Carl Biedermann, co-founder of Biedermann & Sons, died Friday, January 30th, in California at the age of 79.
His son, Martin, succeeded him before his retirement in the early 90’s.
Carl was born in Poland where his American mother and German father lived. The family owned a successful textile mill which was expropriated by the Nazis and later by the Russians during occupation after WWII. Carl and Peter were entering their teens at the time, and suffered depravations and bombings including the firestorm of Dresden where the family had fled hopping to reach allied territory. Unfortunately Poland had been turned over to the Russians, complicating the family’s departure to America as refuges. Carl’s mother, Hildegaurd, as an American citizen, was able to come to Chicago first to join her parents, but she had to leave her 2 sons and husband half-starved, struggling to live in a bombed out city.
In any case, they were extremely glad to run into the American troops approaching from the west, armed with chocolate and cigarettes…
The family was eventually re-united, and Carl spent a year in high school in Chicago before starting at Oberlin College. There he paid his way by working multiple jobs on campus and trying to become an entrepreneur by delivering ice in the summer. He met his wife, Anita, there and went on to graduate school at Johns Hopkins, before serving 2 years in the US army intelligence Unit in Munich, Germany. That is where they first came to admire hand-painted and decorated German candles which later became mainstay of their business.
Carl began travelling the Midwest, selling these wares, and others, from a trunk he would drag or carry into prospective customer’s stores. One of his first sales was to Lieberman’s, one of the finest stores in Lansing, MI. There, he met the buyer, and good friend, Betty Price.
Carl, along with Peer Baekgaard, was among the original directors of the Chicago Gift Show, which was the first gift show in the nation.
After a great career in the candle business, he retired from Biedermann & Sons in the early 1990’s, to spend summers at his and wife Anita’s home on Washington Island, Wisconsin, and winters in their home near San Diego.
He fought and won his battle with lung cancer, then fought prostate cancer for several years. He had his mental faculties and positive spirit right up until his last day of just a 5-day hospital stay.
His wry sense of humor, his smile, and ability to affect people’s lives in a positive way will never be forgotten. His life, and ability to survive, and thrive, is a testament in itself.
Carl’s remains will rest on Washington Island, with at least two previous generations of Biedermanns.
Following are some of the heartfelt words written by those he leaves behind – please feel free to leave your thoughts and memories, below as well --
I am so sorry to hear about Carl.
The staff and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I was so happy to have shared a meal with you and Carl last December. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. December and Christmas at the League Shop would not be the same without a Biedermann in the store.
We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Pat Brinker
I was shocked when I read your mail.
I really feel sorry for you and your family about Carl’s death.
He was a warm hearted man and I quite often remember oursales trip around Lake Michigan and the time in Chicago.
All the best from the whole family Steinhart
Simon
I don't know what to say.
I'm so sorry for your loss doesn't seem to be near enough.
I have known Carl since Robbie introduced me to him in 1985. I loved his love of jazz and vodka and life. He was directly responsible for me buying Robbie's Ltd. That sale changed my life completely for the good. I will miss him and his humor. Please give our thoughts and prayers to Anita and the family.
Always,
Rosie and Bill
Carl was a great mentor – He did change my life and for that reason alone, his memory will be part of my heart. He will be missed.
Sending our sincerest condolences,
Janice Harken-Hamblin
Steven Hamblin
I was deeply touched to hear of my dear Carl's passing. Carl was not only a business friend; he was like a father to me and my personal friend and confidant for more than 35 years. He always found the right way with his discreet frankness. For me personally it is a hard loss. It is too bad I didn't get a chance to introduce my Claudia to you both in California; I would have loved for him to meet her.
Best regards,
Hans Holfeuer…
With our deepest regret heard about Carl’s passing away. We are all shocked about this news and even can’t believe never seeing him again. For us all he will leave a big hole in our hearts, but as being an outstanding person and real good friend for us all he will have a big place in our thoughts and memories. We will never forget him and are glad to have met him in our lives and to have had the possibility to spend time together. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you and Anita. Though we will miss him very much we are tranquillized by the fact that he had not to suffer too long and he was saved from struggling.I’m really looking forward to see you soon and we all are with you in this difficult time!With our deepest regret
Love,
Alex Kopschitz
We are very sorry to hear that your father passed away. He was not only a business partner but a real dear friend of all of us. We will miss him and think about the nice times we had together.
He also had like Anton a fulfilled life and we also are sure that he will now be in his heaven.What can we do, besides thinking and praying for him?
Please take care of your mom Anita, because she is a wonderful woman and loved your Dad and the family so much.
Please take again our sincere condolences,
with love
Hans, Thomas and family.…
Express one´s all-deepest sympathy. It meets me extremely to lose Carl, he was a marvelous friend, I miss him. I never forget all the many, many joys for it me prepared, thank you.
I want say so many things to you, but my English......!
Sorry!
He is with us!
Georg_____________
With our thoughts & sympathy, and our appreciation for Carl’s effort to be here in Ann Arbor in December. We all enjoyed his quick wit and dedication to his profession.
Lyn & Ellen
Deepest sympathies to all of you. We so enjoyed our time spent with Carl over the years – what a wonderful man.Fondly,Liz and all your friends at Lohn Leidy’s
I’m joining Liz’s sentiments – condolences to all your family & colleagues – It feels like an era ends –Best to you,
AnnMarcia only today brought home the news of your dad. We and The Candle Factory are thankful for his and your family’s friendship and being able to share the profession of a candle merchant.
John and Marcia Sarah, Soren
and Hans Teichmann
A Good Day Fishing;
