Carl F. Gladen

Carl died Wednesday March 24, 2010, age 93. Carl was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on April 12, 1916 to Selma & Constanty Gladkowski and was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit majoring in Aeronautics. He went on to mechanic and flight training acquiring an aircraft and engine mechanics license, commercial pilots license with flight instructor single engine land, sea, multi-engine land, instrument rating and glider rating along with ground school instructor ratings in navigation, meteorology and aircraft and engines. He was a designated pilot examiner for the Civil Aeronautics Administration. In 1940, Carl was employed by Dow Chemical of Bay City as a supervisor on an experimental aircraft project for the Army Air Force. He was a 2nd lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol auxiliary of the Army Air Corp. and later served in the Army Air Force Air Transport Command. In 1946 Carl founded Gladen Aero Service, a flying and maintenance school at James Clements Airport. In 1951 he and his wife Audrey founded Gladen Enterprises, Inc. to manufacture various proprietary products, retiring in 1974. They also founded Aerocar of Michigan Corp. Carl was an avid airplane and glider pilot until age 84. He also loved boating and was a yachtsman for 40 years and is Past Commodore and life member of Saginaw Bay Yacht Club and club historian. Carl was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, the Soaring Society of America and was awarded the International Gold Soaring badge by the Federation Aeronautique International for Soaring, and was a member of Valley Aero Club, Past President of Exchange Club, Bay Arts Council, Studio 23, Bay County Historical Society, a life member of Knights of Columbus Council #414, Society of Plastics Engineers, Silver Wings Fraternity Aviation Pathfinders and OX 5 Aviation Pioneers that awarded him the 2003 Legion of Merit. In 1987, the Sesquicentennial year for Michigan aviation, Carl was recognized and honored by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission archives in Lansing for his part in Michigan aviation history. As a boy he became an Eagle Scout with 25 Merit badges and as an adult was a Boy Scout leader for many years.Carl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Audrey (Shephard) whom he married September 6, 1948; granddaughters, Lisa Moye of Lansing, MI and Toni Beetham of Black Diamond, WA; a brother, Leo of San Diego, CA; as well as several special nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Carol; two sons, Robert and Carl Jr.; granddaughter, Lori Jacobs; and a brother, Marvin of Taos, N.M.The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30am on Saturday March 27, 2010 at Visitation Catholic Church, 1106 State St. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Stephen J. Fillion. Private entombment will be in St. Patrick Mausoleum. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 & 6:00 to 8:00pm. The Vigil for the Deceased will begin at 7:00pm on Friday followed by the K of C Bible Presentation by Council #414. Mr. Gladen will lie in-state at the church on Saturday from 9:30am until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Visitation Catholic Church or Brian's House.