Karl Albert Porth

Karl Albert Porth, 78, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2022 at his home at Lake Cora Hills Golf Course.

Karl was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His relationship with his wife Judith (Judy) was 54 years of happiness, joy, and near constant companionship. His greatest pride was his daughter Kellie Bagne and the family she made with her husband Stephon, grandchildren Ava, Lucas, and Sadie. He delighted in spending time with them.

Karl was a star athlete, quarterback, and catcher at Garden City High School, a lifelong golfer, a fan of the University of Michigan, where Kellie and Stephon met, and most of all a fan of the Detroit Lions who thrilled him as a child and teased him as an adult. He believed in service and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Shenandoah. He also served for many years as a member of the Paw Paw Village Zoning Board of Appeals.

Karl was a successful businessman whose greatest strengths were his gregarious personality and handshake that everyone knew was an unbreakable bond. After starting as a salesman, he and Judy formed Porth Products Company and eventually bought out his former employer’s manufacturing equipment business. He consulted and sold products worldwide.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Porth; daughter Kellie (Stephon) Bagne and grandchildren, Ava, Lucas and Sadie. Karl is also survived by his sister, Beverly Provagna and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Jim, sister Nancy Skinner, and parents Raymond Porth and Bernice (Stefaniak) Porth.

While his passing was sudden, some health challenges in his later years made him contemplative. On multiple occasions he reassured his family that he was “at peace because nobody ever lived a better life.” At Karl’s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.