Karl E. DePew's Obituary
Big Rapids - Karl E. DePew, 66, of Big Rapids, longtime owner of Mr. Karl's Hairdressing, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Royal View Assisted Living in Canadian Lakes. He was born May 9, 1951 in Big Rapids, the son of Lawrence and Margaret (Kailing) DePew, and attended St. Mary Catholic School as a young boy. In 1969, Karl graduated from Big Rapids High School, and then earned his Associates Degree in Cosmetology from Ferris State University. Karl enjoyed his career as a hairdresser for close to 40 years, owning and operating Mr. Karl's for the last 35. His creativity won him numerous awards at hair shows for cutting and styling hair. Karl was a lifetime member and supporter of St. Mary Catholic Church and School. He was a long-time member of the choir, and his love for music and singing was a passion for him. He also formerly co-chaired the St. Mary Gala, and was active with the St. Mary Festival. Karl was also active with the Friends of Ferris, the Christmas Tree Festival, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a big supporter of charities, donating his time and talent to help raise money for their needs. He loved to plant his beautiful flowers every summer, and would decorate his house abundantly with lights for the Christmas holidays. No matter where he was, he was always in the company of people who knew him or of him. Karl's favorite pastime was socializing with his customers, family, and friends. He was admired as a community leader, business owner, and was well known for his compassion and sense of humor. On Sept. 20, 1985, Karl married Joann (Marsiglia), who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Christopher (Melody), and Alex (Julie), both of Big Rapids; a beautiful granddaughter Lucille Marie (4 months), whom he adored; 3 brothers, Mike (Sally) DePew, Tom DePew, and Father Daniel DePew; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews; and his Currie and Kailing cousins, who helped with his care, and took him out weekly to keep his spirit alive. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ron DePew, his sister-in-law Bonnie DePew, and his father-in-law Joseph Marsiglia. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with his brother, Father Dan DePew as celebrant. Spring burial will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Karl's family will greet friends at the church on Monday, February 5, from 5-7 p.m., with the Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m., and after 10 a.m. Tuesday until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Mary Catholic School, Spectrum Health Hospice, or the Susan B. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center.
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