Carl Eric Pellatz passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 25, 2026, with his wife by his side.

He was born on July 13, 1945, in Oregon City, Ore., to Helen and Rudolf Pellatz and moved to Arcata in 1959. He graduated from Arcata High School in 1963 and continued his education at Humboldt State University and the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1967.

Carl’s professional journey began as a mortician before transitioning to a successful career as an insurance broker in 1974. Beyond his professional life, Carl was a dedicated pillar of the community. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Arcata Fire Department from 1965, rising to the rank of captain. His commitment to public service resulted in an election to the Arcata City Council in 1992, serving as Mayor from 1995 to 1996.

His spirit of service extended throughout the region. Carl was a career-long Rotarian and past president, a founding member of the Humboldt Crabs nonprofit board of directors, and an active contributor to the Humboldt State University partnership campaign. He also served as a Governor’s Appointee to the Medical Quality Review Committee from 1984 to 1992 and was a familiar, respected presence on the basketball court as a referee.

Carl’s greatest joy was found in his family. After marrying in 1964 and raising three brilliant daughters, he married Charlene Janssen in 1996. They enjoyed 30 years of companionship, dedicated to community service, traveling, and the joy of grandparenting their five grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of service and devotion to the people and places he loved.

Carl is survived by his wife, Charlene Pellatz; his three daughters, Kristina Marquez (Manny), Amy Pellatz, and Juliana Wayman (Darrell); his five grandchildren, Anna Beck, Ava and Xander Jerry, and Mica and Grey Wayman; brothers Paul Pellatz (Pat) and Malcolm Blanchard (BJ); as well as nieces and nephews, Jeff Pellatz (Jeannie), Curt Pellatz (Coni), Todd Sobol (Sherrie), Eric Sobol (Shirley), Lisa Gorge and Sydney Blanchard. 

A celebration of life will be held in late summer. Details to follow.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Carl Pellatz’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.