Karl F. Freed Obituary
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church. 345 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, with Pastor Mary Austin officiating. Friends my call on the family one hour prior to the service in the Gilmore Lounge of First Congregational Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. A light reception will follow the service. Contributions in Karl's memory may be made to First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, c/o the funeral home.
Age 79, passed away late Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024. Karl was born in Gladwin, MI, on December 13, 1944, the son of Robert and Anita (Haas) Freed. He grew up in the Buckeye Oil Field, playing among the oilfield equipment. His father was transferred to Newaygo where Karl attended school in the lower level of the Library. In 1953, his family moved back to Gladwin, where Karl excelled in School, earning top honors. In 1960, his family moved to Albion, where Karl graduated from Washington Gardner High School. He attended MSU from 1963 to 1968 obtaining a BA in Urban Planning. After graduation Karl obtained a job in Kalamazoo, working for the county. After four years with the county he became a consultant with Gove Associates, Inc. During his 35 years at Gove, he graduated with from Western Michigan University with an MA in, Urban Geography, became a Professional Community Planner registered in Michigan and the Nation AICP. He served Gove in many capacities such as VP, Treasurer, President, CE0, and Director. Karl worked with many communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, specializing in utility planning, downtown redevelopment, and urban economics. In 2006, Gove Associates merged with Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering and Karl began early retirement, fully retiring in 2009. Karl is survived by his brothers, Ralph Freed of Kalamazoo and Roger (Mary) Freed of Lake City; niece, Emily Freed; and many friends, including his former wife, Susan Freed. Karl was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Brett Freed; sister-in-law, Antoinette Freed.
