Carl E. Follmer

Carl Ernest Follmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. He was born on October 13, 1932, in Cedarville, Michigan (Mackinaw County), to his late parents, Carl and Lena Follmer.

Carl graduated from Redford High School in 1950. Two years later, in 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954. Upon returning home, Carl joined his father and brothers in the family construction business, Follmer & Sons, where he began building both his career and his strong work ethic.

In 1958, Carl met the love of his life, Mary Jane “Jane” Bennett. The two quickly fell in love and were married in August of 1959, beginning a remarkable 66-year marriage built on love, partnership, and a deep devotion to family. Together they raised three children: Michael, Lori, and Lisa.

Taking full advantage of the GI bill, Carl pursued higher education while continuing to work, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Wayne State University in 1962. He began his professional career teaching industrial arts in Livonia Public Schools, where he shared his passion for craftsmanship and mechanics with his students.

Shortly after beginning his teaching career, Carl transitioned into a role with Dow Chemical, where he utilized both his technical expertise and natural sales talent. He became part of introducing and selling a revolutionary new product—Styrofoam—helping shape the future of the building industry. Carl retired from Dow Chemical in 1994 after a long and successful career, and then fully embraced his passions for remodeling, real estate, and rental properties. His entrepreneurial spirit led to yet another rewarding and successful chapter in his life where he met and worked alongside many friends.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his siblings, Kenneth (Mary Ann) Follmer and Jack (Bea) Mosher. He is survived by his siblings, Gordon (Mary) Follmer and Christine (the late Dave) Hughes. He is also loved by many nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Carl” dearly.

Carl’s pride and greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children, Michael (Becky) Follmer, Lori (the late Jeff) Kinjorski, and Lisa (Steve) Gagnon; his seven grandchildren, Chad (Jackie) Kinjorski, Lauren (Ben) Szymczak, Karoline (Josh) Kinjorski, Parker Follmer, Gabrielle Kinjorski, Joseph (Sophie) Kinjorski, and Harrison; and his three great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Adeline, and Charlotte.

Known as the life of the party back in the day, Carl had a gift for storytelling and humor that brought people together. He was a mentor, a friend to many, and someone who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Carl was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks and the American Legion.

Carl shared that he made a promise to God during the Korean War—that if he returned home safely, he would never miss a family holiday. True to his word, he was always faithful to that promise. Even during the 30 wonderful years he and Jane spent as snowbirds in Venice, Florida, he braved the harsh Michigan winters to be home for the holidays. Carl and Jane cherished their years in Florida, building lasting friendships and creating treasured memories, while always keeping family at the center of their lives.

Carl will be remembered for his generous spirit, wisdom, humor, and the deep love he gave so freely. To know him was to love him. He lived a faith filled and meaningful life well lived—and his legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 10:30am, instate at 10am, at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 West 10 Mile Road, Novi.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to Hope for Autism, a charity near and dear to Carl’s heart, 3291 Stoneridge Court, Commerce Twp., MI 48382 or Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.