Dr. Carlos L. Knisely

TECUMSEH — Dr. Carlos L. Knisely, 99, of Tecumseh passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born in Quincy, Mich., on Aug. 12, 1926, to Daniel and Vera Pearl (Horn) Knisely. He married Barbara A. Balk on June 21, 1952. The couple eventually settled in Tecumseh to raise their family.

Carlos enlisted in the armed services on Aug. 11, 1944. He served during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps. Upon his return from service, he attended Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating as a DVM in 1952. In January 1958, Carlos acquired Tecumseh Veterinary Hospital from Dr. William Britton. Carlos and his wife proudly ran the clinic for 37 years.

In addition to his veterinary career, Carlos was involved with numerous community organizations. He served on the Tecumseh Planning Commission, Junior Chamber of Commerce and was elected to City Council. He was an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the BPO of Elks. Carlos loved spending time with his family and sharing stories of his youth, Christian values, knowledge of woodworking and home renovation.

Carlos is survived by his children: Pearl (Thomas) Holdsworth of Old Fort, N.C.; Michael Knisely of Tecumseh; Patrice (Bruce) Sommers of Manchester; Pamela (Michael) Creswell of Tecumseh; Paula Maves of Riverview, Fla.; and Kristen (Steve) Hill of Onsted. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters; loving wife, Barbara; and son, Daniel.

The family is grateful to all who assisted in Carlos’ care, specifically Hospice of Lenawee and Visiting Angels for their warmth and presence. Deepest thanks to long-time family friend and in-home helper Gina Coscarelli for her devotion and unwavering patience over the past eight years.

Funeral services, officiated by Deacon Leonard Brown, were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation also took place one hour preceding the funeral service, beginning at 10 a.m.. Interment was at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh with military honors performed under the auspices of the Tecumseh American Legion and VFW. The family asks that memorial contributions in honor of Carlos be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.