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Ella & Dana: Our deepest sympathies to you and your families in the loss of Carl. He was a great guy who I enjoyed knowing and working with at WJIM-TV in the 1960s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Bill & Linda Dansby
Bill & Linda Dansby
July 31st, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl was a pleasure to work with, and I learned a lot from him. Over time we became good friends, even continuing into his retirement. I will miss him forever.
Carl P. Easlick
July 31st, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl and Ella were great. Carl was tremendous to work with. What a sense of humor. Will miss him greatly.
Ken And Meg Smith
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
I got to know Carl when he hired Rob (my husband) in 1983. His knowledge of the broadcast industry was amazing; Rob said that he learned more in his first year with Carl than he did during his entire time in the egnieering program at MSU. What I remember most about Carl is his kindness, and his wonderful sense of humor. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this dificult time.
Theresa Harrison
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
Sorry to hear of your loss thinking of you and your Mother Dana Love Ellen
Ellen Backofen
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
I will always remember Carl. He was one of kind and and always someone you could believe in. His memory will live with me forever.
Curt Peterson
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl was always a "larger than life" personality. As a daughter-in-law, I always appreciated that he was a wonderful grandfather and loved his great-grandchildren. He was always kind and cherished his wife Ella. His impact upon fellow engineeers and the broadcast industry will be long-lasting; everyone has a favorite "Carl Onken" story to tell. Rest in peace and enjoy that big band music in heaven, Carl.
Linda Everett
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
Great memories of working with Carl during my 13 years at WJIM in the 70s. Great sense of humor..loved his easy going way. Carl always made me smile. Rest in Peace my friend.
Bill Shipley
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl and I worked together for many years at WJIM-TV. He was a good friend. My condolences to all the family.
Jack R. Miller
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
I started working for Carl at TV-6 in 1964. He was a great Chief Engineer and he knew how to get the best out of the people who worked for him. Over the years he taught me a lot and I will be forever grateful. ----Rest in peace Carl.
Galen Horne
August 1st, 2011 at 12:00am
To Carl's family, I was sorry to hear of Carl's death. I send my deepest sympathies. I enjoyed working with Carl many years ago,'50's, at WTTV. He was a good person as well as a good engineer. Max Skirvin
Max Skirvin
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
ON BEHALF OF MY MOM (WANDA KEARNS) THAT WORKED WITH CARL FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS AT WJIM, WE SEND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR COMFORT FOR YOUR FAMILY. WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
SHANNON LACOURSE (FOR) WANDA KEARNS
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl hired me at WJIM in 1980. I spent 21 years working at channel 6. Carl was an excellent Chief to work for. He was a true pioneer in the broadcast industry, taking care of radio and TV. He will be missed.
Mike Holcomb
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
Dear Dana & Aunt Ella. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the lost of your Father,Husband and my Uncle. He will be missed. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Carl, how he would always frighten me and Dana with his jokes. He had a sense of humor and could always make you laugh. RIP Love, Phyllis
Phyllis Shannon
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
Please accept my most sincere condolences... I will lift up the family in my prayers... God bless you, Carl, you are one of a kind... Sincerely, Edward
Edward Lazarus
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
Hi I worked with Carl back in 1964 at WJIM and rememnber a time when he almost lost his life by being electricuted on the tower. He did his job as chief engineer with a very wonderful dry sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carl's family. Ron and Pat Little (newsphotographer)
Ron Little
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:00am
A beautifully written tribute to my dear friend. Carl and Ella played a very important part in the lives of our family as next door neighbors who were always there with words of wisdom, help and comfort (and many times some really good leftovers :). How fortunate we were to have known them....it was a sad day when they moved away. Carl was indeed a very special person who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Dana and Ella, our thoughts and prayers are with you both. With love, The Maidlow family
Nancy Maidlow
August 3rd, 2011 at 12:00am
It is with both sorrow and fond memories that I read of Carl's passing. Carl taught me many things about the broadcast industry, but more importatnly, he was a role model as an individual. He waas a great guy! My sympathy to his family for their loss.
Joe Murphy
August 3rd, 2011 at 12:00am
I have wonderful memories of working with Carl during my five years at WJIM in the early 70's. He was so easy going and always had a way to lift one's spirit. My deepest sympathy to his family for their loss.
Lois Kill
August 3rd, 2011 at 12:00am
I love and dearly miss my grandfather. He was an amazing man.
Kristin Olney
August 7th, 2011 at 12:00am
Aunt Ella and Dear Dana, I am so sorry to hear that Uncle Carl passed away. There are so many things I remember about him. I remember when you lived in Blooming, going to a drive in movie. Aferwards, we went to a food drive in and got "frozen custard". He was by far the tallest guy i ever met. He was a great person. I remember how proud Grandma Onken was of him, too. I wish I could be there for the Memorial Service, but am unable to do that. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Love and Prayers, Shirley
Shirley Phillips
August 7th, 2011 at 12:00am
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father,Dana. May you and your family be comforted knowing that he now rests in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Jeanne Van Zoeren
August 10th, 2011 at 12:00am
Dana, we were so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. As with everyone he is in a better place now and we will all see each other again. Love Ya!
Robert and Nancy Huff
August 15th, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl, You took a wet nosed high school kid under your wing and I ended up making a career of the business. I always used you as my role model of how to be a chief engineer and manager of people. Leaving WJIM back in 1979 was the hardest thing I ever did. Fortunatly, you and I remained lifelong friends. I'll do what I can to look after Ella and Dana for you.
John Gebhard
August 25th, 2011 at 12:00am
Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man your father truly was. I recall the two times I came to visit years ago and the joy he brought just by entering the room. Each time I would phone you in the recent past, and he'd answer, it was always with a cheerful voice followed by something funny and definitely witty!! What a legacy he has left behind, one to be truly proud of. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your beautiful mom at this time. I hold you close in my heart and think of you daily, I love you very much. XOXO -- Sheila The
Sheila Lovin
August 28th, 2011 at 12:00am
Carl and I served in WWII together and I have so many great memories. He was a great guy and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Harry Holler
March 27th, 2012 at 12:00am