Carl J "Shorty" Egeler, 69, a lifelong resident of Traverse City, died on Thu, Mar 18, 2004, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Apr 12, 1934, in Traverse City, he was the son of Herman H and Anna M (Rokos) Egeler. On Aug 24, 1996, in Lakeland, FL, he married the former Mary Seegmiller, who survives.
Everyone knew Carl as "Shorty" and his kids were "Shorty's kids." Shorty and Mary didn't like the cold, so they wintered in Florida, where he had been employed as a security guard.
In Kalkaska, he was the owner of Dingman's Bar for 15 years and before that, worked at Fitzpatrick Electric for 17 years. He also managed J&G Bowling Alley. Shorty was a member of the Eagles, where he received his 40 year pin, the VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge in Florida and the Elks.
His hobbies included coin collecting on E-Bay, collecting Nascar memorabilia, fishing, golfing, and boating. He also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Tippy, when he was watching sporting events on television. In his day, he loved to play baseball and dance to country western music, and was a golden glove boxer, basketball referee and baseball umpire. Always a prankster. Shorty lived his life the way he wanted to by having fun. He will be fondly remembered as a very caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Along with his devoted wife, Mary, Shorty is survived by his children, Patricia (Kirk Schuch) Egeler of Bellaire, Cheryl Hall of Traverse City, Danny (Peggi) Egeler of Washington, and Jenny Lee Stevenson, Douglas G (Sandra) Egeler and Timothy Egeler, all of Traverse City; two stepchildren, Ray L Petroskey and Fay (Larry) Thomas, all of Traverse City; brother, Ronald (Nancy) Egeler of Traverse City; sister, Sandra Hillis of WI; 19 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; an uncle, Fred Rokos; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Ken Stevenson of Traverse City, and the mother of his children, Shirley Egeler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tina J Flees; two infant brothers, and one infant sister.
A scripture service was held Tue, Mar 23, 2004, conducted by Sister Katherine. Burial will be in Linwood Long Lake Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements were made by the Reynold-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
