Carl L. LauppCarl L. Laupp, 87, of Ceresco died Monday May 8, 2017, at the Laurels of Bedford. Carl was born on July 11, 1929, in Battle Creek to Leo and Neva (Randt) Laupp.  He attended Dodge School thru the 8th grade and would graduate from Lakeview High School in 1947.  While in high school, he played football and the saxophone in the school band.  After he graduated he attended Michigan State College. From 1950-1952, Carl served in the US Army, and he spent eight months in Germany during the Korean Conflict.  On November 26, 1953, he married Martha E. Robinson at the Newton United Methodist Church. They bought the house across the road from his parents Centennial Farm and raised their family there for 63 years.Carl started working for the City of Battle Creek Fire Department in 1953, and he would retire in 1988 as the Battalion Chief after serving 35 years.  He also played a strong part in starting the Newton Township Fire Department and served Newton Township for 32 years and retired as chief in 1988.  Along with being on the fire department, he also served several years on the Newton Township Board of Trustees.  Carl also helped his parents on their Centennial Farm from working the fields to taking care of the large hen laying operation and later the feeder pig operation. Carl was a member of the Newton United Methodist Church were he took part on several different committees, Home Grange #129, Michigan State Grange, Commander of the BC Civil Air Patrol, Calhoun County Fire Chiefs Association, Western Michigan Fire Chiefs Association, Balloon Federation of America, and the Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon Club.  Carl enjoyed being a pilot and loved is hot air balloon the Fire Eater which he owned for over ten years, and he enjoyed his Navion plane.  Carl enjoyed planting in his garden, cooking and was an avid cook at the fire station, home grange and the church.  He loved spending time with his family especially spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Martha of Ceresco; children Mark (Janelle) Laupp of Ceresco and Dawn Laupp of Marshall; grandchildren James Laupp and Marissa (Thomas) Williams of all of Ceresco; and two great grandchildren, Waylon Williams and Lorelai Hill. He was preceded in death by his parent and infant sister Lilah Laupp.Visitation will take place at the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 North on Friday May 12, 2017 from 2-8pm with family present to greet friends from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11am on Saturday May 13, 2017 at the Kempf Funeral Home Marshall Chapel with Reverend Robert Freysinger and Reverend Richard Wilson officiating.  Interment will follow at Newton Township Cemetery.  Family will gather with friends following the committal services at the Newton United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are requested to the Newton United Methodist Church or the Home Grange #129.  Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com