Carl J. Franzel

Carl J. Franzel, age 85, of Ubly passed away Saturday November 26, 2022 at Autumnwood of Deckerville. He was born on January 10, 1937 in Freiburg, son of the late Joseph Franzel. He attended Freiburg Country School, after which he attended Carsonville High School, graduating in 1955. He married Ilene McCarty (Weltin) on October 6, 1990 in Ubly. Carl was a member of many veteran groups, including The Thumb Veteran Organization, the Port Sanilac VFW, and the Sandusky VFW. He was extremely proud of his 31 years of service to his country, having served in the Marines, the Army, and the reserves. After returning from his time in the service, he found joy in farming, often times seen driving his beloved Farmall tractor, and was a maintinance worker for Trelleborg Plastics. When he wasn’t working, Carl spent much of his time caring for animals, especially his beloved, and many, cats. Above all though, he loved to spend time with his family. Described as “a man without a mean bone in his body”, he will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Carl is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ilene Franzel; daughters, Debra (John) Mordus, Annette (Rich) Gusa, Carla (Carl) Trigger, Michelle Turcott and her special friend Tim, and Theresa Franzel; sons Dean (Ella) Weltin and Steven (Laura) Franzel; 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters; Deloris (James) Perkins and Joeva (Harry) Bukoski. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. November 29, 2022 at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Good Shepard Parish, Freiburg. Rev. Nate Harburg, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Monday, November 28, 2022 at Zinger Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly from 3:00 – 8:00 pm and Tuesday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church from 10:00-10:45 am.