Obituary of Carl Pelkey

Carl Pelkey was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on March 25, 1931. He was the only son born from the union of the late Clarence Pelkey and the late Gertrude (Greenfield) Pelkey. Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably. Carl married the love of his life, the late Ferne Atha in 1969. The couple raised a blended family. Carl worked for more than thirty years as the manager of a mobile home community in California. He also operated a home based Shaklee business with Ferne for many years. Carl and Ferne had a very special relationship. Wherever Ferne went Carl wasn't far behind. The couple moved back to Monroe in 2010. Carl had been baptized and raised in a Catholic home, but in 2011 had a reaffirmation of faith being saved and baptized. He was an active member of Faith Baptist Church. Carl was a happy man with a great sense of humor. He had a servant's heart and was always willing to lend a hand. Carl was very family oriented, enjoying the company of friends and family. He loved to collect coins and always shared his loot with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed local travel and baseball. Carl, age 83 of LaSalle was called from this earthly life to his Heavenly home at 3:10pm, Monday, December 29, 2014 at Fountain View of Monroe. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his beloved wife: Ferne on February 19, 2011; and his son-in- law: Reverend Charles K. McCollum. To cherish his memory, Carl leaves his two children; Karen and Kevin; two step sons: Russell (Charlotte) Launer of East Lansing and Courtney Launer of California; two step daughters: Nancy (Richard ) Shirley and Becky McCollum both of California; fourteen grandchildren: Charles Shamka, Ronald Shamka, Renee Merkle, Rick Wray, Katina Launer, Christa Kaufman, Steve Sinadinos, Rachel Sinadinos, Cliff Launer, Clay Launer, Megan Libstorff, Glenn Brainard, Matthew McCollum, and Abigail McCollum, twenty great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 10:30am until 1:00pm on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkle's with Reverend Brian Southerland pastor of Faith Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery. All in attendance are invited back to Faith Baptist Church, 2266 Sandy Creek Road for food and fellowship. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.