Published: February 16, 2008 02:18 pm         

Martin O. Juel

Martin O. Juel, longtime dean and professor at Texas State University-San Marcos, died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, in San Marcos at the age of 91.

Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche in San Marcos.

The funeral service will be held Monday, Feb. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 410 W. Hutchison in San Marcos. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the San Marcos City Cemetery.

Texas State President Denise M. Trauth said Juel will be missed and that he left a legacy that will be remembered at the university.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Marty Juel,” said Trauth. “He was one of those rare individuals who touched many lives and changed them for the better. His years of dedicated service to the university and to the San Marcos community will never be forgotten, and he will be dearly missed by all of us.”

Juel began his career at what was then known as Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1950 as coordinator and professor in the Health Education Program.

He was appointed dean of students in 1954 and served in that position until 1967. During that time, he also served as the faculty advisor to the Student Senate and as director of the Student Personnel Office. He served as acting dean of the Graduate School for one summer.

Juel was named chair of the Department of Education in 1973 and served in that capacity until 1977. He led in the development of many innovative teaching approaches, in the upgrading of the teacher education program and in the initiation of several new programs.

He served as chair of the university's Athletics Council and as faculty representative to the Lone Star Athletic Conference for 10 years.

Juel was renowned for his work in the field of health and physical education. He served as vice president for health education of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and as a member of the Governor's Commission for Physical Fitness. Based on his professional reputation and experience, Juel was named chair of the statewide committee to develop the Texas public school health education curriculum for elementary and secondary education.

As a result of his commitment and many contributions to the programs, faculty and students at Texas State, he was named the first recipient of the Walter Richter Humanitarian Award in 1990.

Juel was active in the San Marcos community and served as chair of the San Marcos Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, chair of the university's Support Foundation, a member of the Hays County Child Welfare Board, president of the San Marcos Chapter of Retired Teachers and president of the Austin Chapter of the American Parkinson Society. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award and the Rotarian of the Year award from the San Marcos Rotary Club.

In 1997, the Texas State University System Board of Regents bestowed upon Juel the title of Distinguished Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Emeritus.

In 2007, the Texas State Student Foundation designated Juel “Dean for Life.”

Besides his great love for his beloved family, he had many passions for which he was well known. He was a sports official for over 25 years, at both the high school and college levels. He loved his Chicago Cubs and waited every season hoping for a World Series appearance. He and his daughters enjoyed 10 years of trips to Wrigley Field where they were able to sit behind home plate in the wheelchair section because of his handicap. He always said it didn't get much better than that!

He never forgot his Lutheran heritage, but spent over 50 years as a devout Presbyterian, serving in countless capacities. He was so happy in his last years to see the renewal and growth of his beloved church. He always was able to bring much joy to others and will be missed especially by the children who loved him greatly.

Juel was preceded in death in 2000 by his wife, Gwen.

He is survived by two daughters, Sue Wells Bradford and her husband H.O. “Buddy” Bradford of Georgetown; Bobbie Chapman and her husband, Kirk, of Caldwell; one brother, Robert P. Juel of Sister Bay, Wisc.; seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Martin O. Juel Graduate Scholarship Fund at Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, or the First Presbyterian Church, 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 North Comanche Street, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-353-4311.

     

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