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Carl Frederick Genske, 87, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away peacefully after a year and a half long battle with pancreatic cancer on March 31, 2024, at his place of residence in Linden, MI, with his wife of 52 years, Arlene, and family by his side.
Carl was born on August 23, 1936, in Saginaw, MI, to Carl and Mildred Genske. After graduating from Saginaw High School in 1954, he enlisted in the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and went on to earn a teaching and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan College while playing baseball for the Hurons. In March 1971 he was set up on a blind date and 6 months later married Arlene Snyder on August 21, 1971. They resided in Dexter, MI with their two children, Linda and Todd.
He was a dedicated teacher and baseball coach at Chelsea High School until 1973. He then made the difficult decision to leave his career in education to become a State Farm Insurance agent in Dexter where he remained until his retirement in 1999. Carl had a passion for sports, officiating football, basketball, and softball games. He was offered an opportunity to head the chain crew for the University of Michigan Football Team, a position he held for 32 years. In addition, he was the head scorekeeper for the University of Michigan Basketball team for 29 years. Both cherished traditions he passed down to his son, Todd.
Carl’s love of golf was no secret. He was fortunate to share his love of golf and coaching as the Varsity coach for the Dexter High School boys golf team from 1994-1998. Coaching was more than a job to him; he truly loved the opportunity to mentor the next generation of golf and baseball lovers and considered it a great privilege. Carl continued to guide many student-athletes, remaining in contact with many of those students for years following their time together. It was also golf that led Carl and Arlene to Crossville, TN for retirement where he played in multiple leagues and worked as a starter, cart guy, or wherever they needed him so he could practice for free at the range. They spent the next 22 years in Tennessee before returning to Michigan for a short stint. Realizing winter was still not for them, they moved further south to Florida in 2022, recently returning to Michigan to be close to family.
Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Postal. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughter Linda (Gregg) Smiecinski; grandson Gavin Nareski and step-grandsons Blake and Barron Smiecinski of Linden; son, Todd (Sandra) Genske; granddaughters, Marissa and Alison of Dexter; siblings Barbara Rivette and twin sister Carol Wade of Saginaw; along with many nieces and nephews. Those who were lucky enough to cross paths with Carl will lovingly remember his larger than life personality, which filled each room he stepped into with happiness and light.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4pm-7pm (public) at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.
Memorial contributions can be made in Carl’s memory to Youth on Course https://youthoncourse.org/donate, reflecting his love for golf and mentorship.
