Carl W. Lord

Share On:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Carl W. Lord, of Otsego Lake Township, departed this good earth on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, to be reunited with Virginia, the mother of their children, Louise and Jeff, who preceded him in death in 2004.  He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Margaret.

Carl was born in Ann Arbor in 1927 and grew up in rural Kalamazoo County.  He graduated from Athens High School, served in World War II and the Korean Conflict, and retired in 1987 as a Colonel after serving in the United States Army Reserve.

Carl was awarded a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Western Michigan University.  A teacher by profession, he cared about young people.  He taught in both the Kalamazoo and Grosse Pointe schools.

Carl was a strong advocate of public and community involvement, believing good citizenship required giving of oneself.  Since he arrived in Otsego County in 1987, he has served as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals and had a six-year tenure as a county commissioner.  He was treasurer of his property owner’s association and a member of the Economic Alliance Board and the Affordable Housing Committee. Recent activities include the AuSable Manistee Action Council, Citizens Advisory Board for the Big Rock Nuclear Plant, board member of the Friendship Shelter, and member of the Volunteer Services Advisory Board.

As finance chairman, Carl was a participating member of the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord.  His Methodist background had a profound influence on his daily life.  Known for his generosity, he did his good deeds without failure or expectations, or rewards.

Carl had a corny sense of humor, enjoyed playing golf, and was an ardent University of Michigan football fan, having season tickets from 1974 to 2020.  He was proud of the balance he found between visiting wildlife and flower gardening, and took advantage of cultural opportunities afforded by Kirtland, Interlochen, and the Gaylord Arts Council.

He was a man of integrity and honesty.  His word was his bond.  He had no patience with liars or hypocrites but had a forgiving nature leaving good judgment to “the man upstairs”.

Carl’s family and friends will grieve his death, but they will celebrate his loving and productive life. He will be missed by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Louise (John) Chosy of Brownsville, Texas; his son, Jeff of Lake Orion; step-children, Teresa (Ron) Avery, Julie (Adrian) Aragona, and Deb Johnson; and many grandchildren.

Carl’s family has elected to remember him privately. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 617, Gaylord, MI 49734.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.

9 comments on “Carl W. Lord”

  1. Pat and I are so sorry to hear about Carl’s passing.
    He was a good man and friend.
    Rest in peace Carl
    Your friends Norm and Pat Schust

  2. Carl will be remembered for all his good works in the Methodist Church and our community. He always remembered my birthday with a card and several cartoons as he remembered countless other’s special day. To his family, remember the great man always as a humble but proud American.

  3. Connie Czarkowski

    Carl was a friendly, caring person. Every year he would remember my parents birthday and anniversary (Alex and Angeline Czarkowski). Thanks Carl for all those years. Rest In Peace.

  4. Arthur & Joyce Butcher

    Carl was such a wonderful person. We have exchanged cards for anniversary’s and birthdays for years and I always looked forward to receiving them. You would never find a bigger University of Michigan fan either. Rest in peace my friend.

  5. Carl was a thorough thoughtful Commissioner who dedicated himself to making Otsego County planning a top priority. My hope one day is there a project named after him.

    Dawn Johnston
    South Georgia

  6. Carl was a wonderful man. One of his missions in life was to send cards and we were the recipient of many along with his jokes. I am sure that Hallmark considered him their *Best Customer*.
    Thank you Carl for being our friend.
    Carolyn Study

  7. Margaret, Louise, Jeff, and family,
    We were neighbors at Guthrie Lake and knew Carl the 16-years we lived there. He was instrumental in getting Randy involved in county service by getting him appointed to the Otsego County Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as supported him serving on the EFPOA Board. He was a wonderful influence to our son, who was 4 years old when we first moved to Guthrie Lakes. Carl was truly a man of his word and was a wonderful person. He will most certainly be missed by many, many people. R.I.P friend. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Randy and Jeanine Rothe

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
      Scroll to Top