On the morning of Friday, February 16, 2024, Carl John Huebner Jr. slipped the surly bonds of earth, soared upward to Glory and reached out and touched the face of God. At the ripe old age of 91, Carl passed away suddenly at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital with his wife, Christine and brother-in-law, John Moehring by his side. Carl was born December 17, 1932 in Jackson, Michigan to Jennie (Smith) and Carl Huebner, Sr a week after the sudden death of their two year old son, Gerald. A sister, Joan, was born two years later. By his own admission, Carl couldn’t have had a happier childhood in Jackson. He was a proud graduate of Jackson High School, and following graduation from the University of Michigan, where he had ROTC training, he was drafted as 2nd Lt. in the US Air Force. He was stationed at Clovis Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. After leaving active duty and returning to Michigan, he joined the Air Force Reserve 109th Troop Carrier Wing, based at Selfridge Air Force Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Attaining the rank of Captain, he flew the C-119s (flying box cars) for paratroop drop training and for transportation of whatever the country required of the Air Force.
It was during this time at Selfridge that he met his future spouse, Christine Moehring who was starting her teacher career in the Clintondale School System in Mt. Clemens. They were married on August 19, 1966 at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church. Rev. William Lindholm, officiating.
In the fall of 1966 Carl set off on a 25 year career as a pilot for American Airlines. This necessitated a move to the nearest domicile, O’Hare (ORD). For a little more than 25 years, Carl and Christine made their home in suburban Arlington Heights, Illinois. They were members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Arlington Heights.
Carl started out a flight engineer of the Convair 990, then 2nd officer on the B-727, back down to flight engineer on the B-727 during the oil crisis, finally ending his career as Captain, flying the MD-80’s. He absolutely loved flying, having dreamed about doing so as a child running, taking a deep breath, and then soaring into the air. Upon retirement, he bought a Grumman Tiger and commuted when he could between an air strip in Marengo, Illinois and Iosco County Airport. In 1993 the couple made a permanent move to their cottage in Avalon Beach on Lake Huron in Baldwin Township.
They later moved to the family farm property on M-55 in Tawas City and built a brand new home there among the Fraser firs that were planted to grow into Christmas trees for sale. Perhaps some will remember visiting the tree farm and cutting down their own tree.
Carl was a former board member of the Iosco County Community Foundation (ICCF) and the Community Foundation for North East Michigan (CFNEM). He served in various roles at both Lutheran Church of the Cross and Grace Lutheran Church over the years.
Carl enjoyed flying, and operating his farm vehicles. He was a talented and creative carpenter. He dearly loved the many stray cats who showed up at their door over the years. He enjoyed music, singing, playing piano, and writing his life story and penning other writings. His joy of living and sense of humor will be missed by so many who knew him. He was a gentle and generous man.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 22nd from four to eight o’clock at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. The funeral service will be Friday, February 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Tawas Area Presbyterian Church, in East Tawas with Reverend Sue Hand officiating. Visitation at the church will be from 10 o’clock until time of service. A luncheon in the church parlor will be served immediately following the service. Burial will take place in the spring.
Some suggestions for those considering a memorial donation: your place of worship, Tunnels2Towers, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Jackson Community Foundation, the Iosco County Animal Shelter, the Tawas Community Concert Band, Iosco County Community Foundation (ICCF) Carl and Christine Huebner Scholarship fund; and the Community Foundation for Northeastern Michigan (CFNEM). Contact info@cfnem.org. for more information.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Carl Huebner, Sr., brother, Gerald, sister, Joan, and her husband, Claire Weaver, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernice and Herman Moehring, nephew, Robert Moehring, brother-in-law, Robert Granquist, sister-in-law, Virginia (Ginger) Moehring, uncles, aunts, other cousins and dear friends.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 57 years, Christine, his cousins, Jane York and family, and James Schnell and his family. He leaves behind in-laws: David Moehring (the late Ginger), Richard (Jacqueline) Moehring, Elaine (the late Robert) Granquist, JoAnn (William) Pinkerton and John Moehring. His feline pal, Walter is missing him already.
May the good Lord greet him with, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Welcome home!” Beloved Carl, rest in heavenly peace until we all meet again in the sweet by and by.
