Carroll Otberg, 90, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 4, 1934, in Cadillac, Michigan to Enar and Marian (Sorenson) Otberg, Carroll lived a life defined by service, family, and unwavering kindness.
Carroll proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1952 and serving for four years. During his naval service, he was stationed on the USS Tweedy where he served as both a radioman and a cook. Following his military service, he attended barber school in Massachusetts before returning to his hometown of Cadillac. Throughout his working years, Carroll wore many hats – from barber to delivery driver for A&P Grocery stores to employee at Brooks and Perkins in Cadillac. In the late 1960s, he relocated his family to Southfield, Michigan, where he joined Burton Abstract and Title Company. There, he contributed to significant projects in the Detroit area, including title work for the Renaissance Center. Carroll was medically retired in 1976.
For the following 49 years, Carroll dedicated himself to volunteer work with numerous charities and institutions, including hospice and his church, touching countless lives with his generosity and compassion. An avid outdoorsman in his younger days, Carroll found joy in hunting and fishing. He was also passionate about photography and music, displaying remarkable talent on the piano, trumpet, and guitar. In his later years, he especially enjoyed taking photographs with his wife Marion.
Carroll was preceded in death by: his first wife of 60 years, Barbara (Bagley) Otberg, who passed in 2013; his parents, Enar and Marian Otberg; and his siblings, Eldon Otberg, Adolf Otberg, and Ginny Peterson.
He is survived by: his wife, Marion (Romanowski) Otberg, whom he married in 2020; his daughter, Debi Forsythe (Pat); his son, Ray Otberg (Deb); his stepson, John Dye; his grandchildren, Carl Forsythe, Matthew Otberg, Skyler Otberg, Allie Gierman (Otberg), and Mackenzie Otberg; and his great-grandchildren, Dameon Inman, Atticus Otberg, and Ferris Otberg.
Carroll will be remembered for always being there for friends and family, no matter what, for his wise counsel, and for his abundant love.
A visitation for Carroll will be held Monday, March 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W 13th St, Holland, Michigan 49423, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 PM.
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