Steve Paul Krahl

Steve Paul Krahl, age 68, passed away Friday May 3, 2013 at Denton Regional Medical Center. Born to Joe and Elizabeth Krahl on August 3rd , 1944, in Archer City, Texas. Steve moved to Gainesville at the age of four where he lived for 46 years. Steve was a farmer and dairyman until 1979. He always seemed to have a gift for selling and he loved to talk to people. After leaving the diary business, he went to work for the Knights of Columbus selling life insurance and later worked for JC Penney Insurance Company which eventually became a Metropolitan insurance agency.

During his tenure with Metropolitan invited to the Summit, Steve was recognized in the top four for sales in the State of Texas for 3 years straight. When his son, Shane, graduated from Texas A&M University Shane joined Steve in the Denton office working for Metropolitan. Eventually Metropolitan closed their Denton office, leading Steve and Shane to establish their own independent agency. Krahl Insurance has been at its current location since the year 2000. Steve had a great love for people and talking. He was at his best while in his role as “PR man” for Krahl Insurance. Public relations was really his gift and I’m certain that all his customers would agree.

In 2004 he began his courageous battle with lung cancer which finally took its toll. Steve’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening, and baking fresh bread which he learned from his mother. He enjoyed taking fresh vegetables to his customers. He was a very caring man. Steve loved to tell his customers about the travels that he and his wife, Vickie, enjoyed. Most memorable of these travels were the cruise to Alaska they took for their 10th anniversary and the Mediterranean cruise celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Steve was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 50 years and later St. John’s Catholic Church of Valley View and St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Denton.

Preceded in death by his father Joe Krahl and mother Elizabeth Krahl; brothers Martin, Eddie and George Krahl, sister Mary and husband Emmett Sicking.

Survived by his wife of 29 years, Vickie; his daughter Shawna and husband Bryan Johnson of Lake Kiowa; his son Shane and wife Julie of Denton; Stepsons Michael, Martin and wife Sara, and Benny Tischler of Pilot Point. Stepdaughter Jeanice and husband Steven Jarrett of Krum; four grandchildren, seven step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Also survived by his brother Jimmy and wife LaChrista Krahl; Sisters Vickie Self, Millie and husband Ronnie Kessler, Patsy and husband Sheldon Lutkenhaus of Gainesville; Lydia and husband Jim Garraway of Montogomery, Alabama; Sisters-in-law Nancy Krahl and Virginia Krahl of Gainesville, Margie Krahl of Muenster. Brother in law David and wife Casandra Stallings of Carrollton, and Dorothy Wilson of Kingston, Okla.

Rosary with visitation to follow will be held Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville, Texas.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gainesville, Texas with Fr. Victor Cruz officiating.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Puckett, Trent Krahl, Shannon Taylor, Martin Tischler, Steven Jarrett and Justin Serna. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Krahl, John Broyles, and Ronnie Stone.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.