Carl H. Backers Jr. Obituary (2021)

Carl H Backers Jr. passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021 at the age of 86. Carl, also known as Grandpa, Pops, Great-Grandpa, and back in his early days, "Heinie" (a popular old German nickname for a young boy), was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska. Carl loved Nebraska life, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, Nebraska (Big Red) football, and card games, especially cribbage. Professionally, Carl was an engineer at Lockheed Missiles and Space for 30 years where he mostly worked on Quality Assurance for nuclear submarines and missiles during the Cold War. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and his master's degree from Santa Clara University. In his retirement, he loved RV'ing across the country with his wife Connie, including visiting all 50 state capitols, playing cribbage in the Gold Country Cribbers club, researching genealogy, calling Bingo at the senior center, fishing with the Jolly Hookers fishing club, being a member of the Elks, and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Carl was a devout Catholic, including being an active member of Holy Trinity parish for over 20 years. He loved his country, his family, a good meal, and a good deal! Carl had four children with his first wife, Ann Backers. He was preceded in death by his son Carl III, and is survived by his other three children Lisa, Angela, and Steve, nine grand-children, and four great grand-children. He is also survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie Backers, her two sons, and two grand-sons. A vigil will be held on Thursday June 3rd at 6pm at Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, CA, and a funeral Mass on Friday June 4th at 11am at Holy Trinity Parish in El Dorado Hills. Since patriotism and support for our nation's heroes was so important to Carl, if you are so inclined, donations may be made in his honor to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, to help support the families of fallen first responders. https://t2t.org/