Carl E. Lillich, 88, of Racine, died August 11, 2018 at The Addison of Pleasant Prairie. Carl was born in Kansas City, Kansas where he excelled at football, basketball, and track, and was a leader in his school and in life. His parents and grandparents taught him character and a strong work ethic. He was a "character," too, often using his quick wit and humor to lighten situations and entertain. As a young teen, he traveled the country with his dad and stepmother, working construction during summer vacations. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army where he served during the Korean War. When he returned to the States, he resumed welding and construction work with his dad.

While working as a welder in Racine, he met his future wife, Laurice, and soon began his 30-year career as a Racine Police Officer, retiring as Detective. He was president of the local Police union and was on the board of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Carl also worked many part-time jobs, such as selling cars at Wiese Motors, working as a millwright at Qualheim's, and working in the foundry at J.I. Case. He and his wife, Laurice, had four children: Linda (Christopher) Lamb, Karen (Jeff) Harms, Richard Lillich, and James (Jeanne) Lillich; seven grandchildren: Jeremy, Timothy (Michele) and Sarah Harms, Jacob and Alexander Lamb, Hannah and Emma Lillich; and three great-grandsons: Ryan, Wieland, and Benjamin Harms.

Carl was the second Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 222 from 1971-1979, and leader of the first three Eagle Scouts of this troop, which is still going strong. He loved to cook for family and friends, making his famous Kansas City style barbeque ribs, Shrimp Gumbo, which he learned to make while living in Louisiana, and many a memorable dinner. He instigated many backyard barbeques with neighbors and friends, holiday dinner traditions, and card parties where the adults played cards and the kids had their own card games. He was all about family and friends and was known to help anyone who needed it. He also had an especially close bond with his neighbors, who meant very much to him. Carl saw the good in people and was adept at bringing it out. He helped many people in many ways in his journey through life. He gave the best of himself, and the best of what he had, to others. He loved to see joy and happiness in other people.

Carl is survived by his sister, Shirley Yockey and his sister-in-law, Joyce Lillich, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laurice, his parents: Lucy and Frank Andervich, Harry and Helen Lillich; his brothers Robert and James Lillich; his brothers-in-law, Marvin Lawson and William Yockey; and his sister-in-law, Dolores Lillich.

The family is grateful for the excellent care Carl received at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital in Racine, Aurora Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, Heartland Hospice, and The Addison of Pleasant Prairie. Services will be Friday, August 17 at 3-5 PM at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Racine.

Service Details

A celebration of Carl's life will be held on Friday, August 17, 2018, 5:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road.  Visitation will be from 3:00pm until the time of the service.

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists