Carl Hagstrom

Carl F. Hagstrom, 75, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Carl was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on June 17, 1941 to Carl and Garnet (Thomas) Hagstrom.  He attended Cheboygan area schools before continuing his studies at Northern Michigan Community College, Northwestern Michigan College and Central Michigan University.

His career in sales and insurance took him from northern Michigan to Colorado and finally landing in Grand Rapids where he eventually retired.  During his career he was also actively involved the Cheboygan Jaycee’s eventually serving as the state vice president.

One of his first jobs in high school was as Ski Patrol at Nub’s Nob and he was immediately hooked.  Anyone who knew Carl knew of his love of skiing – from ski team in high school to skiing in retirement, he embraced it all throughout his life.  He was the most graceful skier you would see on the slopes!  Besides tackling the slopes around Michigan, he loved skiing the resorts throughout the Rocky Mountains.  But the highlight of his adventures was a trip to Europe skiing from town to town in Italy and Austria.  Carl instilled this love of the hills in his children and grandchildren as well as many friends.  He served as an active member and leader in the Ski-Knicks Ski Club in Detroit and then the Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club.

Growing up in Northern Michigan with a father who was a lighthouse-keeper at Whitefish Point and Poe’s Reef, Carl developed a love of the water as well.  When the snow was not falling, Carl spent the summers of his youth working on the Mackinac Island ferries and enjoyed water-sports on the Great Lakes and the surrounding lakes.  This manifested into a love of sailing. 

Carl is survived by his wife Carol Sue, children Chris, Gretchen (Joe) Murphy, and Jeffrey, grandchildren Zach, Anna and Brendan, brother Donny and sister Carol as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.  Carl is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Charles and Kenneth and his sister Joan (Ushman).

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at noon, with the family greeting friends beginning at 11:00am, at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home.  Jeff Dinner will officiate, burial will be at Pinehill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans at 3000 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Online condolences may be made at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

The Nordman-Christian Funeral Home of Cheboygan is caring for the family.

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