Alfred Carl

Alfred Carl, age 88 of Warren, died Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Windemere Park Assisted Living in Warren, Michigan. He was born July 22, 1930 in Detroit, son of the late George and the alte Olga Emilie (nee: Schierning-Holme) Carl.

Graduating from Lincoln Park High School, Alfred’s post elementary experiences included much more than hittin’ the books as he truly enjoyed running. A proud member of the Track & Field’s Cross Country Team, he took great pleasure in the camaraderie shared in being part of a team effort,…and, of course, garnered a healthy dose of exercise in the process. Following high school, Al’s path of education ensued through his enrollment at the General Motors Institute where his course studies were focused within the realm of industrial engineering. Ultimately, Al’s efforts were celebrated through the receipt of his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, an education that would serve him well throughout his working career. Prior to his entering the workforce, Al entered an entirely different chapter in life when he answered the call of Uncle Sam to become a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. Serving from April of 1954 to April of 1956, Al attained the rank of Specialist 3 and was assigned as a Microwave Radio Repairman.

So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we honor Mr. Carl for answering his call with pride and patriotism, and for his willingness to stand in harm’s way for our alliances and the cause of freedom around the world.

Just a few short months following his military assignment, Al decided he wanted to take the picture of romance to a whole new level and asked his bride-to-be, the beautiful Miss Betty Inez Barnes, to join him in marriage. Of course she said yes, and their special day was shared on August 4, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Detroit where they became husband & wife in the eyes of family and friends alike. They would go on to share over 62 wonderful years together, raising two beautiful children, Colleen & Curtis, and growing deeper in love with each passing day.

With his Bachelor’s credentials in hand and a desire to put his education to use, Al went knocking on the doors of General Motors where he was welcomed with open arms and brought into the fold with eager anticipation of what he was bringing to the table. Initially serving as a project engineer at the Detroit Fort Street Plant, his expertise would be highly sought after at GM’s plant in Flint, Michigan, as well as that at their Cleveland plant in Ohio. But ultimately, Al would find a more permanent assignment when he was transferred to the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. It is there that he would spend the bulk, and remaining portion, of his 42 dedicated years of service with the automotive giant. With exceeding pride for the work he had extended over the years, Al finally accepted his well-deserved retirement as he headed off into the next chapter in life.

Following his retirement from GM, Al threw his hat into the ring of contract employment and was welcomed aboard at the Hawtal-Whiting Design & Engineering Company where his skill set and know-how were put to work on the Saturn Model Development project, a new line of vehicles for GM that would make a huge impact on the highways and byways of America. From there he would be reassigned to a different task,…this time on a new model project for the iconic Chevrolet Corvette, one of the benchmarks of Americana like baseball and apple pie,…and Alfred was their man. Al would eventually hang his engineering hat up and exchange it for the less intense realm of data entry as he accepted a position with the folks at the Asset Acceptance Corporation.

Throughout his life, both he and Betty were huge dog lovers and were blessed to share their home with many canine companions in their 62 years together. There’s simply an unconditional love that cannot be denied when it comes to the compassion of a pet, and Al certainly knew its benefits. Being a “Furr Daddy” was one of the dearest gifts he was honored to fulfill in life.

Ah…but his dogs were not his only passion,…there was also his coveted yard. Possessing an astounding green thumb and a flair for landscape designing, Al’s yard was a thing of beauty and splendor for all to enjoy. From the coifed and well-trimmed bushes and hedges,…to his manicured lawn, mowed with precision and style,…plants and flowers that looked as if a horticulturalist had fulfilled a dream,…to the vast and succulent vegetables that permeated his garden, Al was truly a “Yardsman” with the tools, both literally & figuratively, to work his incredible magic in a yard and garden that exemplified the unique and genuine man that everyone knew him to be.

Yet one of his greatest passions of all was found in Al’s immense desire for camping and getting back to nature,…but, still, with a few creature comforts at hand. From when his kids were young, and even into his retirement years, some of Al’s sweetest pleasures were experienced in the many campgrounds he visited throughout America. What began as a 16 foot travel trailer would eventually morph into the granddaddy of the camping elite,…a Class A Motor Home. Yet from those humble beginnings to the joy of Motor Home delights, Al considered his many blessings along the way and coveted each and every memory created with his family and friends around the numerous campfires they shared. And not merely a “camping lover,”…Al & Betty were also esteemed members of the Sundowner’s Camping Club; Field Director’s for the National Camper’s & Hiker’s Association; attended many state and national campouts; and received several service awards for the years they participated in the various groups in the camping circuit. Al knew full well,…when it was time to escape the stresses of the concrete jungle, there was no better answer than camping!

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Al was truly one-of-a-kind and leaves a legacy that will be revered and cherished as the memories he helped to create unfold with time. He definitely made his mark on life, influenced many with his wisdom, and will be missed immensely. Rest in peace, Alfred.   

Alfred was the beloved husband of Betty. Dearest father of Colleen Carl and Curtis (Stacy) Carl. Loving grandfather of Emily and Benjamin. Devoted brother of the late Edward Carl, and the late Eleanor (the late Charles) Barnes.

Visitation for Alfred will be held Saturday, June 1st from 5-9 pm, with Military Honors to be rendered at 7 pm, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

His committal services & burial will take place at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 3rd at Glen Eden Cemetery, 35667 West Eight Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152. 

Memorial donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033 (www.alz.org).

Please share memories of Alfred at his guest book below.