Herbert “Herb” Bernhard Karnau

Herbert “Herb” Bernhard Karnau, 88, of Gonzales, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He was born on June 1, 1937, in Shiner, Texas, to Adeline Gesine (Hagestedt) Karnau and Alfred J. H. Karnau.

Herb grew up in Shiner and graduated from Shiner High School in 1955. He attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. During this time, he joined the National Guard, serving his country and as their band director. His love for learning led him to pursue a Master of Education degree from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. While in college, Herb met Katharine “Kay” Amalia Meister. The two were married on August 14, 1960, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Yoakum. Throughout their 48 years of marriage, they lived in Boerne, Karnes City, and Gonzales. Kay passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Together, they shared a love of music and travel, exploring destinations across the United States and around the world.

Herb began his career as a band director, teaching in Boerne for two years and in Karnes City for eleven years before coming to Gonzales in 1971. He remained band director until 1977, when he became principal at East Avenue Primary, a position he held for 21 years. Herb retired in 1998 but couldn’t stay away from the classroom—he returned to teach junior high band in Gonzales for three more years. He believed that his music students all worked for a common goal, and that their self-discipline was a natural result of that shared dedication.

Even in retirement, Herb remained deeply involved with music. He served as choir director at First Lutheran Church in Gonzales, continuing to share his love of music with others. Herb enjoyed all genres of music from classical to jazz, country to rock and, of course gospel music. Herb appreciated it all. A talented trumpet player, Herb loved conducting concert bands during his band director years, and he often performed alongside Kay, who accompanied him on piano.

In his later years, Herb found companionship and joy with Carol Demars LeFleur. They were married on April 3, 2018, in Gonzales and shared many wonderful memories together.

Herb was active in his community as a member of the Noon Lions Photography Community Club, director of the First Lutheran Church Choir, and director of the Badger Comeback Band in Karnes City for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Demars) Karnau, and his daughter, Sandra Karnau Walsh, and her husband, Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Kay (Meister) Karnau; his three daughters, Karen, Sharon, and Kathy, who were killed in an auto accident in 1977,  and his brother, William “Bill” Karnau.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, with his interment to follow at Shiner City Cemetery. Pallbearers include Joel Whittington, Mark Witte, Roger Boening, Bill Marocco, Dr Gary Heximer and Paul Neuse. Honorary pallbearers include Elgin Heinemeyer, Frank Ball and Charles Salge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to a charity of one’s choice.

All services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home of Gonzales, Texas.