Carl E. Powley

May 27th, 1930 - June 6th, 2022

Carl's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Carl here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

To Carl’s family:
Carl will be missed by so many - may the happy memories you have provide each of you with some comfort. Following is a special poem …….
REMBER ME
Don’t remember me with sadness,don’t remember with tears. Remember all the laughter we’ve shared throughout the years. Now I am contented that my life was worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way I made people smile. There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone - the light remains. When you are walking down the street and you have me on your mind, I’m walking in your foot steps - only half a step behind. So please don’t be unhappy just becauseI’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you each morning, noon, and night. This is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all part of the Maker’s plan - a step on the road to home! Miss me a little, remember the love that we shared. When you are lonely - go to family and friends and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me but let me go.
Carl - we will think about you always - we will talk about still, you will never be forgotten. We will hold you close and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives ….
Until we meet again!!

Roberta Omlor & family

July 7th, 2022 at 12:47pm

Carl was so important in our lives, both for teachers and students. Jim and I have so many wonderful memories of him. A student of mine wrote this poem about Mr. Carl, who all of our kids dearly loved (especially when it got them out of class for a few minutes). He was one in a million.

The Good Times
By Effiany Sesson

Mr. Carl is unique,
He makes each of our lives complete . . .
Going to the sound suite,
“Raise your hand when you hear the beep.”

Mr. Carl, Mr. Carl, I have some bad news.
My dog ate my hearing aid, please
Please don’t be mad!
“O.K. kiddo, let’s see what we can do . . .”

Now it’s time for the test.
It will be the best . . .
“Repeat after me,
Railroad, ice cream, sidewalk, cowboy.”
Softer and softer, he lowers his voice
“Repeat after me once again,
Airplane, hot dog.”

Now it’s time to get new earmolds.
Chewing, chewing bubble gum
Waiting for the earmold impression to get done.

It’s that time of year once again
To begin ordering new hearing aids
Forest green, red and blue.
Is this color truly you?

“Now we’re done, go back to class
And don’t forget to dump your gum.”

Jan Reppart Kennedy

June 26th, 2022 at 4:30pm

Joy, I and most of my 7 siblings remember Carl, and a few also remember Norla your mother ( my grandfather Ed Gersonde 's younger sister). Sorry to hear of Carl's passing, let me know when the service is, I'm in St. Joseph often and possibly I could stop by. Condolences, Eric Gersonde
eric759@gmail.com (also, Kristen, Jon, Kevin, Kurt, Heidi, Peter )

Eric Gersonde

June 24th, 2022 at 9:16am

Dear Joy, Tammy, Kim and Tobin,
Barb Wicker contacted me earlier this month to let me know Mr. Carl had passed away. Hearing his name took me back to the beginning of my career in Berrien Springs. Carl, Jim, John Reppart, Jerry Farwell and I started teaching while we completed certification classes through Grand Valley together. I remember that he cringed when it was our turn to drive because we made the trip in an ancient beater, but I also remember those trips with great fondness. Carl and I taught at the same level at the beginning - I was so blessed to have learned from the very best. I remember his dream of audiological services on site and thought it seemed impossible, but he made it happen. He was a visionary - pioneering some of the best practices in audiology for infants through school-aged children in the country, including ways of identifying hearing losses at earlier and earlier ages. He was totally dedicated and obsessively thorough - you always knew kids and families were getting the best service possible. Flawless diagnostics, ever improving hearing aids, the advent of pediatric cochlear implants, the benefits of group amplification - he was an expert across the board. He brought professionalism delivered with compassion, knowledge dealt with wisdom, and commitment borne of genuine caring. We were all better because he lifted our standards and our efforts.
His legacy lives on 27 years later. I was pleased, but not surprised to read that memorials may be made to the Berrien Springs Program. Although he was a Michigan Teacher of the Year which is no small tribute to his skills, I know the awards he really appreciated most were the hugs, smiles and thanks he received from hundreds of children, their teachers and parents. He was in it for all the right reasons. I've missed him since he left Michigan - but I know I'll be seeing him again someday. It is was my privilege to have worked closely with such a fine man. My condolences to your family.

Jan Bermingham

June 24th, 2022 at 12:01am

dear Joy and family, I am sorry to hear of Carl's passing. He was my sixth-grade teacher and mentor. He taught me how to buckle down and study hard. He encouraged me in a lot of ways to be the best I could be. I graduated from Trinity class of 57 and carried his words of encouragement with me throughout high school and into later life and work. I lived on Wallace Avenue and always watched for Carl to come by on his daily walks. Often, if I was outside, he would stop for a few minutes to chat which I very much enjoyed.
My best to you and the family. May Carl rest in Peace.

Ronald Schramm

June 23rd, 2022 at 10:04am

Joy, I was sorry to hear about Carl's passing. My condolences to you and your family. Carl touched the lives of so many people. He worked so hard to help his students. I'm thankful to know that he has gone to be with his Lord and Savior forever and that you can look forward to being with him again in Heaven. Still, it's hard to adapt to being without the daily presence of one you've loved for so many years. You and your family are in my prayers.

I so enjoyed working with you at Krasl and still miss you.

Kerry Binnington

June 23rd, 2022 at 2:34am

Joy and Family, Carl was my favorite teacher at Trinity. It was obvious that he cared about his students and their well-being. Being a “teacher's kid” meant that I was able to interact with him in settings other than the classroom, and I appreciated his friendliness and positive spirit. It was always good to touch base with Carl and you when I returned to St. Joe for family visits. I truly treasure the kindness you and Carl extended to my parents in the final days of their lives. God’s peace and comfort to you.

Marilyn [Schmidt] Bork

June 18th, 2022 at 5:53pm

Carl was my second and fourth grade teacher. He taught me skills and a work ethic that carried me through my entire life. He was also my basketball coach and lifelong dear friend. He was my role model, mentor, and inspiration. Many times, during my career, in education, I often found myself reflecting on Carl and how he did things. Next to my dad, he was the greatest influence in my life. He was one of a kind and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. My sincere condolences to Joy and the family. Rest In Peace, Carl. You definitely made this world a better place.

Ron Patzer

June 17th, 2022 at 7:19pm

My Sincerest sympathies to Joy and Carl’s family.
Carl was my teacher at Trinity Lutheran (class of ‘62) and basketball coach. He was a great teacher and coach - the Trinity players went on to do very well when we graduated to the public schools.
I was fortunate to connect with Carl several times over the years. I treasured our talks together as Carl was very interested in how his “kids” were doing in their lives.
Interestingly, I was reflecting on my yesrs at Trinity Luthrran and particularly Carl as my teacher and coach. I wonder if it was the day if his passing.
May Carl Rest In Peace in God’s loving hands. He certainly earned his place in heaven.

Dave Pallas

June 17th, 2022 at 11:09am

Dear Joy, my heartfelt sympathies on the passing of your dear husband.
Carl was my 8th grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School. I'm a proud member of the class of '65. Carl was one of my favorite teachers. Not only an excellent teacher but a fine Christian man who lead by example.
Carl had such a positive impact on so many lives. I’m happy he was a part of my life. He will always live long in my memory.

Linda Fisher Richardson