(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Karl O. Herbrechtsmeier, 74, of Kenosha, WI passed away peacefully on 2/23/24 with family by his side. He was born in Kenosha on 6/25/1949 to Owen and Marion Herbrechtsmeier.
Karl proudly served as a tank mechanic in the Army National Guard from July 1971 – Apr 1977. After attending University of Wisconsin-Parkside, he secured his teaching credentials. During his career as an educator he placed an importance on education and his role to students by obtaining masters degrees, coaching certifications, all while developing multiple successful sports programs. Karl ultimately found his school home at Lance Junior High School and ended his career at McKinley Junior High School.
Karl was a passionate classroom teacher, who also served as a coach for wrestling and track. The social development of young people was one of Karl’s greatest passions. He wanted all students to practice good citizenship, along with developing their educational skills.
Many will remember him as a life mentor and a coach. The lessons that he gave transcended the classroom and many people would comment on the positive impact that he had on their lives. He never focused on individual awards, but his family are so proud of all the accomplishments that he achieved. Karl was awarded Teacher of the Year 1987-1988 and he was also voted Coach of the Year at KUSD. Karl was also responsible for creating a successful High School wrestling program at The Prairie School and Racine Lutheran High School in Racine, Wisconsin.
Karl was also an avid handyman and frequently would point out homes that he had worked on in the community. He found a great sense of pride helping people around the community, and making a difference in their lives.
He was survived by his children Kirsten (David) St Martin, Erik (Laura) Herbrechtsmeier, Judy Miller, Mike (Caitlin) Herbrechtsmeier, Brian (Danielle) Herbrechtsmeier, Catherine Herbrechtsmeier, Julia (Michael) Westland; his grandchildren Haleigh St. Martin (Tanner Steff), Zachary Gargas, Emily, Madeline, and Joshua Herbrechtsmeier, Kayla and Hanna Miller, Elias Herbrechtsmeier, Harper Crawford, and Riot Herbrechtsmeier, Beverly Nugent, Brody Herbrechtsmeier-Alles, Aubree, Andrew and Jack Westland; his great grandchild, Sienna Herbrechtsmeier-Hernandez; his brothers Keith (Paula) Herbrechtsmeier and John (Terrie Gogola) Herbrechtsmeier; and his sister Janis (Steve) Van Voorhis and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Judith Ann Herbrechtsmeier.
In lieu of memorials, Karl asked that you “take the time to really be nice to somebody in order to make their day very special. An act of kindness goes a long way.”
A burial service will be held at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park (4300 Green Bay Road) on Tuesday, March 12th, at 11 A.M. A celebration of Karl’s life to follow the service.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Andrew Modory says:
Mr. Herbrechtsmeier was one of the best teachers, coaches, mentor, and colleague that I ever had. To this day, almost 40 years later, I still incorporate things he taught into my own classroom and everyday life. He’ll be greatly missed.
Douglas Ketchum says:
We ran cross country together back in the 60s when were students at Tremper. He was a role model for all of us as the captain of our team and also helped Wes Holman become a better coach during his first year in that position. The end is inevitable…
Nadine Myers says:
Mr. Herbrechtsmeier taught me how to write. His red pen was painful, but transformative. To this day I think of him when constructing a paragraph. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Allyson christman says:
Mr Herbrechtsmeier was my favorite teacher he loved teaching he was a very kind and caring person he loved his family and his grandchildren he will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him to his children and grandchildren so sorry for your family’s loss remember he is always with you sincerely Allyson Christman
Shiela Heg says:
Karl was the best carpenter and all around handyman I have ever met. Always honest and fair to my real estate clients. At Lake To Lake Realty we valued him as a friend and valued member of our team. I truly miss him.
Jerry Socha says:
One Saturday a quarter century ago, Karl donated his time and skills to turn a bedroom window into a door for a wheelchair ramp. Thank you Karl. Your kindness helped to open a new life when I thought that life had ended for me.
Kyle Knudson says:
Sorry herb family for your loss he was a strong caring.person . Was almost made me feel like I was family I have respect for everyone here especially to the herb family he was a good teacher and. A good wrestling coach he was a wonderful person we will miss you.
Meggan Flament says:
My absolute favorite teacher at Lance. He was such a caring teacher and class was never boring!!
Cheryl Kasdorf says:
My sincere sympathy to Keith Herbrechtsmeier and all of the family. Prayers are with them as they grieve this huge loss in their lives.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Kasdorf
Randy Herman says:
I didn’t know Karl. I recognized the name and recalled Judy who sat next to me in a study hall at Tremper. I remember getting the look from the teacher for talking to her. She died some 50+ years ago. I may have seen Karl at 10k’s or something back in the days. My condolences to your family.
Matt Daniel says:
Mr. Herbrechtsmeier was always one of my favorite teachers. You could tell he really cared about his students and wanted the best for them. RIP sir. It was an honor to be one of your students. The lessons you taught are still with me today.
Nancy D. Leonard says:
Hello Keith, I know this is very late but I had no idea this was available to me. You will remember me as Nancy Gerlach, your very distant cousin. But I’ll bet you remember “Aunt” Sophie, my Grandmother. She and your Grandmother were cousins from Sweden. Also, I took care of you and Karl when you were babies. I only saw the short obituary about Karl and had no idea how to reach you at the time. I have fond memories of you Boys (since I am 87 now, I can still call you “Boys”). I am so sorry for your loss. My Son, Troy, speaks very highly of both of you as he remembers working some construction with you. I have been praying for your whole family at this trying time. With love, remembering the “old days “. Nancy Leonard. If you would like to reach me, I will leave my phone number with Casey Funeral home.