Carl William Speier

MADISON/MILWAUKEE-Carl W. Speier, Age 103, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Coventry Sebring Village in Madison.  He was born on Jan. 5, 1915, to John and Martha (Posanski) in Milwaukee.  Carl was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army as a Technician where he learned his trade of tool making.  He would later take this trade to become a tool maker for Allis Chalmers where he worked until his retirement.  Carl met his wife of 70 years, Bernice, at the Eagles Ballroom and they were married May 17, 1947, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hewitt, WI.  He enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas (33 in fact) with his wife, Bernice, listening to Milwaukee Brewer baseball games as he was a devoted fan and rarely missed a game on TV or the radio. He moved to the Madison area to be closer to his family and was able to attend his grandson's wedding last summer.  He was a devoted husband and caregiver to his wife, Bernice, a father to his son, David, a father-in-law to Margie and a wonderful, loving grandfather to his grandson, Matt, with whom he enjoyed talking about the Brewers, spending time together and who always enjoyed conversations about many topics.  Carl was a lifelong learner as he read the newspaper every day, listened to the news and kept up with current events.  One day, he asked his grandson, "So what is this Facebook all about?" and proceeded to learn what this technology could do.  He was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary daily and always had one near. When people asked Carl what his secret was to being 103, he said he lived an ordinary life. He had a belief in God, loved his family, lived simply and was grateful for all he had and was given in life.  Carl is survived by his son, David (Margie); his grandson, Matt (Lindsey); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, who just passed away on Feb. 26, 2018; his parents; his brothers and sisters; and other relatives and friends.  A funeral service will be held at ST. ADALBERT’S CEMETERY CHAPEL, 3801 S. 6th St., Milwaukee at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018, followed by a burial in their crypt with Fr. Greg Spitz officiating.  A visitation will be held in the chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.   We would like to thank Dr. Goran Rudic and staff in Milwaukee for their care over the years both near and far, Caring Senior Services caregivers in Milwaukee who cared for him in his home, Goodwill Meals on Wheels Milwaukee, and Duane who delivered each meal with care and fun, the caregivers at Coventry Sebring Village in Madison who assisted him daily, EMT's, St. Mary's ER and Hospital staff for their care, Dr. Greg Motl of Dean Sun Prairie clinic for his care while Carl was living in Madison and especially the staff of Agrace HospiceCare who assisted and cared for him in his final days with compassion and love. We will never forget the kindness of everyone who helped Carl.  Carl was a lifelong member of the AC-UAW Machinists Union, Local Chapter No. 248. Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice in Carl's name.  Thank you dear Carl, our father, and very much loved grandpa. We will miss you so much, but know you are in Heaven watching over us with grandma by your side.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420