Carl P. Van Os, age 81, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, October 8, 2007. He was born in Fremont, Mich., June 31, 1926 to Henry and Jennie (Hoebeke) Van Os. Carl spent his childhood in Wooster, moving to White Cloud as a young man and graduated from White Cloud High School. At age 17 Carl was pleased to go to Regensberg, Germany and help set up the PX for the soldiers and the community that were ravaged by the war. He was honorably discharged from the US Army following WWII. Carl moved to Big Rapids in the early 1960's. He had an amazing work ethic, was a good judge of character, mechanically intuitive and a strong leader. These characteristics helped in his 40 year career as a pipeline foreman at Sub Surface. He enjoyed collecting coins and old bottles from dig sites across the Lower Peninsula. Carl was an avid gardener until two years ago sharing the majority of the produce with friends. He was generous to lend out his tools (Hint). Carl was a hunter and fisherman extraordinaire teaching his grandchildren to hunt and fish. Carl was proud to be a longtime member of the American Legion Post 98, AmVet Red Arrow Post 1941 and Eagles. Carl took care of his family teaching and guiding them along the way. He is survived by his wife Elaine Van Os of Big Rapids, three children Carl N. Van Os of San Francisco, CA, Darlene Koyle of Big Rapids and Marilyn (fianc Dave Brunette) of Muskegon. He has four grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by two brothers Henry "Van" , Milo "Bud" and two sisters; Jean Ryswick and Betty. Funeral services for Carl will take place 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2007 at the Daggett "" Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with interment and military honors at Pine Plains Cemetery. The family will greet friends 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday (today) and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Carl's name may be made to the Grand Rapids VA Home.