Katharine Strickler Johanns

Katharine Strickler Johanns, born October 5, 1941, in Baytown, Texas, was a woman of remarkable accomplishment, leadership, and dedication to her community. The daughter of William J. Strickler and Lucille Newman Strickler, she built a distinguished career in education, journalism, human resources, and community service, leaving a lasting impact on the people and organizations she served.

Katharine graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown in 1959. She went on to attend Lee College before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Speech Communications and Theatre from Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1963. She later received a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Communications from West Texas State University in 1965, with a minor in English. She also completed postgraduate studies in college and university administration at The University of Texas at Austin and pursued additional professional certifications in employee relations law, disability awareness, and grantsmanship.

Katharine began her professional career in education, teaching speech and working with students in the Goose Creek Independent School District in Baytown. She later served as a speech instructor at West Texas State University and taught speech and English at Temple College. Her career took a new direction in journalism when she became the first female news anchor, reporter, and special features editor and producer for KCEN-TV, serving from 1971 through 1975.

In 1975, Katharine began a 15-year career as Community Relations and Personnel Director for the Central Counties Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation in Temple. She subsequently served as Executive Director of the Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse from 1990 to 1995. In 1996, she established Employee Training and Consultation (ETC), providing consulting and employee training services to businesses, industries, and organizations throughout Central Texas. She eventually retired from her professional career to care for her beloved husband.

Katharine was deeply committed to civic involvement and community leadership. She served on the board of directors and personnel committee of the Ronald McDonald House, was a member of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, and served as president of the Central Texas Human Resource Management Association. She also served as president and publicity chairman for Temple United Way and became its first female campaign chairman. In addition, she served as president of the Bell County Media Club and was a member of the Temple Literacy Council.

Rotary International held a special place in Katharine's life. As a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, she served as secretary, president-elect, and president. Following the club's closing, she transferred to the Temple Rotary Club. She also served at the Rotary District 5870 level as secretary to District Governor Tom Chamberlain and later on the district publications committee. In recognition of her service, she was inducted into the Rotary District 5870 Roll of Fame in 2002. She was a three-time Paul Harris Fellow, including a fellowship she gave in honor of her husband.

Her many honors included being named Citizen of the Year by the Temple Police Department and by the Central Counties Chapter of Social Workers. She received the Texas Medical Association's Anson Jones Award, a Citation of Merit for Medical Journalism, and recognition from the Temple College Foundation for her development and leadership of the Alzheimer's Conference for families over five years.

Katharine and her husband, Walter A. Johanns, were married on June 18, 1966, at Grace United Methodist Church in Baytown. They lived in Temple before moving to Little River-Academy in 1978, where they had built their home. Walter preceded her in death on April 6, 2004. Six years later, Katharine moved to Georgetown, settling in Sun City on September 29, 2010.

In Georgetown and Sun City, Katharine continued to remain active and involved. She volunteered at the Georgetown Visitor Center on the Square and participated in the Sun City Zoomers Club, Pet Club, and Emergency Management Committee, helping coordinate the evacuation of residents and pets when needed. She also served for a year as a neighborhood representative. An active walker and swimmer, she maintained her connection to Southwestern University through membership in the Brown Foundation Society, the 1840 Society, and the 50+ Society.

Katharine will be remembered for her professional accomplishments, her commitment to public service, and the many ways she contributed to her community throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William J. and Lucille Newman Strickler, and her husband, Walter A. Johanns.

She is survived by her brother, Jerry Strickler of Gresham, Oregon, along with several cousins.

Her legacy of leadership, service, and dedication will continue to be remembered by those whose lives she touched.