Gerald L Kaenzig

Gerald Louis Kaenzig was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Gerald will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

He was the son of Ruben & Anna Alexander. Gerald grew up in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Gerald was raised with one sibling, his younger half-brother David. Gerald was usually involved in all sorts of activities with David. He and David experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Gerald had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Gerald was an active child who took part in football and baseball. He was a member of the Boy Scouts. In his spare time he liked Baseball Cards. Gerald's memorable achievements included numerous Band Awards. However, to Gerald, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Gerald had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Pawnee High School in 1955. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Band and he love playing the Trumpet.

Gerald enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Gerald was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Marketing from Oklahoma State in 1960. He also pursued Graduate School, earning his Masters of Science at Long Island University in 1979. His favorite professor was Ashley Alexander.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Gerald enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Pete, Tyson, Raymond Fields.

On August 28, 1981 Gerald exchanged wedding vows with Mary Alice Matus at St Louis Church of Waco, Texas. Empathic and loyal, Gerald was committed to making his new family happy.

Fortunately, Gerald enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Gerald worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was being a Teacher. He was employed for Killeen Independent School District for 20 plus years, but of the 20 years he had a total of 42 years before retiring. Gerald always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Gerald was an Army Veteran. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas from 1960-1962 as a Clerk Typist. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Specialist. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Gerald enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Tennis and Gardening. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Gerald found pleasure in sports. In high school, Gerald played Football, Baseball and Basketball. Recreational sports included Baseball. Gerald was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were watching Oklahoma State Football and Baseball.

Throughout his life, Gerald was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Gerald was a member of the Glee Club, Band and Operetta. In college, Gerald joined the Agee Band, Operetta and Glee Club.

Gerald’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Bethel Church for 8 years.

When Gerald’s retirement finally arrived in 2001, he was well prepared. He stayed in Killeen, Texas, in retirement he found new pleasure in gardening. Even in retirement, Gerald continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Gerald was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Gerald passed away on May 8, 2017 at Rosewood Nursing & Rehab Center in Killeen, Texas. He is survived by his Wife Mary and Half-Brother David Alexander. Services will be at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Visitation is Friday, May 12, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm, funeral service is Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 2:00pm. Gerald will be laid to rest in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:00 am .

Simply stated, Gerald was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Gerald leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Gerald Louis Kaenzig.