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William (Bill) Karnau
Our beloved husband, father, and Papa (the rock) is gone. William (Bill) Karnau, long time New Braunfels educator, died on October 1, 2009, after a short stay at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. He suffered from pneumonia coupled with a strep infection. He was born on July 15, 1930 in Shiner, Texas, to Alfred and Adeline (Hagestedt) Karnau, immigrants from Ganderkesee, Germany. He graduated from Shiner High School in 1947, and from Texas Lutheran College in 1951 with an education and BBA degree. He earned his master’s degree in Education Administration and business education in 1954 from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and continued his education with enrichment courses at the University of Texas at Austin.
Those who preceded him in death were his parents, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law and three nieces. His survivors are his wife, Eileen, daughter, Cynthia and two grandchildren, Rachel and Benjamin Garbus, one brother, Herb Karnau, sisters-in-law Florence Frank, Marilyn Miller (Wi1bert), four nephews, two nieces, and their families.
He met Eileen Louise Frank at Texas Lutheran College, and they were married on December 23, 1951. This union brought two children, Cynthia Eileen of Irving, Texas, and Sally Ann who preceded him in death in 2000.
He joined the 38th division band in 1947 in which he spent 13 years. He began teaching at New Braunfels’ first junior high school (now called middle school) in 1951. During these years he taught typing, math and grammar. He was elected vice principal in 1959 and taught general business along with his administrative duties. He was elected as principal in 1963. He held this position until he retired in 1990. He also retired from Camp Warnecke as manager in 1990 after 35 years in this position. During these years, with two jobs, the home was held together by Eileen. After retirement he went back to work for six years at Comal ISD and retired again in Jan. 2000.
He was active in church, educational and civic activities during these years. He served on the church council of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a member of the choir for many years. Awards included the Silver Unicorn Award in 1969, a PTA Life Membership in 1960, TSTA Life Membership, and an NEA Life Membership. Other activities were New Braunfels TSTA President, committee work in the State TSTA, published in the State Business Education Journal, was a member of the PTA, Phi Delta Kappa and Red Red Rose, and was President of Alamo District 13 business teachers. He also began the first official talented and gifted program in the NBISD. He also served on the Board of Directors of the community council of Comal County, was a member of the Lion’s Club and a Wurstfest Opa.
A private burial was held on October 3, 2009 at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Memorial may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church at 181 S. Santa Clara St. or the William Karnau Scholarship Fund at New Braunfels High School, 430 W. Mill St.
Published October 6, 2009
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