Carl was born on October 18, 1912 in Cooperstown, ND.  He married Gertrud "Gertie" Jones of Binford, ND on October 30, 1945.

Carl was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.  He made jumps at various locations in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge.  He was in the middle of some horrific battles and was wounded several times. Bits of shrapnel remained in his body for the rest of his life.  Carl didn't talk much about his war experiences.

After the war, Carl and Gertie farmed north of Hannaford, ND for several years.  In the late 40s or early 50s, they moved to Alaska.  They returned to the Lower 48 only to visit and attend an occasional professional sports game.

Carl and Gertie had one child, a daughter. 

Cindy (Johnson) McKenna was born in Valley City, ND on October 4, 1948.

Carl died on August 28, 1988.  Gertie died in December of 1991.