Karl W. Krass

Karl William Krass, 46, of Beach Park, Illinois, formerly of Globe, Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Born on January 1, 1980 — the first baby born in the county that new year — Karl arrived making his presence felt, and he never stopped impacting the people in his life.

Karl graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1999 and went on to earn a degree from Cornerstone University. He built a meaningful career as a Physical Education teacher at Copper Rim Elementary School in Globe, Arizona, where he touched the lives of countless students and became a cherished member of the school community.

Known for his generous spirit and his deep love for his family, Karl had a special gift for connecting with children. He adored his nieces and nephews above almost everything — time spent with them was among his greatest joys and something he cherished deeply. He loved Duke basketball with conviction, Culver's concrete mixers with consistency, and outdated military all-terrain vehicles with an enthusiasm no one could fully explain but everyone respected.

He is survived by his beloved mother, Trish Krass; his brother Alan Krass (Jennie) and their children Kevin, Kaden, and Kiersten; his sister Kari Zawada (Shannon) and their children Ethan, Logan, and Lily; and his brother Keith Krass (Sarah) and their children Lukas, Charis, and Jake. He was preceded in death by his father, Kevin Krass.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Karl's Arizona family — Mark and Roberta Shellenberger, the teachers and staff of Copper Rim Elementary, and the Meyers and Atwood families — for the love and community they gave him.

A memorial visitation will be held April 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr, Zion, Illinois 60099. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Copper Rim Elementary School in Globe, Arizona in either of the following ways:

Please mail checks made out to Globe Unified School District with Karl Krass Memory as the note Attention: Buisness Office to 460 N. Willow Street Globe AZ, 85501

or by phone/credit card please call 928-402-6120

 The family also asks that donations be made to American Cancer Society/?campaign=menudefault" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The American Cancer Society.