Robert "Bob" Virgil Christal

Jun 9, 1944 -

Dec 13, 2023

Robert "Bob" Christal, 79, of Kenai, Alaska passed away on Dec. 13, 2023.

Bob was born on June 9, 1944, to Adeline and Vergil Christal in Anderson, Ind. He married the love of his life, JoEllen Hickner, in 1966. Bob graduated from Ball State University with a master's degree in education and became a teacher in Anderson. Bob and JoEllen had two daughters, Jenny and Jill, and a son, David. In 1970, they fulfilled his dream of moving to Anchorage, Alaska, where David was born in 1984.

Bob was part of the Anchorage School District for 30 years as a teacher at Ptarmigan Elementary, principal at College Gate Elementary, Elementary Supervisor, Director of Elementary Education, Assistant Superintendent and finally as the Superintendent from 1992 to 2000. After his retirement from the district, he served as the Head of School for Pacific Northern Academy.

During his tenure at ASD he proudly helped establish many programs that benefited children, along with his amazing staff. He was personally instrumental in bringing full-day kindergarten, elementary school counselors, schools of choice, middle schools learning and implementing immersion programs. Bob was involved in revamping the facility construction department, gaining community support and building an unprecedented number of new and remodeled schools. The district gained 7,000 new students during his time as Superintendent. He was proud of his work with the Anchorage PTA, and was always focused on the importance of the partnership between parents, teachers and students. Throughout all of his time in the district, his first and foremost focus was always on doing what was best for children.

Two of Bob's passions were fishing and basketball. After retirement he became a fishing guide on the Kenai River with his son, David.

Bob was a devoted family member who adored his wife and loved being surrounded by his family. He taught his children and grandchildren to always put family first and to love deeply and unconditionally. He believed that nurturing and enjoying children is the highest priority. He had a dry, fun sense of humor, and loved to tease and make everyone laugh.

Bob was predeceased by Adeline, Vergil, Marilyn and Diane Christal. He is survived by his wife, JoEllen Christal; children, Jenny (K.C.) Ross, Jill (Richard) Hays and David (Kristen Kuehl) Christal; and grandchildren, Jason, Ryan, Megan, Christal, Jenna, Amanda, Allison, Robert, Elizabeth and Natalie. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy (Don) Eckstein, Janice Fetz and Karen Olson; and sisters-in-law, Barbara (Jack) Quinn, Leslie (Ross) Stanley and Elaine (Stu) Marvin.

A funeral will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow. It will also be available through a livestream for those who are out of town.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bob's name to the "Anchorage School District Child in Transition Partners in Homeless Education Fund" or to the Boys and Girls Club.