Karl Wright Siegfried

Karl Wright Siegfried - January 1952 – January 2021Karl said goodbye to us early this year. Although his death deeply saddens us all, we honor his life by remembering the great person he was and by striving for excellence (as he did) within our own lives!

Karl was born on Staten Island, NY to the late Ernest Siegfried and Helen Szuba. He spent his younger years growing up on the east coast causing trouble with his older bother Bryan. They managed to dent some car doors, rattle some lockers, clock some jaws, and formed a sibling bond forever inseparable in heart and spirit.

In his late 30’s, Karl became stepfather to his two children Travis (age 8) and Melissa (age 5) while working towards his Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University (NAU). Karl filled the role of Dad with absolute ease. He said his stepmother Betty prepared him well. A call long in the making, he became the ‘rock’ for his kids – in Karl’s words “it was not about genes, it was about love, pride, protection, and helping you grow…” An awesome dad - always available, patient, quick with hugs of encouragement, dry wit, a booming laugh, and a fierce protectiveness backed by a body builder physique.

Upon graduation from NAU, Karl accepted a teaching position at the Orme College Prep School in Mayer, Arizona. If you did not attend the Orme School, it is hard to put into perspective how much impact a teacher can have on a student. There, Karl (aka Siegs) became ‘dad’, not just to his two stepchildren, but to the many, many kids that attended Orme during his 13 years of teaching and coaching there. Karl was the head of mathematics at Orme as well as the weightlifting and track coach. Facebook comments describe him as, fantastic, brilliant, kind, loving, amazing and so much more... His booming voice will forever be remembered across the campus of Orme by those who were fortunate enough to know and be known by him. As a coach, the level of encouragement he gave his kids was insurmountable. Karl loved teaching not just math or track, but life… and he was fantastic at it.

Most recently, Karl taught mathematics at Yavapai Community College in Prescott Arizona until his retirement in May 2020. His Yavapai students and colleagues describe him as – “favorite teacher, amazing human being, brilliant mathematician, patient, beloved by many and kind to all.”

Karl is pre-deceased by his father, mother, stepmother (Betty Siegfried) and son Travis Carter (Granite Mountain 19). He is survived by his best friend and brother Bryan (wife Julie), his beloved nieces and nephews – Sarah (husband Jason), Shannon (husband Bryant), Christopher, Jack and Emily; great nieces and nephews - Audrey, Paige, Boden, Hannah and Cathryn. And, by his daughter Melissa and grandkids Brayden, Brielle and Carter.

Karl leaves his legacy in the many souls whose life’s he touched and in his children. May we all strive to instill in each other and in our children Karl’s values of inquiry, love, honesty, excellence, encouragement, compassion, forgiveness, and perseverance. Our world is better for having him and he will be missed by many. Now in true Karl fashion…” Non illegitimi carborundum”!A celebration of life event will be announced later in 2021.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations in Karl’s name here: https://ycefoundation.com/yavapai-county-eduucation-foundation-donation/