Carl Quist

The foundation of his family, the life of Carl Quist was one of dedication and devotion to the family entrusted to his care. A stranger to none and a friend to many, Carl had a passion for good, engaging conversation with those around him. He loved the splendor of the Michigan north woods and spent every opportunity enjoying the Michigan waters and all the area had to offer. Most importantly, Carl possessed a generous and caring heart in which he helped others whenever he could. Extremely proud of his family and blessed with a multitude of special friends, the memory of Carl Quist will forever be treasured.

Marked by a time of prosperity in America, the year 1927 was filled with excitement as Gershwin’s, “Strike Up the Band” and “Old Man River” could be heard on the radio. News of the day was the hero’s welcome given to one of Detroit's native sons, Charles Lindbergh following his historic, transatlantic solo flight. However, nothing could compare to the anticipation George and Helen Quist, a young couple from the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan felt when on November 3, 1927 they welcomed the birth of their son, Carl Robert Quist into their hearts.

Raised on Detroit's west side, Carl's father provided for their family as an electrician while his mother, a homemaker, remained at home with Carl and his three brothers, Ralph, Harold, and Fred. As a child, Carl experienced the adventures of boyhood and enjoyed spending time at the family farm in Tawas City with his cousins where great times were shared.

The onset of the Great Depression created a life of hardship for many. It was also during this time during Carl's youth when he was diagnosed with polio, one of the most feared diseases of this time. Although the disease paralyzed thousands of children every year, young Carl was fortunate and overcame his polio through swimming. Although swimming was used to bring Carl back to health, it served him well as a young adult when he worked as a lifeguard and saved a young boy from drowning.

From his younger years in elementary school, Carl remained lifelong friends with many with whom he attended school with. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit with the Class of 1945. Like many young men during World War II, Carl went on to become an honorable Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served stateside. Following his discharge from the service, he furthered his education, graduating from Bowling Green State University of Ohio.

While bowling with some friends, Carl met his future wife, Delphine, the young woman who would come to be his life companion and helpmate for the next 50 years of their lives. Together they were blessed with a family of their own, sharing the love of three fine sons, Fred, Eric, and Robert. They eventually moved to the Livonia, Michigan area where they made their home and raised their boys. A hard working man, Carl provided well for his family while working at the Ford Motor Company.

As a family, Carl enjoyed cross country drives with his wife and kids to Texas and Florida. They eventually purchased a cottage at Indian Lake and took in fun-filled times there year round. Throughout the warm Michigan summers and into the cold winters, Carl absolutely loved all the activities he could behold surrounding cottage living. When grandchildren came into his life, Carl went all out by building additional space at the cottage to accommodate all of them. Along with some friends, Carl also built a hunting cottage in Harrison, Michigan which they called the "B.E. Lodge".

It was no wonder Carl succeeded in his career with Ford. With his positive attitude, he always made a good impression on people. His troubleshooting skills and talent as a problem solver made him a true leader. He liked being around people, and was an excellent conversationalist. A true native son of his city, Carl always exemplified the industrious, "can do" attitude of Detroit and Michigan. He enjoyed a long illustrious, global work career in senior management with the Ford Motor Company. Following 31 years of faithful service, Carl retired in 1989 as an executive for the Parts and Service Division of the company.

Carl and Delphine enjoyed wintering at their condominium in Gulf Shores, Alabama and went on many boat trips and cruises on their boat for extended periods of time. Carl also spent his time enjoying the game of golf, and liked watching it on television along with his much loved westerns. He tinkered around with woodworking, and throughout the years he enjoyed time spent in the kitchen cooking, as well. An avid reader, he was interested in a variety of topics, kept up on current affairs, and enjoyed walking his dog.

For all that he was, Carl Quist was foremost a man of integrity who lived fully and completely at every opportunity. A devoted family man, he was dedicated in all he did, and served others with a caring heart.

Carl Robert Quist passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014 at the age of 87. He was the beloved husband of the late Delphine; dear father of Fred (Lynn), Eric (Gina), and the late Robert (Jennifer). Loving grandfather to Robert, Hayley, and Carl; brother of Ralph (Jean), the late Harold (Jane), and Frederick; and loving uncle “Bob” to many nieces and nephews; dearest friend of Norma McNeil. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday 3-4pm with a 4:00pm Memorial Service at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile in Livonia (btn Merriman and Middlebelt). Inurnment in Parkview Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in the name of Carl and Delphine Quist can be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliot - Detroit, MI 48207. To share a favorite memory or photo of Carl and to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com.