William Adams Carle

William Adams Carle, Sr., (71), of St. Joseph, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Friday, September 30, 2011. A Life Remembrance Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. , Sunday, October 9, 2011, at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Avenue in St. Joseph. Friends and family may visit from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Church of God Endowment Fund or to Lakeland Hospice. Those wishing to sign the guestbook may do so at www. starks-menchinger.com. Bill was born in Chicago, IL, on May 13, 1940, to William and Vivian (Isabella) Carle. Bill served as a member of the Air Force National Guard through college. He graduated from Bradley University (Peoria, IL), in 1963, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. On June 27, 1964, Bill married Dea Ann Gleason. After moving to St. Joseph in 1968, the couple opened Lake Shore Studios, a manufacturer of high end lamp shades and lighting products. The business is now operated by Bill’s son, William (Bill) Carle, Jr. Bill served on the Foundation Board of Lakeland Hospital. He was also an active member of First Church of God, where he served on the Endowment Board and also ushered. Bill enjoyed being a mentor for the children at McCord Elementary School in Benton Harbor. Bill loved woodworking; handcrafting beautiful furniture for each of his grandchildren. He also loved gardening, scuba diving, skiing and being outdoors. Bill was a man with a humble heart who spent his life as a servant; always meeting the needs of others before his own. Bill is survived by his wife, Dea Carle; a son, Bill Carle, Jr. (wife Renee); daughter, Jody Williams (husband Andy); and six grandchildren; Nick Williams (17), Maddie Williams (15), Issa Williams (11), Ryan Carle (16), Rachel Carle (13), and Morgan Carle (8); brother Burt (wife Mary) Carle. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Vivian Carle; sister Mary Anne Laccabue Carle; and infant daughter Joelyn Noel Carle.