Carl Henry Frick

With his friendly smile and a humorous twinkle in his eye, Carl Frick was always a welcome sight to friends and family. Carl didnt have a mean bone in his body, and his big heart overflowed with love for everybody in his life. Above all else, Carl was a family man, and dedicated his life to providing for his beloved family members. Carls kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives he touched, both as a cherished memory and a source of inspiration in the years to come. In the United States, the Roaring Twenties were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Carl was born in the midst of this exciting decade, on July 13, 1926, and shared his birth year with the first demonstration of television, the invention of liquid rocket fuel, and Harry Houdinis final performance. Although Carl was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, his family had European roots. His father, August A. Frick Sr., came from Lichtenstein, while his mother, Hedwig (Ruess) Frick, hailed from Switzerland. Their first child, August, was born in Europe, while the rest of Carls siblings were born in Michigan: Otto, Joseph, Eugene, Frank, Rose Marie, and Clara (sadly, Joseph died in infancy). August supported his family as a farmer and a milk hauler, while Hedwig stayed home to care for the children. The Frick children were raised in a loving environment on the family farm, and learned early on the value of hard work and responsibility. Each of the kids did their fair share of chores, and all the boys helped out with milk hauling. In fact, Carl delayed his high school graduation by three years in order to help out with the family business. He finally was able to complete his studies in 1947, and headed off to the seminary to pursue a religious life. While Carl was still in high school, he had dated a young lady named Dolores Schafer, a classmate of his younger sister Rose Marie. They broke up before graduation, however, with each deciding to pursue the religious life: Carl as a priest, and Dolores as a nun. Carl soon realized the priestly life was not for him, and joined the U.S. Army a few years later. He kept in touch with his high school sweetheart during his army days, and before Dolores took her final vows as a nun they decided they wanted to spend their lives together as husband and wife. Carl was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1952, and the happy couple was married on February 14, 1953, at St. Philomena Church of Beal City, Michigan. As the years went by, Carl and Dolores were blessed with six children: Joseph, Hedwig, Thomas, Molly, Betty, and Stephen. Carl supported his family by working as a lab technician for Dow Chemical, where he was a loyal employee for 33 years. Carls work involved testing different kinds of plastics, Styrofoam, and latex, and he even had a patent on a latex polymer particle with two fellow employees. Tragically, Dolores was struck by a car when their youngest child was only five months old. The accident left her with limited physical abilities, and after a series of strokes her ability to communicate was almost entirely lost. This tragedy left Carl with six children to care for. Although it would have been easy for the children to be sent away to various relatives, Carl wouldnt allow it he was a true family man, and keeping his family together was his first priority. As a single father, it was difficult for Carl to participate in activities that took him away from his family. He was able to sing in the choir of his parish, Sacred Heart, and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 1296. For vacations, Carl and his family enjoyed camping trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes, canoeing down the Au Sable River, and even a visit to the Grand Canyon. After the children were grown, Carl found love again when he met Ruth (Hopp) LaBrecque at church, a widower with six children of her own. Carl and Ruth were married on May 22, 1992, at Sacred Heart Church. To Ruth, Carl was her "sweetie". Carl had retired in 1989, so he and Ruth had plenty of time to indulge their shared love of traveling. They made three trips to Europe, three to Hawaii, and one to Alaska, and also went on three cruises. Carl particularly enjoyed the trips to Europe, where he reconnected with his familys European roots. A history buff, Carl also enjoyed visiting Civil War battlefields. Closer to home, Carls golden years were enriched by his hobby of creating stained-glass pieces. He made hundreds of pieces, most of which he generously gave away to family and friends. Generous, talented, and kind, Carl was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. Carl Frick died on June 15, 2013, at the age of 86. Carls family includes his children, Joseph (Trudie) Frick of Lansing, Hedwig Frick of Urbana, OH, Thomas (Marianne) Frick of Brighton, TN, Molly (Ron) Riley of Paw Paw, Betty (Abbas) Bahadori of Silver Spring, MD, and Stephen (Patricia) Frick of Midland; his wife, Ruth Hopp LaBrecque; her family, Larry (Linda) LaBrecque of Hampton, VA, Lynn (Carol) LaBrecque of Auburn, Cathy (Paul) Snider of Remus, Cheryl (Kris) Hoisington of Mt. Pleasant, Christine (Arden) Caszatt of Shepherd, and daughter-in-law, Vicki (Lenny) Seal of New Braunfels, TX; 41 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; his siblings, Eugene (Marlene) Frick of Monroe, Frank Frick of Alma, Rose Marie (Richard) Wilson of Alpena and Clara Frick of Clare; and many nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores; his brothers, August and Otto Frick and infant brother Joseph; and his stepson, Steven. The Frick family is very grateful to the Medical Care Facility second floor staff for their gentle care, especially April, Jessica, Danielle, Casey and Tasha. A Funeral Mass for Carl will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with the Vigil beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or Sacred Heart Parish. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit Carls personal memory page at www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook. Where Will I Be? By Carl Frick When its dangerous enough to eat from his bowl When its dangerous enough to stand for his rights When its dangerous enough to listen to his prayers When its dangerous enough to just be his friend Where will I be when the sun goes down on Judgment Day? Ill be with him, my friend.