Carl Arthur Joseph Swenson

Carl Swenson

November 7, 1938 - January 16, 2018

Carl Arthur Joseph Swenson born to the late Arthur Carl and Agnes (Johnson) Swenson November 7, 1938, Brooklyn New York. passed away with his family at his side on January 16, 2018 after a 15 month battle with Leukemia.

Please join us in the Celebration of Carl's life and live of family, friends and baseball on Thursday June 14, 2018 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Orak Shrine Center, 3848 N. Frontage Rd., Michigan City, IN. Arrangements are being handled by the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.

A graduate of Brooklyn Boys High School, he was drafted in September 1958 by the San Francisco Giants Farm League which gave him the treasured opportunity to play at Ebbetts Field and the Polo Grounds. He went on and played with the Artesia Giants traveling the Southwestern United States, with stories and memories he only in recent years shared with family and friends.

He found himself in Michigan City playing for the Michigan City White Caps, where he met his wife Lottie (Novak) Swenson. They married in Michigan City, Indiana on November 19, 1960. Lottie preceded Carl in death on September 29, 2008 after 48 years of marriage. He leaves behind his cherished family a son Matt and (Lynn) Swenson, daughter Pam (Kevin) Clarkson and two grandsons his pride and joy, Chase and Cade Clarkson all of Michigan City, Indiana.

Carl was truly committed to his family, friends, youth and community. He owned and played with a team he established, the Michigan City Saints, was President of our local CYO, a Michigan City Councilman, board member of the Michigan City School system and his most committed service to our youth…. a Baseball Coach of an infinite number of players who will never forget him, his antics, endearing quotes including expletives unable to print, sense of humor and chew. He coached New Buffalo High School to a State Championship in 2005, a ring he never took off.

Carl was in the Wine and Spirits Industry for 53 years retiring in 2015. His career began working for Herman Novak his father-in-law and proprietor of Novak’s Tavern. He was hired by Gary Wine and Liquor, later known as Lakeshore Wine and Spirits, with a short sideline as a Home improvement specialist for Sears, a very successful stint, with home improvement specialist of the year award, for such an un-handyman. He was recruited back to his love of selling wine and spirits with Columbia Liquors joined by a special coworker, his daughter, later purchased by Olinger Distributing ending his career in sales with Carroll Wine & Spirits, a family owned company that took him and his antics in with open arms and cared about him as a person, not just any employee which his family truly appreciated.

When his decision along with his family to discontinue treatment and trips to Rush University Medical Center…..he said he’d miss seeing his friends that he saw every Friday from the transports, food services, cleaning service, infusion department nurses, his Doctors and medical staff….saying "they’ll miss my dark chocolate candy and me…..yah think?" He and his family would like to thank Dunes Hospice for making his last 2 weeks on this earth content, comfortable and peaceful…….to his end.

His passion for the sarcasms, genuine sense of humor and character he instilled in his family. His baseball and work showed in his always upbeat smile, candy giving, and positively humorous presence. He would like to leave all he loved and loved him with his infamous line "KEEP LOOSE"!!

In Carl’s memory he asked that you donate to the Carl Swenson Youth Athletic Memorial Fund, a fund used to help local athletes or teams. c/o 1st Source Bank, 3905 Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360

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