This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: TCMitten Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/17130/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Chicago Tribune (IL) - August 16, 2009 Deceased Name: Death Notice: KARL O. GANDT Karl O. Gandt, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison, WI. He was born on Aug. 10, 1920 near Cecil, WI, the son of Ed and Clara (Spohn) Gandt. At the age of 10, he decided to become a teacher and was to be the first in his family to graduate from high school. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL on Aug. 9, 1945 and was united in marriage toDorothy Anita Klemm on Aug. 10. She preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2008. Because of the teacher shortage during WWII, Karl held several teaching positions before returning to Concordia to complete his degree. His first call, in 1945, was to St. Paul's in Tracy, CA. He subsequently taught in Lutheran schools in Fresno, CA, Aurora, IL, and Park Ridge,IL, where he was also the principal. During this time, he spent summers at the University of Illinois and earned a Master's degree in Library Science. In 1957, he accepted a call to be the librarian and academic counselor at Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park. He also served as organist at Faith Lutheran Church in Westchester and played for German services at St. Paul, Melrose Park. After earning a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration at the University of Illinois, Karl worked in administration for two years at Ridgewood High School in Norridge, IL, In 1967, he became Superintendent of the Harwood Heights school district and principal of Union Ridge elementary school. He was always committed to giving students the highest quality education and instituted many innovative practices over the next 20 years. In 1987, Karl and Dorothy joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst where he served as parish administrator until 1997. Karl is survived by his children, Lois, Eunice and Karl; his daughter-in-law Barbara; his grandchildren, Anna Gandt Graupner and Christopher John Graupner; his sisterPhyllis Krohn; his brother Elmer and wife Claudine; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and affection they gave him for the past three years. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 148 E. Third St. in Elmhurst. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens in Oakbrook Terrace. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst. Funeral inquiries:Chapel Hill Gardens West, 630-941-5860. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.