Carl J. "Sonny" Kubitz

Carl John Kubitz Sr, 81, of Ottawa Lake, MI, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Carl was born on May 14th, 1942, to the late Carl and Helen (Kirk) Kubitz.

Carl graduated from Whiteford Agricultural Schools in 1960. He then went on to further his education attending Michigan State University College of Agriculture. He graduated in 1962 with a degree in Agricultural Science. After graduating, Carl began serving his apprenticeship at Toledo Scale alongside his father. He then worked hard to achieve his journeyman card at Sharon Manufacturing in 1969. In 1977, he became a millwright for General Motors Transmission Plant in Toledo, OH. He happily retired from GM in 2006.

Carl was an avid farmer throughout his entire life co-owning Heiden-Kubitz Pig Farm in Dundee, MI, with Roger Heiden. He met Sandy Nelson at Sharon Manufacturing, and they were married on March 5th, 1977. Carl and Sandy then moved to Maybee, MI after they were married where Carl served on the Maybee Fire Department for a few years. They then moved to Ottawa Lake, MI in the spring of 1983 and this is where they settled in and raised their family. Carl was a beloved member of the Whiteford community, having served on the Whiteford Fire Department with a career spanning for over 40 years. He forged lasting friendships during his time on the department that he cherished deeply. He was proud of his community and felt it was an honor to serve. When that fire alarm sounded, Carl was always there; willing and ready to offer help and support.

Carl was a hardworking blue-collar man with a heart of gold. He was born a farmer, having worked alongside of his own father in the fields, and on the farm since the time he could walk. He never stopped farming up until his passing. Carl was very fond of his late father. They shared a special bond, which he often reminisced about with his friends and family. He enjoyed spending his time with his children and grandchildren. He instilled important morals and values in his children and grandchildren to work hard, do the right thing, to be proud of themselves and to keep the farming traditions going. He was the patriarch and heart of his family. There was never a time that he would fail to be there for those he loved and cared for. If he cared about you, you knew it. If you shared a conversation with him and spent time with him, you would never forget it. He was always there with a smile and always on time rain or shine. Aside from being a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather, his passion in life was antique tractor pulling. He took great pride in the many trophies he won.

Carl is survived by his daughters, Debi (Dennis) White and Nadine (Allen) Baker; son, Carl (Angela Smalley) Kubitz, Jr; grandchildren, Aaron, Mackenzie (Ryan Miller), Katelyn, Mariah, Kara Jo, Nathan, Anna, and Jonathon; and great grandson, Blain. Carl was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Ron; wife, Sandra; twin sons, Casey and Corey; and his beloved dog, Tinker. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him.

Friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main St., Sylvania, OH, Monday, May 6, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 7th. Pastor Andy Hill will officiate. The Whiteford Township Volunteer Fire Department will conduct Last Alarm Services on Monday evening at 6:30 PM. Carl will be laid to rest beside Sandy at Whiteford Union Cemetery following the funeral ceremony. Please feel free to dress in your farmer’s best! In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Carl’s honor to the Whiteford Fire Department. Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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