Carroll G. Deters

Carroll G. Deters, 74, of Cheboygan, formerly of Onaway (Black Lake), died with his family at his bedside Saturday April 15, 2017 at Vitas Inpatient Hospice in Winter Garden, Florida.  The son of Virgil and Opal (Putt) Deters, Carroll was born in Canton, Ohio January 8, 1943.  He married Margaret S. LeBlanc in Lincoln Park October 12, 1963 and they made their home in Romulus.

Deters

A journeyman by trade, Carroll worked at Chrysler’s Trenton Engine plant from 1962 until 1985 when he took the position of international representative for education at the United Auto Workers (UAW) Education Center at Black Lake. The position was perfect for Carroll as it was a promotion with the golden opportunity to live in northern Michigan. Carroll worked for the UAW until his retirement in 1999 when he and Margaret moved to their home on the Black River in Cheboygan.  He was a member of the Karnak Masonic Lodge No. 422 in Indian River.

A man with a zest for life, Carroll loved to watch Detroit Tiger baseball, was always ready to throw a game of horseshoes, and had a great love for the outdoors.  An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed hunting trips with his son to Quebec, Wyoming, New Mexico and Newfoundland, hunting for caribou, mule deer, antelope, elk and moose, not to mention hunting in northern Michigan for deer, birds and small game. An avid fisherman as well, there were memorable fishing trips to Canada, deep-sea fishing in Florida and fishing on Black Lake. Retirement gave Carroll time to pursue other interests and he became passionate about working in his apple orchard next to the Black River. It wasn’t work to Carroll as he thoroughly enjoyed caring for his apple trees, picking apples and making cider. Retirement also meant spending the winter months in a warmer climate. Carroll and Margaret enjoyed the Florida sunshine, spending more and more time in Florida each winter.

Carroll’s greatest love was for his family. He thought the world of his children, grandchildren and his great-grandson.  He was so proud as he watched them in their various activities and sports, traveling all over the state trying to make it to everything. Carroll’s family enjoyed camping trips together, boating and plenty of laughter. Happy, with a contagious belly laugh, Carroll loved to joke around and was fun to be with. His big smile and fun-loving spirit will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Surviving Carroll is his wife of more than 53 ye

ars, Margaret Deters of Cheboygan; daughters, Colleen (Michael) Brohl of Belleville and Pam (Andy) McGinn of Onaway; son, Eric (Melissa) Deters of Tecumseh; as well as the grandchildren he adored, Aimee (LaMar) Griffin, Bryer McGinn, and Mackenzie and Sydney Deters; and his great-grandson, Collin Griffin. Carroll was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be at the Chagnon Funeral Home Friday, April 21, 2017 from 4 – 8 p.m. followed Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m. with a Masonic service by the Karnak Masonic Lodge No. 422.  Carroll’s final resting place will be in Onaway at Elmwood Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Carroll to Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit – Quality Health Care, 12751 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, Fl 34787.  Condolences may be shared with Carroll’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.