KARL FRANZ ENGEL

Karl Franz Engel, 85, passed away peacefully at Fellowship Home in Valdosta, Georgia, on February 26, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Judie, and his cherished daughters, Mary and Karla Anne.

Karl was born on September 16, 1939, in Gross Lindenau, East Prussia, to Frank (Franz) and Kathe Engel. His childhood was shaped by the extraordinary hardships of World War II. In 1951, seeking a better life, his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Englewood, New Jersey. At Dwight Morrow High School, Karl thrived as a student-athlete, excelling in basketball, soccer, and football.

His talent on the gridiron earned him multiple scholarship offers, but it was his decision to attend Clemson University that changed the course of his life. He played football under the legendary Coach Frank Howard and graduated in 1963 with a degree in history forever proud to be a TIGER both on and off the field.

That same year, Karl accepted a position in Moore Haven, Florida, as a high school teacher and head football coach. Moore Haven had not fielded a football team in many years, but under Coach Engel, the TERRIERS went undefeated in his first season and were invited to the Citrus Bowl the next year. Karl’s leadership and passion revitalized the school’s athletic program, laying the foundation for years of success to come. He poured his heart and soul into teaching and coaching at Moore Haven High School, but most important to him, he met the young woman who would capture his heart and never let it go: Judie. The absolute love of his life. They were married in 1967 and would have celebrated 58 years together in April 2025.

While coaching in Moore Haven, Karl began to see that his strengths extended far beyond the field. He believed the qualities of a great coach vision, discipline, belief in others were the same traits needed in strong school leadership. Determined to become a high school principal, he and fellow coach Herb Wiseman spent more than two years traveling across the state two nights a week after long days of teaching and coaching to attend graduate classes. Their commitment reflected Karl’s belief in lifelong learning and in doing whatever it took to serve students better.

In 1968, at just 29 years old, Karl became principal of Moore Haven Junior-Senior High School. He led the TERRIERS from 1968 to 1977, shaping the school’s academic programs, student support systems, and athletic culture. His leadership left a lasting mark not only on the school but on the entire Glades County community.

In 1977, Karl took on a new challenge as principal of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. The school board had set ambitious goals for improvement and stability, and Karl was brought in to restore order and raise expectations. He did just that. Under his leadership, the COWBOYS flourished. The experience came with its own unique charm many students worked part-time at nearby Disney World, adding a touch of magic to campus life.

But it was Riverdale High School that many consider the crown jewel of Karl’s career. He became principal in 1979, stepping into what he described as the most difficult educational environment he had ever encountered. Morale was low, the facilities were poor, and students lacked engagement. Judie, never one to mince words, told him he’d be crazy to take the job but Karl saw the school’s potential more than its problems.

He believed that the most important thing that happens in a school is when a teacher and a student come together in the classroom. He built a culture that prioritized teaching and learning above all else. He often said the secret to success was hiring people smarter than himself and giving them the freedom to do great work. At Riverdale, he championed students who were often overlooked, launching an annual holiday tradition where teachers nominated deserving students, and “Santa” (Karl, in full costume) handed out gifts donated by the local community.

Within a year, Karl brought the school out of debt. In just a few years, the RAIDERS once considered the district’s greatest concern were recognized by the Florida Department of Education as one of the state’s top high schools. Riverdale flourished because of the belief, structure, and spirit Karl worked so hard to build. During these demanding years, Karl even took up crewel embroidery to relieve stress a quiet but meaningful symbol of his creativity and discipline.

In 1987, Karl was appointed superintendent of the Lee County School System. Inspired by his success at Riverdale, he set out to apply those same principles district-wide. He tackled issues such as dropout rates, rapid growth, and the need for reorganization with clear-eyed focus. His top priority remained early literacy, and he launched an ambitious campaign to ensure all children were reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

Karl visited every school in the district, meeting with teachers, students, and staff. He was widely respected as a visible, hands-on superintendent. But Karl was not a politician. When he found that personal agendas were compromising what was best for students and teachers, he stood his ground. In 1990, unwilling to compromise his values, he resigned as superintendent his integrity fully intact.

That same year, Karl returned to the work he loved most: serving students directly. He became principal of Cypress Lake High School, where he led the PANTHERS from 1990 to 1995. He brought both structure and heart to the school. His annual appearance in a custom purple Santa suit, bringing gifts to students who quietly exemplified kindness and perseverance, became a beloved tradition.

Karl believed that every school should be left better than he found it academically, athletically, and culturally. He expected teachers to teach, students to learn, and administrators to lead with integrity. But Karl was never an “I” man. He often said the key to success was hiring people smarter than himself and letting them do their jobs. When he spoke about the accomplishments of a school or the district, he rarely took credit. Instead, he lifted up the contributions of others from the janitors who kept facilities clean and welcoming, to the cafeteria workers who provided nourishing meals, to the teachers, coaches, and support staff who supported students every day. He believed every role mattered, and he made sure everyone knew they were essential to the school’s success. He never asked others to work harder than he was willing to work himself, and he led by example always present, always engaged, and always championing the people around him.

After retiring from Lee County Schools, Karl realized he wasn’t ready to slow down. In 1997, he became principal of Avon Park High School in Highlands County, where he found another exceptional group of students and staff. He proudly led the RED DEVILS until his final retirement in 2001.

In retirement, Karl found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. He tended his flower garden, played tennis, fished, and traveled across the United States and Europe with Judie by his side. He never stopped cheering for his teams, solving crossword puzzles, or reading history books.

From 1973 to 1987, Karl served as a director on the board of the Florida High School Activities Association (FHSAA), representing both Glades and Lee Counties and helping to shape statewide policies for education and athletics. Throughout his life, Karl was honored for his lasting contributions to both education and high school sports. In 2012, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Lee County Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and the football field at Riverdale High School proudly bears his name: Karl Engel Field. Despite all his accomplishments, one of his most treasured possessions was the lifelong athletic pass given to him by the FHSAA. He carried it with pride and used it often, attending high school games well into his late 70s. That small card symbolized much of what he held dear competition, community, and the enduring spirit of high school athletics.

Education had shaped Karl’s life, and he gave back to it with everything he had. He earned his B.A. in History from Clemson University in 1963 and went on to receive his Master of Education in Administrative Supervision from Florida Atlantic University in 1967, followed by an Education Specialist degree from the University of South Florida.

In 2021, Karl and Judie moved to Madison, Florida, to be closer to family. He treasured every moment spent as “Daddy” and “Big Papa” the loving and joyful center of his family’s universe. He turned every backyard visit, road trip, and snack stop into a memorable adventure.

Karl is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Judie; daughters Mary O’Bannon and Karla Anne; sons-in-law Philip O'Bannon and Greg Molnar, whom he loved as his own; grandchildren Remington Parker O’Bannon (Taylor), Seth Orion Engel Molnar, Atticus Carter Engel Molnar; and great-grandson Jase Orion Molnar.

Karl was a man of faith, patriotism, integrity, affection, and loyalty. His absence is a tremendous loss, but the memories he created, the lives he impacted, and the legacy he leaves behind endure in the hearts and lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 300 Avenue L, Moore Haven, Florida.