Otto Carl Raspor, age 92, of Rapid River, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Carl was born July 23, 1928, in Kipling, the son of the late Mike and Mary (Benedic) Raspor. He attended Kipling grade school and was a 1947 graduate of Gladstone High School, salutatorian of his class. Carl went on to attend the University of Chicago. He received his Bachelor Degree Magna Cum Laude in Physics from the University of Notre Dame South Bend, Indiana. Carl furthered his education by completing his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant.
Carl served 4 years in the United States Army where he was stationed in Yokohama and Tokyo Japan.
Carl married the former Helen Wolf at St. Charles Church in Rapid River on May 21, 1977.
Throughout his working career, Carl was employed in the Central Research Division at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI. He retired in 1993 following 35 years of employment.
Carl loved to read and had a library of over 3000 books. He served on several church committees and enjoyed picking blueberries during the blueberry season.
Carl is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Helen and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Carl’s parents; Mike and Mary, brothers; Mike, Frank, Joe, Rudy and Tony, and his sisters; Ann, Rose, Agnes, Olga, Frances and Mary preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Carl will be held privately at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski, Rev. Fr. Joseph V. Augustine, and Rev. Fr. Dan Moll officiating. Carl will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Lance Wolfe - Munising, MI
My prayers are with my beautiful Aunt Helen. Uncle Carl was always such a kind, gentle and nice man. Our family has lost one of our dearest treasures. Uncle Carl will never be forgotten! May all the nephews and grand sons be like Carl so they too can be Great Men.
Sandy Moselle - Caledonia, WI
Gone too soon . Our wonderful uncle is at peace. He will be missed by all. Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Susan Richard - MILWAUKEE, WI
Prayers are with Helen for the loss of her husband. I didn’t get to see him often but he was always kind and gentle. He was loved by many and will be missed.
A life well lived, Uncle Carl!
Jeff Richard - Glendale, AZ
My condolences to Aunt Helen.
I probably haven’t seen my Uncle Carl in over 60 years. But my mother (his sister) spoke proudly and lovingly of him often, and I found out that he was a silent benefactor to many of us. A great man indeed. Rest in peace my dear Uncle..
Jeff Richard - Glendale, AZ
My prayers are for Aunt Helen. My memories of Uncle Carl come mostly from conversations with my mother (his sister), who spoke proudly and lovingly of him. I found out several years ago that he had been a silent benefactor to my education decades earlier, and I’m grateful that I finally was able to thank him. Rest in peace Uncle Carl.
Tom Pieropon - Lisle, IL
My thoughts and prayers for Aunt Helen.
Such a brilliant mind and compassionate soul. All our lives were Blessed by his presence.
God has him in his keeping, and we have him in our hearts.
Gods blessing and peace. Heaven has another Angel.
Eleanor Dougherty - Rapid River , Mi
Carl’s life is one lived well and long! But never long enough when you are left alone. He will be missed by the church family too. Please know you are in my prayers especially at this time of year. Eleanor Dougherty, St Charles parish
Carolyn Stacey - Escanaba, MI
We enjoyed Carl’s many visits to the Escanaba Public Library over the years and will miss seeing him and talking with him. He would often bring us coffee cans full of blueberries in the summer! Such a kind soul.
David Pawlowski - Midland, Mi
Carl Raspor was a true “Scientist” in the former Dow R&D known for his detailed research, always backed by his hard work and great math that very few managers could understand. Carl came of age at Dow when slide rules were the research scientists principle tool. If you ever eat from a Yoplait yogurt container made using Carl’s scrapless forming process, remember the man. His kindness, personal integrity and intellect always shined brightly, but his ego NEVER did. Carl was a very good and wonderfilled soul, who I hope is praying for us from on high.
Cynthia Mcdonough - Gladstone, MI
Helen, So sorry for your loss. It is never easy losing a loved one. May you find peace in all your good memories. Our deepest sympathy.