OBITUARY Carl Erling Guldberg June 1, 1917 – July 21, 2018 After 101 years, Carl Erling Guldberg went home to be with the Lord. Born in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin on June 1, 1917, he was the eldest of four children of the Reverend Gottfred and Agnes (Kalstad) Guldberg. In 1918, his father received a call to Suttons Bay, MI where he grew up, graduating from high school in 1935. Even at a young age, Carl’s artistic talent was evident, along with his ability to play the organ for the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was captain of the high school basketball team, and participated in baseball and track. Known as Erling in his younger days (a name still used by family), faculty referred to him as Carl when he became a student in the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Michigan. Winning a Design Award helped to pay for his tuition, along with a variety of jobs. Carl was Art Editor of the Michigan Ensian yearbook in his senior year. That was also the year he met Julia Hart, who was to become his wife of nearly 64 years. In 1940, he graduated with a BA in Architectural Design, and concurrently received his Private Pilot’s license. In Baltimore, MD Carl received training for a job in aeronautical drafting: but his Hart was in Ann Arbor and on June 20, 1941 he married Julia in the Michigan League Chapel, with his father performing the ceremony. In October, he began drafting for Stinson Aircraft in Wayne, MI. which continued through WWII. In the five years that followed, Carl worked for the University of Michigan as an Art Instructor, but in 1950 he ventured out into Industrial Design. After gaining experience through several advertising firms, he began his own in 1959. Guldberg Advertising was a successful business in Ann Arbor for many years. Throughout those years, Carl was actively involved as a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a living example of how we should treat one another, and a source of stability for his family. One of his greatest joys was time spent at the family cottage in Traverse City, MI. A swimmer from childhood and a fisherman at heart: he finally caught the Big One, a three-foot Lake Trout! As long time residents of Ann Arbor, Carl and Julia enjoyed the friendships of many. These ardent Wolverine fans could be found at the “Big House” for many a season! Carl was a member of Barton Hills Country Club: a Golfer and Bridge player for 57 years. His love for reading and history was enriched with a fair amount of international travel, but his passion for gardening could be seen in his own backyard. In 2003, Carl and Julia moved into independent living in the Glacier Hills retirement community. New friends became another extended family, especially when Julia passed on in 2005. But Carl realized that remaining busy was essential to longevity. He continued to exercise both his body and mind, with the University’s lap pool and an ongoing lecture series. Still interested in music, he joined a group of singers who performed at area nursing homes, and was a seasoned concert-goer. At Christmastime, he helped to assemble wooden toys, so more children would have a gift to open. Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Hart Guldberg and two brothers, Rev. Gottfred Jr. and Harold Guldberg, as well as his eldest son, Thomas (Ann) Guldberg. He is survived by his sister, Katherine Doepke, daughter Anne (Richard) White, and sons Peter (Alexandra) and James (Patricia) Guldberg; numerous nieces and nephews: nine grandchildren: Robert & Steven Guldberg, Amy Golebiewski, James White, Kelly Kling, Matthew Guldberg, Alicia Reese, Michelle and Eric Guldberg; and eleven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 on Saturday, August 4, 2018. There will be a reception for family and friends preceding the service in the Stellhorn Lounge, starting at 10:00 am. The Guldberg Family wishes to express their appreciation to the caring nursing staff at Glacier Hills, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospice. Charitable contributions in Carl’s memory, can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Muehlig Funeral Chapel. Please visit the funeral chapel website to leave the family your condolences. Send Flowers Show Your Support Share Obituary share to facebook share by email share link Receive Notifications
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Carl Erling Guldberg 2018.
Death notice for the town of: ann, state: arbor