Carl F. Karasek; Retired Ventura College Dean

Ventura resident Carl F. Karasek, who served as dean of Ventura College in the 1960s, died Monday after a brief illness. He was 89.

Karasek was born on Christmas Day in 1908 in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1925, he moved to California, where he earned degrees from UCLA and UC Berkeley. He married in 1938, and he and his wife, Ardes, had two sons.

In 1940, Karasek became a teacher at Garden Grove High School in Orange County. He joined the Army in 1943 and was assigned to the literacy program. In 1949, after his military service was complete, Karasek became the dean of Lassen Junior College in Susanville. He later served in the same position at Ventura College.

In 1967, Karasek and his wife moved to Fremont, Calif., to help found a college. He retired three years later, and the couple eventually returned to Ventura.

“He was very special, a gentle, caring man, and we were so lucky to be together,” Ardes Karasek said. “We were married for 59 years--you can’t be with someone that long without loving them greatly.”

In addition to his wife, Karasek is survived by his sons, Jerry of Oroville and Michael of Reno.

In accordance with Karasek’s wishes, no services will be held. Cremation arrangements are under the care of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.