Carl G. Czuchna

CZUCHNA, Carl G.
Kalamazoo, Michigan 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; 4 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. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 1:00 PM in the Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Rd., with Rev. Marty Culver and Rev. Phillip Steele, O.S.L., officiating. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. on Friday, January 2, 2009, from 2-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Health Ministries of Milwood United Methodist Church, Habitat For Humanity or the Ronald Mc Donald House. www.langelands.com 343-1508