Celebration of Life

Karl-Heinz Albert Michael

1930-2009 

Known to his family and friends as Karl, he was born in Burgsteinfurt, Germany on Oct. 3, 1930, the eldest child of Alexander Bernhardt and Erna Louise (Sommer) Michael.  Karl had a lifelong love of all things mechanical relating to automobiles, motorcycles, and engines. As a young man in Germany he was able to study technical mechanics in the automotive industry which became the basis for a very successful career.

Karl married Maria Magdelena (Marlene) Walbeck in 1952 in Munchengladbach, Germany. Seeking greater opportunity than what they found available in postwar Germany, Karl and Marlene immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1956. Three years later in 1959 having taken advantage of another opportunity, they were settled in Peabody, MA, USA. It was in Peabody that they would raise their son, become United States citizens, and make their home for the next 45+ years. Karl was a very well known and sought after technician in Massachusetts mostly affiliated with Mercedes Benz vehicles.

Karl and Marlene vacationed in Naples, Florida for many years before moving there permanently in 2003. Karl passed away peacefully at his home in Naples surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. 

At the time of his death, Karl was survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marlene (Walbeck) Michael, his son Ronald Michael and his wife, Ellen, two grandchildren, Brian Michael and Nicole Michael, and his siblings, Fritz Benno (aka Friedel) Michael of Burgsteinfurt, Germany, Ann (Michael) Aird of Abbotsford, BC, Canada, and Klaus Michael of Coquitlan, BC, Canada. 

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