Karl S Manwiller

Karl S. Manwiller Jr. passed away Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. He is remembered by family and friends for his intellect, his compassion and genuine interest in people, his integrity and his keen sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn M. Manwiller; children, Kurt Manwiller, Kathryn Manwiller, and Kristen Niehoff and husband, Fred; grandchildren, Jonathan Manwiller Keller, Stacey and Abby Niehoff; and nieces and nephews. Born April 16, 1928, in Philadelphia, he was predeceased by his parents, Karl S. Manwiller Sr. and Dorothy F. Manwiller. Following graduation from Haverford College, he earned a master's degree from Columbia University Teachers College. During the summers, he was a counselor at Camp Shohola in the Poconos, which he had attended as a camper throughout his youth and where he met his future wife, who was the camp nurse. After completing his education, he served as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, and then taught high school social studies and history in Roslyn, N.Y. Karl came to Frederick in 1963 as supervisor of high schools. He was the founding principal of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, where he was committed to fostering excellence in all students. "A school should be as proud of its vo-tech students who win bricklaying contests as of the merit scholar or a championship football team," he said. "And at TJ, we were." In 1973, he became director of pupil services for Frederick County Public Schools and later was curriculum specialist for Social Studies and Community Resources. He enjoyed announcing boys basketball at Gov. Thomas Johnson for many years after he stepped down as principal. Karl was a leader in the development of the county's advanced placement programs, visual and performing arts offerings, and special and alternative education programs, including the creation of the Rock Creek Diagnostic Center. He recruited and mentored generations of creative and committed educators, and was instrumental in the addition of a student representative on the board of education. He said in an interview reflecting on his career, "Doesn't everyone really hope they affect eternity?" After retiring from the school system, he became executive director of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. A highly effective volunteer, he was a founding member and president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County and was one of the founders of the Family Life Center, now called Families Plus. Karl was a member the Rotary Club of Frederick and a member of the Evangelical Reformed Church (UCC) where he served as an elder. In addition, he was a member of the Frederick Coffee Club. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at Evangelical Reformed Church, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made to The Community Foundation of Frederick County in memory of Karl S. Manwiller Jr. to support future educators, or to the Evangelical Reformed Church scholarship fund.