Carl Henry Bird, age 77 of Shakopee, entered eternal life on Sunday, April 28, 2019. A visitation will be held Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5-7 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 833 S. Marschall Rd., Shakopee. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 12 Noon with a visitation one-hour prior all at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 12700 Marystown Rd., Shakopee. Carl will be laid to rest at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Arlington. Pastor John Stelljes will preside.
On November 25, 1941, Carl was born at home to parents Henry and Helena (Fries) Bird. From a young age, Carl appreciated the outdoors—he was always hunting, fishing, trapping, and spending time outside.
Carl attended school in Henderson before enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his time at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Carl quickly grew to love the West. He enjoyed prospecting, rock collecting, and exploring the discontinued mine shafts in the desert.
While stationed in Nevada, Carl began corresponding through letters with Sharon Wittenberg. Their friendship turned to love, and they were soon married on June 21, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Winthrop. This union was blessed with 55 years of marriage and a loving family.
After living briefly in Nevada and St. Paul, Carl & Sharon settled in Shakopee. Carl worked odd jobs before starting a 36-year career with Waldorf Paper Mill. He began as a laborer but ended his career as a foreman. Carl was a hard worker and never stayed idle. In his free time, he made homemade wine and salsa that was simply too hot to enjoy. Along with Sharon, he grew a large garden and raised chickens, rabbits, geese, and ducks.
Carl was a family man! He was generous with his time and talents—if there was something to be fixed, he would take care of it. The family enjoyed visiting family in Henderson and Glencoe and traveling, especially going out West on their bi-annual road trip. Whatever they did, Carl was sure to get the family outside. Even in the winter, the family went outdoors for snowmobiling.
Later in life, Carl took the time to take his grandchildren on adventures, especially fishing and family camping trips. He also helped them with school projects and taught his oldest granddaughter to drive. He especially loved being a great-grandpa!
A faithful man, Carl dedicated his time to his church. He assisted at the church smelt fry, pancake breakfasts, and served on the church council. Carl was most honored to help as a Pioneer Leader, taking children on camping trips.
Carl is loved and missed by his daughter, Myra (Chuck) Cappuccino; son, Bradley (Dawn) Bird; grandchildren, Ashley Cappuccino, Alexandra Cappuccino, Ellen Bird, Wyatt Bird, Samuel Bird; great-granddaughter, Alison Kish; siblings, Lois Schauer, Gloria (Roger) Hilgers, Judy (Jim Sr.) Madden, Carol (Ron) Otto; brothers-in-law, Clint Westphal and Dave Mathwig; many other loving relatives and friends.
Carl is reunited in heaven with his wife, Sharon Bird; granddaughter, Jenna Bird; siblings Phyllis Westphal, Milan Bird, Debra Mathwig; brothers-in-law, Dennis Schauer and Wally Oelfke.
Arrangements with Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee.
