Carl L. Gusler, 89, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare.

He was born October 18, 1936, in Fairview, Michigan to Kenneth C. and Esther (Lantz) Gusler. They preceded him in death along with two sisters, Audrey (Ken) Swartzendruber and Karen Gusler.

On August 27, 1960, he married A. Kay Gingerich in Kouts, Indiana.

She survives along with a daughter, Ann (Patrick) Vendrely, Goshen; a son, Jay (Nicole) Gusler, Sumner, Washington; four grandchildren, Katelyn (Joseph) Brenneman, Christian Vendrely, Sydney Gusler and Sadie Gusler; and a brother; Duane (Cheri) Gusler, Goshen.

He was a 1955 graduate of Midland High School, Midland, Michigan, then completed his undergraduate degree at Goshen College in 1959. He received his master’s in social work in 1964 from the University of Michigan.

Early in his career, Carl worked for the Mennonite church at children’s homes in Ailsa Craig (Ontario), Kansas City (Kansas), and Larkspur (Colorado). He taught college students about social work at Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia for over five years. Later, Carl worked for the Colorado Department of Health as a licensed nursing home inspector.

He was a man of deep faith and an active church member wherever they lived. Carl and Kay were long-time members of Beth-el Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs prior to their move to Goshen where they joined College Mennonite Church.

Carl enjoyed meeting new people, traveling, and reading. He and Kay frequently visited the grandchildren as favorite babysitters or planned trips as a whole family. He read a wide variety of books and journals, often sharing his favorites with others. He appreciated music and collected antique toys.

According to Carl’s wishes, cremation will take place and a small family gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorials in memory of Carl can be directed to College Mennonite Church, Goshen College, or Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.