I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the bloggers friends who have sent well wishes, thoughts, and prayers this week after the devastating news of my father's sudden death. A prayer service will be held on Monday and he'll be buried in the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Life will resume on the blog in the next two weeks as I get back to school and everyday life.
Carl E. Remmers was born on May 9th, 1945 to Arthur and Elaine Remmers of Naples, SD. Carl grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Hazel High School in 1963 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from Vietnam, Carl earned his bachelors degree from Sioux Falls College and his masters from Northern State University in 1974. Carl began his professional career as a history teacher, then as a principal, and finally as superintendent; Carl served numerous public school districts in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota in the capacity of superintendent. While working in Timber Lake, SD, he met, courted, and married Mavis Long. Together they had two children, Reagan Elaine and Zachary Taylor. As a family, they went on many vacations but the highlight was the Josephson/Remmers Cruise to Alaska in 2008. Besides family and politics, Carl had three great loves in his life: fishing, baseball, and his dog. An avid fisherman, Carl moved to Pierre in hopes of spending his retirement on the river. Most summers Carl took his family to at least one Minnesota Twins game and this past summer he had the opportunity to see the new Target Field as the Twins faced off against the Boston Red Sox. Carl passed away on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012, while taking Pippin, the Golden Retriever, for a walk. Pippin fell through the ice and according to the eyewitness, Carl didn’t hesitate to run in after him. Many things could be said about his choice of action, but it cannot be denied that the greatest testament to a man’s character is the love he shows for his dog. Besides walking along the Missouri River every day, Carl and Pippin were rarely separated and had a bond that will never be forgotten. Carl is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Remmers, mother, Elaine Remmers, and brother, Laraine Remmers (all of Naples, SD). Carl is survived by his wife, Mavis Remmers (currently of Cass Lake, MN), son, Zachary Remmers (Benson, MN), daughter, Reagan/Dan Urbanec (Bismarck, ND), brothers Archie/Marlys Remmers (Winner, SD), Wesley/Judy Remmers (Modesto, CA), Gary/Kathy Remmers (Orient, SD), Butch Remmers (Watertown, SD), Arlo/Colita Remmers (Watertown, SD), and sisters Karleen Josephson/Loren (Lake City, SD), Dona Remmers (Las Vegas, NV), numerous nieces, nephews, and his best friend Pippin.
If you remember, we adopted a puppy (Prim) on Monday of this week. I was fortunate enough to have a great relationship with my dad; we talked several times a day on the phone. My last conversation with my dad was on Tuesday over lunch; we talked about Prim and how good of a puppy she has been.
Yesterday, after finishing the obit, I returned my dad's audiobooks to the library and made sure he didn't have anything else checked out. My dad had over 5 audiobooks checked out and three books. I wonder where I get that from?
Brother and sister are doing well. Pippin is still obviously exhausted and confused; he was swimming for about an hour while they searched for my dad. Pippin was treated for hypothermia and has seemingly physically recovered. He and Prim are getting along fine and have been a source of endless love and support as we struggle to get through this as a family.
