CASSOPOLIS – Karl R. Crisler, 77, of Cassopolis, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, after a short illness.

He was born April 12, 1932, in Grand Rapids, the son of the late Joseph and Ardith (Taber) Crisler.

Karl married the former Dora S. Jones on April 16, 1954, in Elkhart, Ind. She died May 5, 2008.

He is survived by: five children, Patricia (Bill) Chosa of Covington, Mich., Belinda (Gary) Gravit of Cassopolis, Camille (Gary) Frisbee of Clarksville, Tenn., Karla (Trini) Rena of Sherwood, Ark., and Bryan (Cindi) Crisler of Muncie, Ind.

He is also survived by: 26 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and six sisters, Diane Crume of Florida, Joyce Barrack of Parkrump, Nevada, Ruth Ann Carl of Seymour, Mo., Donna Patten of Grand Rapids, Ethel Carson of Howard City and Marion Counterman.
Karl was preceded in death by: his parents; a daughter, Perrianne Charles;  a grandson, Gary Gravit Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Melonie Lynn Charles, Wyatt Charles, Lindsy West and Heal West; a brother, James Crisler; and his step-father, Forrest Oberlin.
Karl was a retired teacher who worked at several area schools and also owned and operated  Flatlanders Photo, Cassopolis.

Karl was a charter and life member of William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704, a member of Barn Swallow Theater and a volunteer with the Cass County Council on Aging.

He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea.

Karl and his wife, Dora, were well known as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and did many area appearances during the holidays.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. in Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis.

Officiating wil be the Rev. Larry Settle, retired pastor of Pleasant View Church of Christ, Cassopois.

Military honors will be conducted by members of William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704 and Efton James American Legion Post 206.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Barn Swallow Theater, the Council on Aging or William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704, all of Cassopolis.