A. KARL NENSEWITZ

Karl was born Feb. 14, 1923, in Alpena, Mich., to Robert and Fredia (Laskowsky) Nensewitz. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Aviator V-5 program in June of 1942 and served as a fighter pilot stationed on the air craft carrier U.S. Lexington during WWII. Karl continued to fly and maintained his commercial pilot’s license for the majority of his lifetime. On July 31, 1944, he married the former Alta Marie Gagnon at the Naval Base Chapel in Pensacola, Fla. He lost the love of his life on Dec. 22, 2015, after 71 years of marriage. He joined the Besser Co. in 1941 and retired as Director of Engineering July 1, 1982. Retiring at age 58 allowed many healthy years for traveling for Karl and Alta. Karl served on many state and national concrete masonry committees, served locally in posts with the Alpena Boys Club, Alpena Chamber of Commerce, Besser Credit Union, St. Bernard PTA, CCHS PTA, ACC Tech Center, 43 years on the Alpena Housing Commission and played a large role in improving the accommodations for families in the city. Mayor Matt Waligora proclaimed in 2014 that each Jan. 8 will be “Karl Nensewitz Day” in the City of Alpena. A long-time member of St. Anne Catholic Church he also was a life member of the Alpena VFW Post #2496, Karl was a founding member of the Ranch Hunting Club and enjoyed working in his garden.

Karl will be greatly missed by five daughters, Ann (Tom) Neumann, Lynne (Pete) Skiba, Jill Nensewitz all of Alpena, Marie Nensewitz, Mary Nensewitz both of Colorado; eight grandchildren, Tim (Amber) Neumann, Jeff Neumann, Melissa (Jeff) Krajnik, Peter Skiba, Greg (Keri) Skiba, Karl (Claire) Skiba, Tricia Nensewitz, R.J. (Erica Bosler) Nensewitz; eight great-grandchildren, Justin and Luke, Kate and Kendall, Trevor, Henry and Caroline, Owen; sister-in-law, Jean Chrzan and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Janusch.

As per his wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne Building Fund or the Friendship Room. McWilliams Funeral Home-Alpena is assisting the family.