Karl R. Crisler, 77, of North O’Keefe Street, Cassopolis, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 in the University of Michigan Medical Center in 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, and was a resident of Cassopolis since 1968, coming from Elkhart, Ind.
Karl married the former Dora S. Jones on April 16, 1954 in Elkhart, and she preceded him in death May 5, 2008.

Karl was a retired school teacher who taught in several area schools. He and his wife, Dora, were owner/operators of Flatlander Photo in Dowagiac, where his wife ran a lunch counter. They later moved their business to Cassopolis.

Karl was an Army veteran who served in Korea. He was a charter and life member of the William E. Lozier VFW Post No. 10704 in Cassopolis. He was on the board of governors with the Barn Swallow Theatre in Cassopolis. He directed the dinner theater and plays there. He also was a volunteer with the Cass County Council on Aging and was involved with the Reader Theater Program there, and was their photographer.

He received his bachelor’s degree in arts from Purdue University; his master’s degree in arts from Western Michigan University; and his teaching degree from Michigan State University.

Karl and his wife were well-known as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and did many area appearances during the holiday. They did this for more than 20 years.

Karl is survived by five children: Patricia (Bill) Chosa, of Covington, Mich.; Belinda (Gary) Gravit Sr., of Cassopolis; Camille (Gary) Frisbee, of Clarksville, Tenn.; Karla (Trini) Reyna, 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 Pahrump, Nev.; Ruth Ann Carl, of Seymour, Md.; Donna Patten, of Grand Rapids; Ethel Carson, of Howard City, Mich.; and Marion Counterman.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Perrianne Charles; a grandson, Gary Gravit Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Melonie Lynn Charles, Wyatt Charles, Lindsy West and Leah West; a brother, James Crisler; and stepfather, Forrest Oberlin.

Karl’s wishes were to have his body donated to the University of Michigan Medical School.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis. Officiating will be the Rev. Larry Settle, retired pastor of Pleasant View Church of Christ, Cassopolis. Military honors will be rendered by members of the William E. Lozier VFW Post No. 10704 and Efton James American Legion Post No. 206, both of Cassopolis.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Cass County Council on Aging, the Barn Swallow Theatre or the William E. Lozier VFW Post No. 10704, all of Cassopolis. Online condolensces can be left at connellyfuneralhome@veri zon.net.

Carrie May Doyle, 52

Carrie Mae Doyle, 52, of Stone Lake Street in Cassopolis, passed away at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 1, 2009 after an illness. In keeping with her wishes Carrie has been cremated and her family will be holding a memorial service at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photographs may be left for the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.