Karla Sue Temerlin (née Samuelsohn) passed away peacefully on July 10, 2020, in Austin, Texas, at age 87. Known for her gentle and sweet soul, Karla was an adoring, and adored, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her family was her greatest passion.
Karla was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, on November 13, 1932, to Michael and Celia Samuelsohn (née Cohn). Karla met Liener Temerlin, her husband of sixty-six years, at the University of Oklahoma. When Liener saw Karla at a dance, he knew she was the one. They married the following year on July 23, 1950, moving to New York City and then to Dallas, Texas, which would become their home for more than sixty years.
Karla and Liener's marriage epitomized love and devotion. In the early years, Karla cared for their newborn daughter at home while Liener served in the U.S. Army in Korea. Later, their partnership was key to Liener's success in the advertising industry, which provided them opportunities for exciting adventures around the world. In their final years together, the pair could be found sitting next to each other “kvelling” about their grandchildren, discussing the news, and exchanging “I love you’s.” Liener was fond of saying, “In my family, I happened to make the living. But it is Karla who has made the living worthwhile.”
Karla’s caring spirit was visible in her ever-present smile and her genuine interest in everyone she met. She had a passion for news and current events, a remarkable memory, a quick wit, and a love of television and film.
Karla is survived by her daughters Dana Temerlin Krebs and husband Ray Krebs, and Lisa Temerlin Gottesman and husband Sandy Gottesman; grandchildren Grant Gottesman and wife Carrie Gottesman, Blake Gottesman, Cary Gottesman Johl and husband Brad Johl, Hunter Temerlin Crawford and Hill Temerlin Crawford; great-grandchildren Avery Johl, Payton Johl, Parker Johl, Chloe Gottesman, Noah Gottesman, and Henry Gottesman; and sisters-in-law Harriet Samuelsohn and Jane Temerlin. Karla was preceded in death by her husband Liener, her parents, her brother Jordan Samuelsohn, brothers-in-law Jim Behrman and Maurice Temerlin and sister-in-law Babette Temerlin Behrman. A private family burial service was held in Austin on July 12. Karla’s family wishes to thank the caregivers and medical professionals who so wonderfully cared for her in her final years.
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