July 15, 1940 - July 2, 2023
Carl was born as Carolus Nicolaas Jacobus Remkes on July 15, 1940 in Groningen, Netherlands along with his twin sister, Josephine to Carolus Bernardus and Catharina Englina Stiekema Remkes.
Carl’s early years in the Netherlands were shaped by the hardships of World War II. He was born into a large family, eventually being one of 15 siblings. His grandfather owned the company Remkes Cigars. During his teenage years, Carl worked as a telegram delivery person. In 1960, at the age of 19, he embarked on a journey to the United States with his brother Francis, carrying only $20 in his pocket. They traveled by train from New York to Salt Lake City, where they would start a new chapter in their lives.
Carl married his sweetheart, Mary, on December 3, 1964. Together they had 3 children: David (Holly) Remkes of Flowell, UT, Suzie (Patrick) Grogan of Holden, UT and Adam (Marie) Remkes of Holden, UT.
Carl loved to build and was an amazing carpenter. They lived in various places in Utah but lived the majority of their life together in Holden, Utah. They owned several different properties with cabins and loved to camp with their family. He built several of these cabins along with building a home on Cedar Mountain as well as many out-houses.
Carl worked as a maintenance man at Fillmore Hospital. He also did handy man work on the side. He had a love for creating wood-burning art and often gifted his creations to others. Carl loved nature and had a tradition of planting new trees every year. Carl was also an avid collector, with stamps, cigar bands, and marbles being among his cherished collections. Generosity was a defining trait of Carl's character, he was very giving to his adult children and grandchildren.
Carl is survived by his three children and their families including grandchildren: Travis, Alina, Taylor, Ruth, Karen, Isaac, Jacob, Nathan, Jessen, Kevin, Joni, Kristin, Bridger, Brindy, Acacia, Zeke, Kippen, Zailey and Zyen,16 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Nellie Allen (Dick) of Florida, Joke of the Netherlands, Francis (Anna Maria) of Ogden, UT, Rene of the Netherlands, Louis of the Netherlands, Carla Poel (Luke) of the Netherlands and Mary Patje (Koos) of the Netherlands.
Carl is preceded in death by His wife Mary Kaye Abbott Remkes, his parents as well as siblings Nico (Jos), Gerard (Janny), Ria (Jop), Ben (Irma), Bert, Ans and Josephine.
Carl’s Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Holden Ward Building located at 100 N. 110 E. in Holden, Utah.
