Carl Raymond Kerttu

Carl was born on April 15, 1932, in Trimountain, Michigan. Son of Irene and Emil and brother of Julia Ellen Tyson (Kerttu).

Carl graduated from Jeffers High School in 1950 in Painesdale, Michigan. When he was 17 years old, he borrowed a suit and with $13 in his pocket he hitchhiked from his home in the heart of Michigan’s copper country to Detroit, Michigan. Starting in 1952, Carl was a military police officer. After leaving the service in 1954, he joined the Highland Park Police Department. Carl rose through the ranks of the police force becoming Chief of Police, the youngest ever to serve this position, at the age of 46. Carl always knew he wanted to be a policeman. He knew it would put him in a position to help people. After retiring from the police force, Carl started his own security company, Chief Protective Agency, which he ran up until his death.

In January of 1961, Carl married Nancy Gill. They soon started their family and welcomed their eldest child, Kurt William. Their family grew and they had two more children, Shawn Kay, and Shannon Lynn. Family was always Carl’s priority, and his children always felt his unconditional love. This love only grew with his grandchildren, Paige Morgan Hall, Emily Elizabeth Kerttu, Jessica Rene Hall, Jake Carl Kerttu, James Nassib Fawaz, and Harper Christiana Schlagheck. His love also extended to his daughter-in-law Kristine Kerttu, and his sons-in-law Marc Hall and Robert Schlagheck.

Carl loved the outdoors, boating, animals, playing cards, telling stories, running his business, and spending time with his family.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, and sister.

Church service will be on July 27, 2023 at 11am at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church located at 1100 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills Michigan. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Copper Country Humane Society (www.cchumanesociety.com/donate) in his honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.familyfuneralcarekeego.com for the Kerttu family.