In loving memory of

Carl A. Aagesen
April 7, 2018

Dr. Carl Aagesen, 77, of Santa Maria, California, passed away on April 7, 2018, at Loma Linda Medical Center, California. He was born August 22, 1940, in Hampton, Iowa.

Carl graduated from COMS Medical School in Des Moines. He then served two years in the Army Medical Corp during the Vietnam War. Following his service, Carl took his Psychiatric residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Chicago. His fellowship was at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Carl was commended as a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Carl is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Norma; two grandsons, Keith and Michael; son-in-law Ian and his fiancé Teresa. He has a cousin John Aagesen of Ames, Iowa, and cousins Marjorie and Linda. Also, dear friends Ross and Ann Ruth of Santa Maria, as well as his many co-workers and friends he had made in Santa Maria. Carl is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa.

Carl was known for his enjoyment of the finer things in life; fast cars, the arts, motorcycles, fine wines and dining, and traveling in style - not to mention his love of rock and roll. Retirement was never in his plans and he worked till his health failed. Carl truly loved life.

Memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association.



Dr. Carl Arthur Aagesen III

From a small Iowa town, to cosmopolitan physician, Carl enjoyed a full and diverse life. Born in Hampton, Iowa, at the beginning of WWII, he was a high achiever who left school early to study his passion, medicine. His medical school training in the field of osteopathy, and later specializing in psychiatry, provided him with the skills to help troubled souls across the U.S. and beyond its borders.

A man of diverse interests, Carl embraced life in all of its forms. He and Norma married young, and raised their daughter Lisa, and together embarked upon a lifetime of adventure, which saw them travel the globe.

High school football player, pilot, scuba diver, skier, cyclist, devoted husband and father, the family lived and loved life, with Carl wanting to see as much of the country as he could. His career, coupled with itchy feet took the family all over the mid-west, to the south ending up on the California coast, where he and Norma first met and fell in love.

Never losing interest in his career or concern for his patients, he went from young intern to Army flight surgeon during the Vietnam conflict, to successful psychiatrist who was recognized by being commended as a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, one of the highest honors in his field. One of his great passions was that of aiding military veterans, who he regarded as heroes. Retirement was never in his plans, his hand forced only by a frustrating and recent disability.

Carl was not always one for conformity, and the family often joked about his colorful character, saying "he had caught it from his patients". Often unorthodox in life, his methods earned him the respect of his peers, fear of adversaries and a secure knowledge of his beliefs, which often ran contrary to the mainstream.

Carl was known for his enjoyment of the finer things in life, fast cars, the arts, motorcycles, fine wines and dining, and traveling in style, not to mention his love of rock and roll.

He and Norma saw much of this planet, most of the U.S., and visiting Europe, Australia, The Great Wall of China, and as he pursued his diving interests, South America, the famous Truk Lagoon and Bali to name but a few. Never one to shy from a challenge, on one of his trips he volunteered to give life sustaining care to one of the victims of the Bali night club bombing on a commercial flight back to the U.S.

The world lost some of its color last Saturday. Norma lost her partner and love of her life, Michael and Keith lost their grandpa, the family lost its patriarch and medicine lost a great contributor. They don't make them like that anymore. Carl Arthur Aagesen...you made a difference, you can rest now.

Tributes

Katie Edsill wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"I was a patient of Dr. Aagesen. When he left Waterloo, I followed him everywhere he went until I started having children 5 years ago. I always planned to go back to him after I was done having children, he thought it?d be best to have my midwives prescribe and monitor my medication. I just went to get ahold of him today, as I had his cell number, but wanted to google him first as I learned of him moving to California awhile back. The first thing I saw was this obituary. I am beyond saddened that I?ll never be able to talk to him or receive his services. Carl was very unique, he helped me get through some really tough and traumatic times in my life. He was a wonderful, caring and compassionate man who truly loved helping others and it reflected in his work. I will be forever grateful for Carl and for what he has done for me and my mental health. He?s truly 1 of a kind. I send peace and comfort to his wife and family. I can inly imagine the loss they feel. RIP Dr. Aagesen and thanks again for being an amazing psychiatrist and human being. Sincerely, Katie Edsill"

mhernan@co.santa-barbara.ca.us wrote on Apr 30, 2018:

"I have the privilege of working with Doctorcito Aagesen at Foster Road Clinic and he was one the best doctors ever. He was one of the most caring doctors that I ever knew, his patients were his passion, very caring, very compassionate, very loving. He is going to be missed, all our clinic at Foster Road just love HIM! He is going to be missed.... Maria"

Valentina Doumanian wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Norma, words are never adequate in difficult moments like these. Our heart goes out to you, and we will always keep wonderful memories of how privileged we were to know Carl as a colleague and friend. Our deepest condolences to you at this sad time. Valentina & Artun"

Naomi McCormick wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Our Beloved Norma, You and Carl have been dear friends to us since we first met in Waterloo, IA. John and I will never forget the many good times , laughter, shared meals, and adventures. We felt secure in our friendship from day 1. Carl was the most outstanding psychiatrist with whom I had the privilege of working with as a clinical psychologist. He was a joy to consult and I felt confident that our mutual patients would get better because of his outstanding care and knowledge of medicine. We miss Carl with all our hearts. We wish you lived nearby again. You remain in our hearts as a dear and special friend. It is very sad to say goodbye to this wonderful man so soon after our loss of vivacious Lisa, your beloved daughter. Call us at any time. Love, Naomi & John McCormick"

Denise Giakas wrote on Apr 15, 2018:

"What a magnificent tribute to a magnificent man. Norma, we cannot express our sorrow enough over Carl's passing. Although we have not seen each other much over the past years since you left Illinois, your kindness and Carl's guidance and friendship to Bill and me are so dear to us. So many special and fun memories of him. He was one of a kind. All our love to you and your family..... Denise, Bill and the Giakas kids."

Dick & Jan Gregory wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"Norma, Thank you for thinking of us during this very sad time. Please accept our deepest sympathy. He was a dear friend to both of us. Jan & Dick Gregory"