Carl Rummel

Frankenmuth, MI

On September 16, 1930, in a two-story home on Jefferson Street in Frankenmuth Michigan, Henry and Meta (Schmitzer) Rummel welcomed Carl George Rummel into the world, newborn baby brother to sister Henrietta, who was not quite 2 years old at the time.

During Carl's upbringing, he helped his father at the garage on Main Street, which had evolved from a blacksmithing facility; it is now the site of River Place Shops. He recalled washing the first fire truck used by the city, and seeing Detroit Tigers legend Hank Greenberg bringing his pickup truck to Frankenmuth for service. Additionally, Carl was no stranger to farm work, and eating plenty of potatoes and fried eggs during the Great Depression.

Carl attended Arthur Hill High School, then earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State College. He had been offered his father's share of Rummel and Schaefer, a local Chrysler and John Deere dealership - but chose instead pursue higher education. After graduation, he served as Lieutenant in the ROTC at Fort Benning, GA, where he would meet Joyce (Martha) Latham on a double date. 6 months later they were married, and Carl embraced Joyce's infant son Richard as his own. The marriage spanned 67 years, until Joyce's passing in 2021.

Carl dearly loved his sons Richard Farrell (Jenny) Rummel of South Bend, and Carl Henry (Jeannie) Rummel of Royal Oak. He loved his grandchildren Richard and Joyce, and Maya, Olivia, Zane, and Sawyer. He was quite fond of his nephews Steven, David, and Kathy (nee Heyink) Francavilla, as well as family friend Cheryl Schultz. His stepmother Amalia (Voorheis) Rummel, stepbrother Jerry (Gael) Voorheis, and stepbrother Don (Mary Ann) Voorheis predeceased him.

Carl joined Saginaw Steering Gear in 1954, and retired in 1992. During his 38 years there, he was promoted from engineering lab supervisor, to divisional superintendent. His hard-working attitude, willingness to listen, and fair but firm demeanor were his strengths. He was adept at settling disputes involving both people and business concerns, using a common-sense approach that was uncommon. He needed few words to make himself well understood.

Upon his retirement, Joyce announced "I am not spending one more winter in Michigan." Being a devoted husband, a home was bought in Columbus, Georgia, and the two spent much of the year there, returning to Frankenmuth when the weather was more pleasant. Joyce also thought it would be a fine idea for Carl to finally spend some of the money he'd worked so hard for and wisely invested - and the new car she longed for then appeared in the driveway. But in his defense, as an anniversary gift many years earlier, he honored Joyce's request to make her wedding ring something people "wouldn't have to squint at" by adding beautiful diamonds that drew plenty of attention. "You need to live a little," she would say.

Carl was a dedicated servant to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and School, serving on their boards. He enjoyed doing yardwork and occasional grilling. He liked documentaries about the Civil War and World War II. He enjoyed watching and complaining about Detroit sports teams, as well as the Michigan State Spartans. After Joyce's passing, he made his home in Royal Oak with son Carl, whom he embarrassed a bit by singing to Maya, Olivia, and Zane, a previously unknown repertoire of fairly salty songs. He also would sing in German and would chant hymns on occasion. He watched Police Academy, Sergeant York, The Fighting 69th, We Were Soldiers - and in particular, Rocky - more times than the family would care to count.

On March 30, 2025, it would seem that Carl felt satisfied with the life he had lived. While laying quietly, he softly spoke the names of the people dear to him. He then passed peacefully in the company of his family. A man of integrity and beautiful simplicity is now in the hands of God. His example of kindness, patience, warmth, and generosity lives on in those who have known him, and his jovial nature will long be remembered.

A special thanks to those who assisted Carl during his senescense; in particular, Sheryl, Al, and Richard. Their devotion to others is a testament that there are angels all around us. Thanks also to Randy Bierlein, for honoring the involvement of the Rummel family in the Schaefer and Bierlein heritage, and for so graciously arranging for photos of Carl's parents, unknown by him to exist, to be copied and placed in his room.

Funeral Service will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial at St. Lorenz Cemetery. Carl's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church or St. Lorenz Lutheran School in memory of Carl and Joyce Rummel.