Alan Charles Garwold

Alan Charles "Al" Garwold, 81, of Traverse City stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

Al was born on Friday, February 12, 1937 to the late Lloyd and Lila (Cantley) Garwold in Flint. He attended school there and graduated from Bentley High School in 1955. He continued his education at GMI, Flint Junior College, U of M Flint and Central Michigan University, eventually earning double masters degrees. He taught chemistry and physics, beginning his career at his alma mater, Bentley High School and then taught for 37 years, with 30 of those years at Central High School in Traverse City. His storytelling/teaching skills encouraged many of his students, especially with his Lois Highic story. Al enjoyed woodworking, difficult crossword puzzles and Sudoku and thoroughly enjoyed reading westerns. He has been an active member of Bible Baptist Church since its early days on 14th Street. He was involved in the building of the new building on Cass Road, served as a Deacon and Elder and chairman of the church board and also taught Sunday School. One of his greatest joys came from watching other people be happy and time spent with his family.

Al is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joy L. (Forbush) Garwold, whom he married on July 24, 1965 in Flushing; his children, Keith Alan (Stephanie) Garwold of Evans, GA; Kathryn Danille Garwold of Traverse City, his grandsons Nathan Lee and Ian Charles Garwold; and brothers Wayne C. (Deb Weaver) Garwold of Ocala, FL and Gene C. (Martha) Garwold of Ramer, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A time to visit with Al's family will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The service celebrating his life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24 at Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Rd. Traverse City, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will take place at 1:00 PM Monday, March 26 at Crestwood Memorial Gardens in Grand Blanc.

The family has asked that memorial contributions in Al's memory be directed to Bible Baptist Church or to The Cowell Family Cancer Center c/o The Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.