Carl R. Kuebler

Portland – Carl R. Kuebler, 88, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on April 20, 2026, in Portland, Maine. Born in Philadelphia, PA on October 15, 1937, he was the son of the late Otto and Margaret (Stemfl) Kuebler.

Carl was born an athlete and for as long as he could remember, he loved sports. In his younger years, he played baseball and 3rd division soccer. At the age of 17, while trying out for the Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) semi-pro soccer club, he was approached by two scouts from the Phillies who asked if he’d consider making baseball a career. He said no because although he was a good catcher, he couldn’t hit. To the end of his life, Carl regretted not giving it a try. He did make the VE soccer team and was the goalie for many years. A few years later, he was recruited by the Germantown Cricket Club, where he played goalie on their soccer team for four years.

A highlight of his sports career was when his soccer team played against Bermuda’s Olympic team. His team didn’t win, but he played well enough that fans asked for his autograph and the next day, once again, he was approached by two scouts. This time recruiting for the New York Cosmos. They suggested that Carl consider going pro, but instead, he took a job in Portland, Maine, where he fell in love with the city and a new sport – tennis! He had his share of wins and losses, but either way, enjoyed playing in tennis tournaments, which he did all over New England. He was the only person to play in the Grand Prix open, JV, and Seniors matches in the same year, which gives an idea of how many tournaments he participated in. He continued playing tennis until his late 70s.

Carl graduated from Olny High School in Philadelphia. He attended LaSalle University, took night courses at Penn State, and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from California Coast University.

His parents thought Carl should follow in his father’s footsteps and become a tool and die maker. His father and brother may have been good at that line of work, but Carl couldn’t even pound a nail into a wall. In college he discovered that he had a knack for accounting and insurance. He was an agent for the All-State Insurance Company when he discovered that his true gift and calling was salesmanship. He always enjoyed getting up in front of people and doing sales presentations. Whatever company he represented Carl’s territory was somewhere on the east coast. When he retired, he was the Regional Account Executive for CMHC Systems, which provided behavioral healthcare information management software for mental health, substance abuse, and addiction services. He considered it the best job he ever had.

Looking back, Carl thought he had a decent life. “Jock” that he was, even into his 80s he went to the gym several times a week, riding the bike and throwing around a few weights. What made him happy was knowing that he didn’t have anything to worry about.

He cherished his five grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader on the field, ice rink, and stage. His final wish was that people remember him as considerate, thoughtful, and kind – and, that he was an athlete.

Carl leaves behind his daughters, Elizabeth and her husband James Freeman, and Jennifer Kuebler; his grandchildren, Owen, Brady & Gwen Freeman, and Griffin & Callie Watson; nephew, Rick Kuebler; niece, Karen Kuebler Collins; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his former wife, Mary Dee Kuebler, and an older brother, Harold.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Osher Inn at The Cedars where Carl called “home” for the last three years of his life. Their care, compassion, and companionship will always be remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on May 19, 2026, at the Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Rd, Falmouth. Family and friends are invited to visit and gather with the family until 4pm.