CARL “FRITZ” FREDERICK URWILER

Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; son, Rick; and siblings, Walt Urwiler, Gertrude Holtzclaw, Nell Gustman, and Verner Urwiler.

Survivors include his son, Dr. Michael Urwiler (Joy), of Rogers, Arkansas; daughter, Jennilynn Urwiler of Livermore, California; granddaughter, Heather Stewart (Phillip); grandson, Austin Urwiler (Emma); great granddaughters: Willow Stewart, Piper Urwiler, Sophia Biondi, and Giada Biondi; siblings: Ellen Curtis (Kay), Marlene Schuttler, Bill Urwiler (Jeanette), Barbara Munter (Jim), and Rick Urwiler (Penny); nephews and niece from Fort Dodge: Dr. John Calisesi (Liz), Bill Calisesi (Anna), and Deb Vasileff; and many beloved nieces and nephews from Nebraska.

Carl was born on March 28, 1926, in Laurel, Nebraska to Carl and Hilda (Streun) Urwiler, the fourth of ten children. He was raised on a family farm in a community of Swiss immigrants during the Great Depression, where he and his siblings helped with farming operations. He enjoyed sports in High School and played football and baseball while at Laurel High School. Carl had a talent for judging cattle and placed 6th with honors in a national cattle judging contest while in high school. Carl graduated from Laurel High School in 1943.

Carl attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II, where he served in the South Pacific Theatre as a radio operator, waist gunner, and mechanic. He served on many Islands, including the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Taiwan, and Okinawa, as well as on a team that flew bombers from the U.S. to England. During his service, Carl was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, APT Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Ribbon.

After an honorable discharge, Carl met Pauline Partello while working as a sales representative for the Swift Company. On June 4, 1951, he married Pauline, and they made their home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and raised three children. Carl and Pauline owned and operated The Community Tavern, a successful business, for 25 years, where patrons became close friends. After selling his business, Carl sold real estate in Fort Dodge and the Phoenix, Arizona, area.

Carl was an avid golfer, and he was proud of his hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Lakeside Golf Course. He loved teaching golf to several family members, including his grandson. He enjoyed traveling, football (Hawks, Huskers, Packers), reading, stock market investing, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He was a dedicated father to his family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, July 30, 2018, at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery with Military Rites Conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

Memorials may be left at the discretion of the family.