Carl Reed Hudson

Carl Hudson, age 71, of St. Augustine, Florida and Sister Bay, Wisconsin, was called home to his Heavenly Father on October 6, 2023. Carl passed away at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin following a short illness and complications from heart surgery. 

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Frances Hudson, and sisters, Sandra and Sylvia. He leaves behind his wife and “honey bunny,” Kathleen; his daughters, Heather (Joshua Grubb) and Amanda (Chris Ingram); his grandsons, Henry and Oliver Grubb of Richmond, Virgina along with bonus grandsons, Adam and Ryan Ingram of Saint Johns, Florida; his “cuz,” cousin, Ryland (Deborah) Stutsman of North Carolina; and his tail wagging Doodle boys, “Wilson” and “Biggs.”

Born on November 2, 1951 in Bethesda, Maryland, Carl — lovingly referred to as “Flip” by his dearest friends and family — was a southern gentleman to his core and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Nothing could take the smile from Carl, he lived a life filled with passion for those he loved. He was a great listener and gentleman, quiet and humble, he loved to be with friends and family. He was not a man of many words but always willing to be a part of the team. He loved gardening and being outside in nature, his dogs were his best buddies and he craved time with Kathleen. Always ready to see what was around the next corner, they embraced the term “gypsies” as their nickname for the their constant adventures. A joyful partner in all activities, Carl was the light in the room, able to encourage others with his warm attitude for life. 

In his free time, Carl enjoyed playing cards and games with his family. He also had a lifelong love for music — without fail, he and dear friend Julie would always be grappling for the artist and lyrics to a song they might hear. Known as “The Barista” by many, he had a fondness for coffee and never missed the opportunity to enjoy a good cup after dinner. Carl loved his cousin Ryland dearly and throughout the years the two would meet up to go fishing and camping. Carl had an appreciation for old cars and motorcycles — Harley Davidson, in particular. Over the years he took road trips to Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida and always dreamed of going to Sturgis.

Carl’s career was in industrial engineering and he spent 40 years traveling to jobs across the United States for various food and beverage construction projects with companies like General Mills, Barilla and Tasty Baking. Prior to his retirement, Carl worked for Faithful+Gould out of Minneapolis, Minnesota as a Senior Construction Project Manager for 12 years. Carl was always grateful to Jonathan Marshall for hiring him and giving him his best years of employment.

In his retirement, Carl embarked on a journey to learn to play guitar — a lifelong aspiration due to his deep love for blues music — and enjoyed building model cars, painting and doing other small projects around the house.

During the summers, Carl and Kathleen lived in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. There weren’t many weekends you couldn’t catch him and Kathleen working in their garden, followed by a drive through Door County, a bite to eat in the car at one of their favorite spots with a view, and a stop at the nearest open field to throw a ball for their Doodle boys. On rainy days you could catch them in their “she shed” hideaway with their Doodle boys re-watching their favorite television series, Downton Abbey.

Their primary residence was in St. Augustine, Florida, and their home church was Fruit Cove Baptist. Carl’s faith walk was a daily occurrence as he started and ended each day loving his Lord. Praising God’s name in thankfulness for the gifts He gave to him. Carl was a pillar of strength and many ships found their home in the safety of his harbor. Until we are reunited in paradise, he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Carl will be laid to rest at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, Illinois on Thursday, October 12 at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Carl’s favorite non-profit organization, Kore Foundation.