Carl Hardies, age 81, recently of Clio, MI died Friday, April 14, 2023 at his home. Carl Theodore Hardies was born March 15, 1942 in Detroit, MI. He was the son of the late Melvin Carl and the late Melvina (Lamb) Hardies. Carl was a graduate of Berkley High School, Class of 1960. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in math, chemistry and physics from Northern Michigan University; and later a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University.
Carl married VerLyn Kangas on March 4, 1967. Carl and Lynn had three children; Jonathan, Kristofer and Benjamin. Lynn died in an automobile accident in 1993. Carl married Brenda Sorgatz Ostrander on March 22, 1997 in Imlay City, MI. Carl had lived in Imlay City 49 years; during the most recent six years they have been living in Clio, MI.
Carl was a high school teacher for Imlay City Community Schools. He taught chemistry, physics, computer technology at Imlay City High School from 1969-1999. He always enjoyed taking his boys fishing in the St. Clair River and up-north near their rustic cabin in the Upper Peninsula. In his retirement, he enjoyed wood-working, tuning pianos, assisting his son with snow plowing, singing, going on mission trips to help those in need.
Carl is survived by his wife, Brenda Hardies of Clio; sons, Kristofer (Dusty) Hardies of Clifford, MI and David (Rosael) Ostrander of Clio, MI; daughters, Melissa (Joshua) Gekeler of Greenville, MI, Vanessa (Ryan) Maxson of Clio, MI and Kim (Leo) Osantowske of Fenton, MI; sisters, Elaine (John) Gleason of Lapeer, MI, Nancy (George) Champagne of Kingwood, TX, Susan (Brad) Schuenke of Faribault, MN, Sandi Mayzlik of Austin, MN and Pamela Sorgatz of Waseca; brothers, Larry (Michelle) Sorgatz of Faribault, MN, David (Sue) Sorgatz of Davison, ND and Timothy (Patty Buesgens) Sorgatz of Waterville, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren, Isabell Ostrander, Aleni Ostrander, David Ostrander, III, Abigail Maxson, Tyler (Maddie) Osantowske, Madilyn (Luke) Champion, Liam Gekeler, Rowan Gekeler, Cora Gekeler; and his great-grandchildren, Brooks Osantowske, Sawyer Osantowske, and Raelyn Champion.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Melvina Hardies; his wife, VerLyn Hardies; brother, Mano Hardies; and his sons, Jonathan and Benjamin Hardies. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend; with a generous heart, and a gentle spirit. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 Cedar St., Imlay City, MI.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may direct them to The Center for Discipleship (https://the-center-for-discipleship.faithlifesites.com) or the Eastside Mission of Flint, MI (https://www.flinteastsidemission.org/give).
Please be sure to sign the online register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share your memories and condolences with the Hardies family.
