Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Carl John Kubek, Jr, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023. He was 83 years old. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sharyn, his son Douglas and wife Holly, his daughter Jessica and husband Dean, his daughter Amanda and husband Kai, and grandchildren Douglas, Lily, Caroline, Grace, Connor, Charlotte, Sophie, and Nicholas.
Carl was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on March 27, 1940. He earned a football scholarship to King’s College, pursued a medical degree at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed a radiology residency at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital. Throughout his career as a Radiologist, Carl was committed to caring for his patients around the clock and across the country – at Metropolitan Hospital, Reed City Hospital, nursing homes, urgent cares, in his private practice at DMI clinic, and as an early pioneer in telemedicine. Carl proudly served as past President of Kent County Osteopathic Medical Society.
Carl’s life was defined by his devotion to family, commitment to hard work, pursuit of higher education, passion for athletics, and love of laughter and the outdoors. He embraced a mindset of optimism, happiness and gratefulness that permeated every aspect of his life and had a profound impact on those around him. Carl was a dedicated long distance bicyclist, a strong tennis player, and ran multiple marathons. He shared his expertise with the local sporting community by coaching several of his children’s athletic teams and as team physician for local high school football teams. He enjoyed nature walks with his wife, Sharyn, boating on Lake Michigan, and competing in regattas at the Grand Rapids Yacht Club. A fan of music, Carl loved singing, dancing and playing his guitar, banjo and bongos. Carl was a long-time member of Cascade Hills Country Club.
To honor Carl’s memory, a private family service was held in East Grand Rapids, Michigan and there will be a celebration of life in November. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.