Willard ‘Will’ Maurice Carne, Sr.

Will was raised during the Depression, attending St Agnes Catholic Church. His work ethic commenced selling newspapers and paperback books as a young boy. At age 15, he learned to pump gas and repair vehicles at his brother-in-law’s service station. Will graduated from Iron River High School in the Redskin Class of 1950, giving the commencement address on the “Progress in the Field of Business.” He joined the Michigan National Guard his senior year of high school, serving his country for over 20 years. Will attended Northern Michigan University, working his way through by painting and doing janitorial services for First National Bank in Marquette. He graduated from NMU in 1954 with a degree in English and Theatre, and his first teaching job was in Felch, Mich.

Willard married Arlene Meyer on September 27, 1960 in Niagara, Wis. They moved to Republic, Mich. where they started their family. While teaching school, Will spent summers operating a service station in Iron River. In the summer of 1967, Will started Carne’s Standard Service Station in Escanaba, with the intention of going back to teaching in the fall. Will has been operating Carne’s on the corner of Lincoln Road and Ludington Street for 57 years, now Carne’s EcoFuels and Bubbles Auto Bath. Never leaving the station to go back to teaching, he often said, “It’s been the longest summer of my life!” Will and Arlene opened the Gladstone MOBIL in 1997.

Willard received numerous business awards from Standard Oil and AMOCO along with many community volunteer awards. He was always involved with family and the communities he lived. Will loved to give back, serving on many boards including: Escanaba Area School (38 years), Fitzharris Alternative High School, NMU Development, Bay College Advisory, Michigan Works, Delta County Community Foundation, Lake State Industries, Ambassadors of Delta County, Escanaba 1st National/MFC, Republican Party, United Way, MI Association of Retired School Personnel and selling 50/50 tickets at community fundraising events.

Will had a contagious positive personality, making all feel welcome, hosting parties, attending events, spending family time, enjoying the grandchildren and sharing an occasional old fashioned. He loved playing “Santa,” and did so for over 70 years at many events during the holiday season and visiting houses on Christmas Eve for a quick “HO HO HO.” Will was a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church. He served his church community through weekly readings, adoration, cutting rags at St. Vincent De Paul and helping in the church kitchen.

Will is survived by his children: Willard (Debbie) Carne, Jr. of Escanaba, Paul (Kim) Carne of Escanaba, Mark Carne of Bonduel, Wis., and Linda (Steve) Howes of Escanaba; grandchildren, Michelle Carne, Kristi (Charlie) Pfotenhauer, Erika Carne, Paul Carne, Christer Carne, Nathan Howes, and Connor Howes; great-grandchildren, Marci, Maverick and Molly Pfotenhauer; sister-in-law Yvonne Meyer of Iron River, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Arlene of 60 years passing on November 3, 2020, Willard is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Cecil, Albert, Ileen and infant brother Clifford.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, December 27, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County veterans services will be conducted at 5 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 28, at Saint Joseph and Saint Patrick Catholic Church with Father Timothy Ferguson officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the church fellowship hall. A live broadcast of Willard’s funeral service may be viewed on the St. Joseph & St. Patrick’s Facebook page. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.

The Carne family would like to thank OSF and Will’s healthcare team for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Will and Arlene Carne Scholarship Fund held at the Bay College Foundation, 2001 N Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Carne family with the arrangements and online condolences can be directed to www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.