Carl Michael Bergauer

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Carl graduated from Melville High School and went on to Blackburn College, where he played collegiate soccer while earning a degree in art and serving as Student Council president and dormitory president. He married Bonnie Shanks in 1972, and together they built a life that touched far more people than either of them could have anticipated.

Carl spent 45 years as a business executive in sales and marketing, including serving as President of the National Office Products Association, before continuing his work through his own consulting business in retirement. A lifelong musician, he played guitar with the Fifth Element band, jammed at F6 Music Lounge, and served as worship leader and guitarist for the Ascend Praise service at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Coppell, Texas where he had also served as church council president. Carl loved fishing and building with his hands.

Across decades, Carl gave generously of his time to his community - as a Scoutmaster, as a board member of Good Shepherd School for Children & Therapy Center, as a champion of Toys for Tots, as a Citizens on Patrol volunteer, as founder of Elements' C.A.R.E., and as president of the Viridian Homeowners Association. He also helped establish the Elements Memorial Tree Walkway.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bergauer, his son, Ryan Bergauer, sisters Phyllis (Jim) Chambliss and Connie (Jim) Carron, and brother-in-law Rob Shanks.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 25, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church, 532 E. Sandy Lake Road Coppell, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County or Salvation Army.