Karl F. Freed
December 13, 1944 – March 15, 2024
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church. 345 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, with Pastor Mary Austin officiating. Friends my call on the family one hour prior to the service in the Gilmore Lounge of First Congregational Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. A light reception will follow the service. Contributions in Karl’s memory may be made to First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 79, passed away late Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024. Karl was born in Gladwin, MI, on December 13,1944, the son of Robert and Anita (Haas) Freed. He grew up in the Buckeye Oil Field, playing among the oilfield equipment. His father was transferred to Newaygo where Karl attended school in the lower level of the Library. In 1953, his family moved back to Gladwin, where Karl excelled in School, earning top honors. In 1960, his family moved to Albion, where Karl graduated from Washington Gardner High School. He attended MSU from 1963 to 1968 obtaining a BA in Urban Planning. After graduation Karl obtained a job in Kalamazoo, working for the county. After four years with the county he became a consultant with Gove Associates, Inc. During his 35 years at Gove, he graduated with from Western Michigan University with an MA in,Urban Geography, became a Professional Community Planner registered in Michigan and the Nation AICP. He served Gove in many capacities such as VP, Treasurer, President, CE0, and Director. Karl worked with many communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, specializing in utility planning, downtown redevelopment, and urban economics. In 2006, Gove Associates merged with Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering and Karl began early retirement, fully retiring in 2009. Karl is survived by his brothers, Ralph Freed of Kalamazoo and Roger (Mary) Freed of Lake City; niece, Emily Freed; and many friends, including his former wife, Susan Freed. Karl was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Brett Freed; sister-in-law, Antoinette Freed.
Ralph, family & friends: I am DEEPLY saddened to read about Karl’s passing. I made a point to see him during my 2022 visit to Kalamazoo and called him a few times, BUT NOT OFTEN ENOUGH, so he knew I was thinking of him. What a big hearted, generous and GREAT GUY. I promise I’ll say a very special prayer for his sweet soul and the comfort of all who love and miss Karl. I’m currently on a cruise til the 23rd but will be at his service in spirit. My most sincere condolences to all. “Mac”
Ralph, family & friends: I am DEEPLY saddened to read about Karl’s passing. I made a point to see him during my 2022 visit to Kalamazoo and called him a few times, BUT NOT OFTEN ENOUGH, so he knew I was thinking of him. What a big hearted, generous and GREAT GUY. I promise I’ll say a very special prayer for his sweet soul and the comfort of all who love and miss Karl. I’m currently on a cruise til the 23rd but will be at his service in spirit. My most sincere condolences to all. “Mac”
Ralph, family & friends: I am DEEPLY saddened to read about Karl’s passing. I made a point to see him during my 2022 visit to Kalamazoo and called him a few times, BUT NOT OFTEN ENOUGH, so he knew I was thinking of him. What a big hearted, generous and GREAT GUY. I promise I’ll say a very special prayer for his sweet soul and the comfort of all who love and miss Karl. I’m currently on a cruise til the 23rd but will be at his service in spirit. My most sincere condolences to all. “Mac”
My heart is broken. We have decades of history and laughs and Karl was a true blue friend for life and he never cut people off , but allowed friends to grow and change. Sue, when you guys stayed down the road from me that winter in Key West, I still look back on the laughs and memories as one of the most fun winters ever. Not to miss all the shenanigans you and I got into and he would come home and roll his eyes and call us Lucy and Ethel The world is short an awesome human being and I’m proud to call him my friend for life
Leaving a Tribute in Memory of Karl includes quite a diverse background, and will leave a void in my life. Karl and I shared the Birth and Passing of our Son, Bretton James Freed, and we continued to be in touch over many years. I am very sad, as Karl was always part of my life . I n his lifetime Karl was a goof Father and a good Friend to me, and I will miss him always. May he rest in peace.
Have known Karl for many years as a client (HairCutters in Portage) and through professional work when he was with Gove and my time as a Kalamazoo County Commissioner. He knew his field very well and was very respected in is field of community planning. Haven’t seen him in a number of years since I retired and certainly hope he didn’t suffer long prior to his journey to his heavenly home. Rest well faithful servant for your work on earth is done.
As a sales clerk at Libin’s I got to know Karl. He was a smart, considerate person. May Karl rest in peace.
We have fond memories of working with Karl in the Village of Vicksburg.
I was truly saddened to read about Karl’s passing. We met years ago when I lived in Kalamazoo. He was always supportive when I was going thru my divorce, working with the republican women’s group, giving great advice for business and life events. Every time I came back to Kalamazoo he always gave me a place to stay. We always had dinner up at the Black Swan. I remember many days meeting him down at the University Roadhouse for food and a beer. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ralph and family. You will never know how much he meant to me. He will always hold a special place in my heart.