Obituary: Carl Utz, 87, of Ludington

Carl Utz

Obituary: Carl Utz, 87, of Ludington

Carl Joseph Utz, 87, of Ludington, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday September 17, 2023. Carl was born on February 21, 1936, the son of Aloysius W. and Elida Justina (Olofsson) Utz. He attended St. Simon School. On February 27, 1954, Carl married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Brickley Utz. Carl had many jobs over the year including working on the S.S. Badger, as well as working for Jensen Construction, and was a plant manager at Brill Manufacturing. Ultimately, he retired in 1999 after 12 years of service as the nuilding and zoning administrator for Pere Marquette Charter Township.

Carl was a proud lifetime member of both the Moose Club and the Ludington Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed woodworking, most of all, making beautiful furniture pieces that are still cherished by any family members to this day.  Carl also loved playing local fast pitch softball. He was known as one of the best catchers in Mason County and had the honor of catching for all the great pitchers back in his softball hay days. Carl and his wife Shirley loved watching the Badger come to port, they rarely missed the opportunity to go see it. Carl especially looked forward to Fridays when his family would gather in his home to share a good meal and a lot of laughter. This tradition lasted for over 40 years.

Carl is survived by his children, Joy (Rick) Jensen, Barb (Mark) Henrickson, Carl (Deb) Utz, John Utz, Cheryl (Dave) Kronlein, and Joe (Colleen) Utz; grandchildren, Jennifer Larson, Suzanna (Steve) Larson, Trisha (Mike) Stadler, Amy (Mark) Londot, Daryl (Sarah) Larson, Ryan Utz, R.J. Utz, Joseph Utz, and Braden Kronlein; s great-grandchildren; brother Jim (Nancy) Utz; brother-in-law, Ronnie Jabrocki; sister-in-law, Mary Beth Utz; and nieces and nephews galore.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Shirley (Brickley) Utz; parents Aloysius and Elida Utz; sister, Joann (Utz) Jabrocki; brothers, Joe, Daniel, and John Utz; nephews, Mike and Tom Utz; and many loved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Mass from the order of Christian Funerals will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Wayne B. Wheeler, Jr presiding. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Carl will be laid to rest at Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.