Karlton "Karl" A. De Foe

On Thursday, March 9th Karlton ‘Karl’ A. De Foe, Jr. 88, passed away peacefully after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family. Karl was born in Detroit, MI, on September 16, 1934, the son of Karlton A. De Foe and Louise Marengo. On July 14, 1967, he married Cynthia Hendrian in Ann Arbor, MI. After graduation from Wayne State University in 1956 and service in the U. S. Army, Karl’s career was in property and casualty insurance. He spent the last 28 years of his career as an international insurance broker with Johnson and Higgins developing and servicing comprehensive, cost-effective programs for Fortune 500 clients with property and casualty exposures outside the United States and Canada. His many assignments included two years in Singapore from 1982 to 1984 as well as visits to clients in many countries. After retiring in 1998, Karl and Cynthia returned to their beloved northern Michigan, where each had spent many happy times vacationing prior to and during their marriage. In retirement, Karl and Cynthia took many trips throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He was a proud global citizen who loved to travel and showed his family much of the world! Karl took great pleasure in helping physically, visually, and mentally challenged adults in sports, especially downhill skiing. Karl’s other pursuits included sailing, jazz, and classical music. He was also an avid reader. When he was not skiing, Karl made a daily habit of swimming at the Civic Center. In addition, he delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a Traverse City Visitor Center volunteer for many years. Karl was an activist on many local issues including the need for smoke-free workplaces and public places. In addition, he supported the Traverse City Record-Eagle in its investigative reporting and encouraged input from the public on urgent matters affecting our community. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Marengo and Karlton A. De Foe, as well as his brother-in-law Robert H. Thomas of Dallas, TX, and sister-in-law Carlotta Z. Hendrian of Harbor Springs, MI. In addition to his wife Cynthia, he is survived by his two daughters Suzanne Marie and Katherine Elizabeth, his brother-in-law Richard V. Hendrian, and sister-in-law Suzanne H. Thomas and Suzanne’s boyfriend Travis Block as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the world. Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12675 Center Road, Traverse City, MI, 49686 at 11:00 am, on Saturday, April 29th with a visitation taking place one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed at www.WatchMassOnline(stjosephtc.org) The Rev. Fr. Ben Rexroat will be presiding. A gathering of family and friends will also follow at the Parish Hall where lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Father Fred Foundation. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Kindly share memories with Karl’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Karlton "Karl" A. De Foe

August 16, 1934 - March 9, 2023