Karl Zwicker

Karl Martin Emmanuel Zwicker lived an extraordinary life with conviction and integrity.

Karl (Carl) was born February 17, 1913 in Kelso, MO to devout Catholics, Anna Ottine (Ubert) and Jacob Alfred Zwicker. He was one of six children – Frank, Arnold, Peter, Ida Caroline and Mary Catherine – becoming the youngest with the passing of baby sister, Mary in 1917. From a boy who had no more than an eighth-grade education at best with a modest socio-economic family background, Karl evolved into a self-made Renaissance man.

Having a father who was a carpenter and somewhat of an entrepreneur, the Zwicker family would move to wherever work could be found. Thus, Karl’s childhood experiences were as many as they were varied. Such experiences included the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 in New Orleans, Texas Rangers threatening to kill his family as they helped an innocent black man, co-habitation with panthers, snakes and other formidable creatures, ‘breaking’ horses, lessons learned from observing alligator wrestling and singing hymnals as a choir boy – described by a priest as his best singer. At school, Karl was particularly fond of mathematics and history. In helping his mother tend to her successful gardens – that frequently being the prime source of family income – is how some of his fondest childhood memories were created. Organic gardening remained a source of great pleasure throughout Karl’s long life. He was a master gardener who provided not only for family but also generously for his community. His relationship with his father, however, was in stark contrast.

At approximately age 13, Karl left home to find himself as a hobo riding the rails. He witnessed great poverty and corruption on the rails and found himself giving his food to young boxcar children crying with hunger. Joining up with a fellow by the name of ‘Frenchie’, one of their joint adventures was the crossing of a newly constructed bridge across the Mississippi River in style – delightfully atop the train as it bypassed officials and crowds of people. Riding the rails was also his introduction to the Industrial Workers of the World organization (IWW) of which would profoundly impact upon his political beliefs. The rails were abruptly left behind when hired railroad police were physically throwing people off the train as it moved. Karl was spared when presenting them with a paper from the Merchant Marines; indicating that this was where he was headed. Indeed, he joined the Merchant Marines only to be discovered by the captain to not be of age. Karl pleaded not to be sent home, stating that he “had no home”. The captain relented and ultimately provided a sort of father figure Karl had not experienced. It was during these years spent on the high seas that he decided to apprentice with a shoemaker whenever he was in port in San Francisco. His travels took him to third world countries which further impacted Karl’s beliefs in freedom, human rights and the value of a good education.

Karl left the Merchant Marines to find work up north in Michigan’s growing auto industry. Faced with poor working conditions and virtually no recourses, it was not long before he began to fight for worker rights. It was in the same year of 1935 that he arrived at a boarding house run by Lura Irish, mother to a very young, very slender and beautiful girl named Betty Jane Irish. Karl had considered pursuing life as a Catholic priest with plans to travel to British Columbia, but the irresistible girl ultimately became his endearing wife on February 14, 1939. The marriage lasted nearly 72 years; creating countless stories that touch the heart and mind.

Karl worked 42 years as a tool and die worker and troubleshooter for General Motors. He evolved into a strong union organizer early on for the United Auto Workers (UAW). This was followed by helping others establish unions, including most notably, staff of New York restaurants, both East Coast and West Coast longshoremen and nursing staff at a Detroit hospital. Suffice to say, ‘packing it’ meant more than packing a suitcase. By changing addresses and with helpful support from Betty’s highly esteemed contacts in combination with his ability to ‘walk in others’ shoes’ and understand people as well as his incessant reading and having great self-discipline, he managed to survive and help lead others during difficult years including the famous 1937 sit-down strike and periodic riots. Issues with goon squads, scabs, the Mob, police or judges were part of his daily living. You can spot Karl in Sasha Reuther’s (grandson of Victor Reuther) 2012 multiple award-winning documentary entitled “Brothers On The Line” as narrated by actor/activist Martin Sheen.

Interestingly, Karl was a critic of both union and management. Known for his honesty and fairness, he received an occasional phone call or visit from both to ask for his opinion or thoughts even well into his later years. Karl would continue, however, to fully support the union’s existence and remind people of its role and necessity. Found among his personal papers following his death was a copy of then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt’s campaign remarks prepared for his delivery at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY on November 5, 1932. Those remarks clearly expressed values and beliefs shared by Karl and Betty as reflected throughout their respective lives. By the way, remember the iconic tail fins of the ’57 Chevy? They would not have been made had it not been for Karl’s expertise.

Karl appreciated the simple joys of living. Playing cards, blowing a tune on the harmonica or dancing while humming and/or singing a tune were frequent pastimes. Reading was his daily passion. Carpentry, engines, gadgets or devising a ‘better mousetrap’ were part of his nature. He was one of the earliest recyclers and creatively devised his own methods. And yes, he knew how to make the best moonshine and bathtub specials! He delighted in fishing and boating upon retiring along the Alabama coast of Gulf Shores. A strong swimmer, he saved the lives of a few people throughout his life including that of his daughter, Gail. He respected nature and was active in environmental rights – particularly of the waterways.

Family, including his nephews and nieces and all extended relations, was especially dear to Karl. Karl told the love of his life, Betty that only God knows how much he loved her and to whom his last words “I love you” were spoken. In Kalamazoo, MI, with last rites previously given and family present to bid him farewell, he took his last breath.

Heaven loudly rejoiced as Karl Martin Emmanuel Zwicker entered the kingdom of God on February 12, 2011.

Preceding him in death was a grandson, Benjamin John Prihoda (2003). Surviving are his dearly beloved wife, Betty, children and their spouses, Virginia and John Prihoda, Gail and Richard Warren and Mark Zwicker along with grandsons and their spouses, Nicholas (Joni) Prihoda, Drs. Aaron (Jessica) Warren, Bryan (Lindsay) Warren, and Jeremiah (Jamie) Zwicker, and three great-grandchildren, Vivian Jane Prihoda, and Clara and Adam Warren.

Betty Zwicker and families deeply thank you for your kind, thoughtful cards, flowers and letters. Celebration of Karl’s life took place by Lake Michigan in 2012. If you wish to further celebrate the life of Karl Zwicker, please consider volunteering or contributing to Sacred Heart Parish at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, an environmental cause, or any charity dear to your hearts.

Our Father, Who art in heaven

Hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.