Carl Warmdahl

After a meaningful career in education, countless hours spent making music with friends, and always being there for his family, Carl R. Warmdahl passed on from this life on June 1st, 2023, at the age of 96. Born in 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota, his family moved ‘out west’ to Sacramento in the early 1940’s. Carl lived in the Bay Area as a young adult and later returned to the Sacramento area after his graduation from CSU San Jose. 
Carl’s success in both sports and school fostered a love of coaching, teaching and counseling young people. He later became a school psychologist and administrator after earning an EdD from the University of Maryland. Carl spent much of his 50+ year career with the Elk Grove Unified School District, moving to Elk Grove in 1973. 
Carl loved music, particularly jazz. After retiring from EGUSD he formalized his natural drumming skills by taking classes and learning to read music. This began Carl’s next chapter- playing drums in several jazz ensembles, including over twenty-five years with the Midnight Rose Band. While playing in the band, Carl met Betty Greeley, another jazz devotee- and they spent the next twenty-seven years enjoying art and music pursuits together. 
Family was very important to Carl and throughout his life he let us know how much he cared. He was always interested in what we were up to, especially when it came to our travels. He enjoyed a lifetime of road trips, particularly to any state with a coastline or high mountains. When at home, Carl was an avid follower of the news and sports. He loved watching college football, the San Jose Shark and SF Giants- preferably with other family members!
Carl is survived by his wife Betty, his children- Kristine Warmdahl, Erika Rollins (Tom), and Tor Warmdahl (Ruby), eleven grandchildren- Alyssia (Jon) Walden; Jacob (Mya), Delaney, Andrew, Aaron, and Jamison Rollins; Natalie, Kristian and Noah Warmdahl; Kelsey (Matt) McLevich and Zak Walden and two great-grandchildren- Amelia and Julian Walden. Carl also holds a special place in the lives of Annie Armstrong, James Derickson, and Dawn and Jill Greeley. He was predeceased by his siblings Don Warmdahl and Donna LeBoeuf, and his beloved daughter, Karen Warmdahl. 
The family is holding a Celebration of Life gathering for our dad, grandpa and husband in August. This November we will meet again in his remembrance in Ft. Bragg, CA, one of Carl’s favorite places to spend time since the 1960’s.  Although forever in our hearts, we will always miss his warm and welcoming company. If you are an acquaintance, friend, or former student or colleague of Carl’s, please know he enjoyed your presence in his life.