Obituary for Carl F. Lilienthal

Carl F. Lilienthal, 74, of Atlantic, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

Carl Frederick was born on May 19, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Carl Harry and Doris June (Headley) Lilienthal. He grew up on the family farm 10 miles north of Atlantic, and this is where his love of nature got its start. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1961 and started working as a meter reader for the natural gas company. He later joined the National Guard and worked for them full-time in Council Bluffs.

On May 8, 1971, he was united in marriage to Cynthia Louise Engel in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple moved to Cedar Falls for a short time, but then made Spirit Lake home while raising their family for the next 18 years. Carl worked the majority of his life, traveling all over the United States laying underground phone lines, in addition to several other business ventures.

After their move to Atlantic Carl and Cindy created an outdoor space that was just what his nature loving spirit loved, complete with a stream containing koi. He set out food for the birds, squirrels and it wasn’t uncommon to have a dozen deer in the yard. Any chance to get out fishing was taken, and for the last three years he enjoyed Muskie fishing trips to Canada. Deer and mushroom hunting were also favorites of his.

In spite of the cantankerous exterior he often put on, Carl had a tender heart for his family. He looked forward to getting together with them and taking trips with Cindy to Florida. One of their favorite things to do while on vacation was shelling at Sanibel Island just off the coast. In addition to his human family, he loved his Shih Tzu’s, Carlie and Chubby who went everywhere he did.

Carl is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cindy; son, Curtis (Stacey) Lilienthal and their son, Jace of Des Moines; daughter, Carrie (David) Dixon and their daughter, Natalie “Snickers” of West Des Moines; brother-in-law, Bill Richter of Boone; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and June Lilienthal; sister, Ellen Richter; and brother, James Lilienthal.

Per Carl’s request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Burial will be held at a later date in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Carl's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

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