, Cynthia Ann. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Jeff Cruze and Michelle Callahan. Carl was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Carl was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Carl would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Carl, and he expected the same from those around him. Carl was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Carl was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Carl handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was Shipping/Receiving Clerk at Sears Roebuck and Co. He was employed for Sears for 41 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Carl was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Carl was an Army veteran. He was in Germany from 1945-1947. Carl saw action for WWII. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private 1st Class.

A methodical man, Carl enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were Walking, reading, politics and current events. Landscaping, vegetable gardening home projects and particularly building things.

Carl was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Carl was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Carl played 1 year of football in high school. Recreational sports included ping pong, badminton, volleyball and croquet. Carl also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Lady vols basketball and UT football and basketball.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Carl to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Carl did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn't’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Carl was active in his church.

Carl was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, Swam and walked at South Knoxville Senior Center; walked at Boys and Girls Club in Vestal. Politically, Carl was a staunch Republican until the George Bush era, then became a conservative who voted for the candidate, not the party.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Carl well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for almost 60 years. During that time, he was a Sunday School teacher for adolescent boy's for around 26 years. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Carl enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Germany, Boston, Denver, South Carolina Beach.

Carl was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Pumpkin, a rescued cat, who was a best friend for 2-3 years. Had cats throughout the years.

Since it was easy for Carl to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Carl was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1989. To his long-time home in Knoxville, Tennessee. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Walking daily, many trips to Dollywood, Smokey Mt's., The Apple Barn spent many hours helping maintain the homes of his two daughters and mowing yards for his sister and daughters. Even in retirement, Carl stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Carl passed away on February 28, 2010 at U. T. Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. Died following complications from a blood clot. He is survived by wife, Elisabeth; son, Joe; daughters, Judy and Cindy; brother, Harold; sister, Anna Mae, grandchildren, Jeff and Michelle Services were held at Berry Funeral Home, Knoxville, Tennessee. Carl was laid to rest in Mt. Olive Cemetery near other family members.

Carl was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Carl was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Mr. Carl Thomas Wohlwend.

Wohlwend, Carl Thomas –age 82 of South Knoxville, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010 following a short illness at U.T. Hospital. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for over 50 years; a veteran of the U. S. Army from 1945-1947, serving in Europe and was retired from Sears, Roebuck and Company after 41 years of service. Preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Bessie Mae Wohlwend; siblings, Vernon, Fred, Charlie Jr., Robert and Ruth. Survived by wife of 63 years, Elisabeth; children, Joe and wife Cindy of Knoxville, Judy and husband Eddie Asbury of Maryville; grandchildren, Jeff Cruze of Knoxville, Michelle Callahan and husband Brian of South Carolina, Brock Asbury of Maryville, Shane and Laura Asbury of Chattanooga and two great- grandchildren. Also survived by siblings; Anna Mae Guinn of Knoxville and Harold Wohlwend of Jacksonville, Florida; many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 2 at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway. Private services will be held for family and close friends at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 3 with burial to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.