Carl Thomas Back

The oldest child of a large Catholic family, Carl was born and raised in Loveland, OH. Ever the rigorous student, Carl studied at Moeller HS, the Athenaum of Ohio (formerly St. Gregory’s Theological Seminary) and the University of Cincinnati before completing his degree at Xavier University majoring in history. He later earned his J.D. from Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law. After passing the bar exam, Carl chose to continue his career in corporate management with Sears. Carl stressed continued learning, collecting and reading books on his favorite subjects: the Civil War, etymology, theology and historical biographies.

While in law school, Carl met the love of his life, Cathy, and they married in June, 1976. Together they built a family and raised two daughters.

Carl’s work with Sears resulted in two job transfers to St. Peters, MO and finally Grand Rapids, MI, where he settled with his family. After his employment with Sears concluded, Carl shifted gears to management at Measurement Inc., an educational assessment company.

Carl is preceded in death by his doting wife, Cathy; parents Robert and Marie Back; brother, Ray Back; sister-in-law, Sue Back; and his beloved granddaughter, Norah Walser.

Carl is survived by his daughters Laura Back and Renee Walser, and grandson, Henry Walser. Carl is also remembered by his siblings and their spouses: Mike (Sue), Ruth, Tom, Janet (Bill) Florian, Margaret (Blaine) Norris, and Karen (John) Bankemper; sisters-in-law Gladys Maher and Joan (Peter) Neltner, Cindy Back; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A consummate lover of language and debate, Carl loved spirited conversation with friends and strangers alike. His collection of guns was outnumbered only by his collection of trivial knowledge – which he loved to display to whomever he could, whenever he could!

He adored his wife Cathy, and together they would look forward to tropical trips to Mexico, lakeshore strolls, and road trips to Ohio to visit with relatives.

Celebration of Carl’s life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.