Trinity Remembers Karl Kregor

Karl H. Kregor, professor of English literature, died on Oct. 20, 2025. He was 87.

Born on Sept. 27, 1938, in the Bronx, New York City, Karl was the son of Walter Kregor and Viktoria Okrzesik, of Bremen, Germany. He was married to Ellen B. Kregor M ’79 for 61 years.

A graduate of Syracuse University, Karl spent over 25 years inspiring students as a professor of English literature at Trinity University, where he helped shape the interdisciplinary course The Human Quest. During his time at Trinity, he also developed the innovative course Literature and the Senses, using a workshop approach that invited students to explore different literary texts through the lens of their senses, rather than just words. After retiring, he took on various roles, including serving as a train conductor on the Santa Fe-to-Lamy tour route, volunteering as a lecturer, and eventually becoming president of the Renesan Institute for Lifelong Learning in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In retirement, Karl continued to teach and explore new ideas, sharing his enthusiasm for art and history through his work with the RENESAN Institute. His passion for discovery led him to write James Sicner’s “Eternal Vigilance”: An Illustrated Narrative to the World’s Largest Photo-Collage Mural (2022), a reflection of his deep belief in the power of creativity and knowledge to connect generations.

Karl is survived by his wife, Ellen; sister, Margo Durr; brother, Raymond Kregor; daughter, Leah Dean, and husband John; son, Matthew Kregor, and wife Michelle; and two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Robert.

In lieu of flowers, Karl’s family asks that donations be made in his memory to any of the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, RENESAN Institute for Lifelong Learning, or Doctors Without Borders.