Carl Dean Gaerig

Carl Dean Gaerig passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 with his beloved wife Ruth nearby, and surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Carl was born in Du Quoin, Illinois on Feb. 18, 1923 to Clara Mann Siefert and Charles "Babe" Gaerig. He was one of five siblings and is survived by his sisters, Mary Stanhouse of Livonia, Michigan and Anne Huff of Du Quoin, Illinois. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Charles Siefert of Las Vegas, Nevada and John Gaerig of Red Bud, Illinois.

Carl lived in Du Quoin until the Marines and World War II took him to battle in the South Pacific (Peliliu). Carl was wounded twice in action, and received a Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster for his service. Upon returning from the war, he enrolled at Southern Illinois University and married his sweetheart Ruth Kinman. Graduating with a degree in business, Carl and his wife settled in Michigan to raise their family of four children, Carla (Fred Guild III), George (Peg Krause), Stephen (Linda Schimm) and Maureen (Michael Malinowski). In addition to his career as an insurance adjustor, Carl was an active volunteer in his church, civic and veteran's associations. After retirement, Carl and Ruth traveled widely, enjoying 68 years of marriage and the close company of their 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Carl was a devoted husband, an inspiration to his family and was respected by all who knew him; he will live on in the memories of all those he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Divine Child Men's Club.

Funeral liturgy was Monday, Dec. 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Divine Child Catholic Church, (1055 N. Silvery Ln., Dearborn, 48128) with a gathering 9:00 a.m. Visitation was Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the Dearborn Chapel of the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Ave. Rosary was Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Interment with honors was at at Great Lakes National Cemetery. www.howepeterson.com