CARL G CZUCHNA – CLASS OF 1958

CARL G CZUCHNA – CLASS OF 1958

Czuchna, Carl Gordon of Kalamazoo, Michigan

1935 – 2008

Passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008.

Carl was born November 9, 1935 in Fremont, MI, a son of Stanley and Mildred (Palmer) Czuchna and had lived in Kalamazoo for many years.

He was an active member of the Milwood United Methodist Church and had been employed by the Kalamazoo Public School System for over 40 years. He was the Principal of Milwood Elementary School for 35 years before his retirement and continued to volunteer in the reading program at the school. The new gymnasium at Milwood Elementary School was named in his honor for his many years of service and dedication to Milwood and the Kalamazoo Public School system.

Carl served his country as a member of the ROTC, active service in the United States Army and many years with the Army Reserve.

When he was a young boy, he made the following quote: "I would like to be a teacher. In teaching, I would like to teach my students all that is in my power. I also hope to be able to get along with the students and teachers". He certainly accomplished that in his career.

Carl also threw out the opening pitch at the Milwood Little League Baseball season for many seasons. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Parade. He was an avid Tiger fan, bowled for over 35 years, enjoyed working crossword puzzles, Sudoku and international travel.

Carl is survived by his wife of 30 years, Anne Gegenheimer; his children, Jeffrey (Connie) Czuchna of St. Louis, MO, Craig (Holly) Czuchna of Vienna, Austria, Lisa (Robert) Ailstock of Kalamazoo and Michelle (Andrew) Mason of Topsham, ME; their mother, Nancy Ross; step-children, Bryan (Karen) Lilly of Jasper, IN, Anatolie (Peter) Kovacevich of Cumming, GA, Thomas (Kristine) Lilly of Marietta, GA and Charlene (Kevin) Dwyer of Birmingham, MI; 21 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Czuchna and Gordon (Faye) Czuchna; a half brother, Jerry Czuchna; a half sister, Cheryl Czuchna; nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, a step-son, Gregory Lilly, a brother, Howard Czuchna and a grandson, Tyler Lilly.