Carl Matthew Kay

Jan. 02, 1946 - Feb. 08, 2017

Condolences

SOUTH BEND - South Bend - Carl, age 71, peacefully left us to be with the Lord while at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Carl was born in South Bend, Indiana to the late Antoinette Pawlowski and Matthew Klosowski. He met the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Michelene Makowski, at age 11. They were both members of the Z.B. Falcons gym class. Carl and Michelene were married on April 8, 1967, and would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this April.

Along with his best friend and wife, Michelene, he is survived by his three daughters, Carlene (Brian) Pawlowski, Kim (Larry) Brothers, and Carolyn (Gary) Niblock. Carl was also blessed with, and is survived by, eight grandchildren: Derrick, Cassie, Matthew, Allison, Lanie, Michael, Lexi, and William as well as his step-grandchildren, Chad (Katie), Jami (Nic), Shelli (Jesse), and Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Andrea (Peterson) Ruttan, and so many other loving family members and dear friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Fernanda “Freddie” Waldman, and granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Carl was a graduate of John Adams High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was proud to be a marine and all that it stood for. This training taught him how to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity throughout his life. Semper Fi! Upon discharge, he began his business career at Associates Investment Corporation. Simultaneously, he attended classes and graduated from Indiana University South Bend. His ultimate dream, however, was to own his own business. He realized that dream in 1975 when he and his wife purchased a monument company, which later became known as Carl Kay Memorials. They touched many lives during that 40 years of serving the community. What many do not realize is that Carl and Michelene were equally inspired by those they ministered. He was especially honored to have worked with the law enforcement and fire fighter public servants. He proudly served in many different capacities during his lifetime, most currently as a member of the board of directors of St. Joseph Funeral Home.

A special thank you to his many doctors that cared for him during these last years of his illness, including Douglas David, Jose Bufill, John Mathis, and Steven Smith. The family cannot express in words how much they appreciate their kindness and compassion.

During his life, Carl enjoyed golf, bowling, anything Notre Dame, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, ice cream, Dunkin Donuts, and a good gin martini. He loved watching his daughters and grandchildren grow up and attended many of their sporting events to cheer them on. He always looked forward to his annual trips to Florida and the extra time he could spend with his family who would join him there. Carl was inducted into the South Bend Hall of Fame, Mishawaka Hall of Fame, and the Indiana State Hall of Fame, which recognized him for his bowling achievements.

Some of the things Carl deeply believed in and showed us were to “never burn bridges”, look for the positive in all situations, be kind and generous to others, and find ways to make someone's day better even with a simple smile or calling them by name. Carl coveted reaching out to others, be willing to just listen, and love with all your heart. He was always a positive role model to his family and friends. His smile was contagious and his humor was priceless. Carl was the epitome of integrity with a strong Catholic faith that guided him. “His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant...”” Matthew 25:21

Visitation for Carl will take place 2:00pm to 8:00pm Sunday, February 12, 2017 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, February 13, 2017 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 11, 2017

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