Carl Frederick Berthlein

     Carl Frederick Berthlein, 86, Sturgeon Bay, fell asleep in the loving arms of his family and awoke in the arms of the Lord early Tuesday morning, April 18, 2017 at Door County Medical Center.

     He was born January 21, 1931 in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Charles F. and Ruth Blair (Campbell) Berthlein. Carl graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago in 1949. He went on to study industrial arts education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie where he earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s in education.

     Carl was united in marriage to Joyce Elaine DeVries on July 31, 1954 at First Reformed Church in Racine where they eventually attended. He was drafted to serve with the United States Army, entering in 1954 and serving with the Guided Missiles Brigade until his discharge in 1956. Carl then returned to Racine with Joyce and taught industrial arts at Washington Park High School for 32 years and was known for riding his bike or moped to school. He became the department chair a few years into his teaching career. Upon his retirement in 1988, Carl and Joyce moved to Door County and made their home in Sturgeon Bay. He had become familiar with the area from fishing trips over the years with his son, Dale and son-in-law, Jim. While living in Sturgeon Bay, Carl and Joyce were members of the United Methodist Church. They were also volunteers at the Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay.

     Carl was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping throughout the states with family and friends. He was a handyman and woodworker who was always willing to help anyone in need. Carl also liked photography, skiing, golfing, and their many travels throughout the world. He looked forward to picking sweet corn and popcorn at his cousin’s farm in Illinois. Carl had a dry sense of humor and would always wait to see if anyone caught his “zingers.”

     He will be missed by his dear wife, Joyce, with whom he shared over 62 years of marriage; son and daughter, Dale (Judy) Berthlein of Racine and Sue (Jim) Brandtjen of Green Bay; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Katie) Brandtjen [and their daughters, Matilda and Lucille], Kyle Brandtjen, and Christina (Chris) Pural; sister-in-law, Shirley VanDenHandel; four nephews; and friends. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Wayne VanDenHandel.

     Friends are invited to celebrate Carl’s life with his family at the Berthlein home, 539 E. Walnut Pl., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 on Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

     Memorials may be given in Carl’s honor to The United Methodist Church or The Maritime Museum, both in Sturgeon Bay.

     Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Berthlein family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Carl may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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