My Uncle Carl Roedig was the most remarkable man in my life. As a child growing up, I can remember the joy I felt whenever I saw him. He was the kind of uncle every kid deserves. Carl made me feel like I was the most important part of his life. There was nothing he wouldn’t do with me, or for me. Looking back, I can say without reservation that Carl was perhaps the most influential man in my life.
Since Carl was married to my dad’s youngest sister (Darlene) and also worked for the same company, we spent a lot of time together. As I grew up, I realized just how special he was. Carl had an ability to talk to anyone. He had genuineness about him. I can remember when he was bartending as a part-time job. He was perfect in this role. Carl definitely had a gift for building relationships. He also was a man of conviction, and his word was his bond. As a plant manager, his employees knew they could believe in him.
The best thing about Carl was his personality. He was so much fun to be around. His laugh was the best. He had that “kid from the street” legacy, and never departed from his roots. Carl was also a fan of giving people nicknames. The story goes when saw me with toy six-guns on my side and a dirty face I looked like Yosemite Sam…and that stuck. He would greet me with Yosemite every time he saw me. It made me feel special…he made me feel special. Whenever he saw my dad…he would call him Chief, my mom was Beautiful. If you knew Carl, you probably had a nickname.
We did so many amazing things together, hunting, fishing, working together, and countless family gatherings. When he and Darlene got married they asked me to be there ring-bearer. So, when Cheri and I got married it just made sense that Carl would be an usher at our wedding. He was so proud to be included, and I was honored to have him part of my special day, just like I was part of his. There are countless examples of how much Carl’s life intertwined with mine. I can remember Car-ferry trips back and forth from Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI. Those four hour trips were full of adventure and memories.
Carl was also involved in perhaps the most life changing events of my life. When I was eighteen I was living with Carl and Darlene while I was working for Carl. He and I went deer hunting in the swamp near the Pier Marquette River. As we were walking out I slipped on a root and damaged my kidney. Thanks to Darlene’s quick response, and God’s miraculous blessing I survived. Carl was over the top concerned for me, and his love helped pull me through a close call. I will be eternally grateful for all they did for me.
I could go on and on. Carl was nothing but a source of encouragement, affirmation, love and joy in my life. I could not be more grateful and blessed by having him in my life. He was such a positive influence on me. My only regret was that I could not have been the same for him in his later years as he was in my formative years. I will hold on to our memories together and smile because…that is what Carl always did…he made me smile. How wonderful it is that he is reunited with the love of his life Teresa, my dad and all of the other family and friends who have gone before. Rest in Peace sweet man…you are one of a kind. I thank God for you.
Much love…Butch “Yosemite Sam” Herzog