Carl Simon Rundberg

Carl Simon Rundberg, 85, of Jarrell, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends. The funeral service will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 30. Burial will immediately follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29th at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville.

Carl was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where he met the love of his life Joyce Ann Foss. They were married shortly thereafter and celebrated 64 wonderful years together.

As a young boy Carl acquired the nick name Cotton Top because of his white hair. As he became older, his hair darkened, and his family and friends then called him Top. The name Top was most appropriate because he strived to be the very best at anything he tackled. Most of all, though, Carl was a loving husband, father, and friend. Once you met Carl, you had a friend for life. He loved people and doing for others. Carl could not bear to see anyone suffer or do without. He would give a friend or complete stranger the last shirt off of his back and never think twice. Carl was blessed with a green thumb and could root or grow anything. Anyone who knew Carl, knew that he always planted a huge garden just so he could share his crop with others. Whether it be vegetables and fruit from his garden, eggs from his chickens, plants he had grown from seedlings, or advice on the importance of a loving family, nothing gave Carl more pleasure than sharing what he had with others. Carl’s nurturing heart and loving ways touched everyone with whom he came into contact.

Carl loved music, and as a boy, he taught himself to play the piano by ear. He enjoyed playing in several bands in his younger days and even played backup for various country artists at local clubs. Music and playing the piano was Carl’s therapy. He loved to play the piano each evening after a hard day at work. His family and friends enjoyed listening, singing along and dancing while he played when they visited.

Carl served in the U.S. Army, and then worked for TICO, Superior Dairies, TEC, Austin Savings & Loan, University Savings, Pioneer Title and Longhorn Title from which he then retired. Carl prided himself more than anything on his work ethic. His family was proud of how he worked himself through the ranks at Austin Savings to Senior Vice President. Not only was he loyal, but he was a man of conviction.

Carl’s fondest memories were his years of coaching slow pitch softball. He prided himself in having the opportunity to coach his wife, Joyce and 4 daughters, Cheryl, Teri, Laurie & Brenda. His daughters could not wait for their dad to get home from work, so he could practice with them. Soon after he began coaching, his Austin Savings team won the Women’s Slow Pitch State Championship. He then formed and coached the Spurs and the Spurettes, a younger girls’ team. Carl, Joyce, and the girls loved softball because it was a family affair. Carl and his family spent countless hours together playing softball in the evenings and on weekends. Carl loved all of his players and the many wonderful friendships he made over the years through coaching. They were always dear to his heart.

Carl’s greatest accomplishment in life was his loving family. There was nothing more important to him. He loved sharing his Swedish heritage with his younger generation. He was the patriarch of the family. Carl loved having family and friends over to celebrate, regardless the occasion. He was a man who lived and reflected the true definition of unconditional love to all. Through his actions, Carl taught his family the value of forgiveness and loving others.

Carl’s parents (Carl F. Rundberg & Else Holder) along with siblings David Rundberg & Patsy Chadima preceded him in death. Carl is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann (Foss) Rundberg; sister, Else Fay “Doodie” Simmank; four daughters, Cheryl Raeke (Charlie) Teri Hoyle, Laurie Gordy (Joe) and Brenda Rundberg. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Rhanda Schrank (Kevin), Keri Peterson (Keith), Kemberli Gordy (Nic Verde), Wade Gordy (Brittany) Clayton Gordy, Dan Nothomb (Kari); six great-grandchildren: Carlton and Hudson Schrank, Gunner and Holt Peterson, Trevor Verde and Rhett Gordy; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.