Karl Herbert Behring

Karl Herbert Behring, 65, passed away after a long and difficult struggle with depression on June 15, 2026. Karl was born in Sacramento, California, on October 11, 1960, to Dr. Herbert B. Behring and Signe S. Behring. He grew up in Chico, California, alongside his three siblings. After graduating from Chico High School, Karl played tennis for Foothills College in Los Altos, California, before transferring to the University of Redlands. At Redlands, Karl established himself as an exceptional athlete. He became the 1982 NAIA District III Champion and, in 1984, an NCAA Division III National Champion, and named ITA Doubles All-American.

Karl served as the head coach for the University of South Alabama men’s and women’s tennis teams for the 1988-1989 school year before moving back to Arizona to begin his teaching career in the Washington School District. He later secured a position at St. Gregory Catholic School where he became affectionately known as “Coach Karl” and met his wife of 29 years, Ann. His passion for Catholic education took him to St. Francis Xavier, St. Jerome, OLPH Glendale and MHT Catholic Schools. Following retirement, Karl returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s High School, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Gregory Catholic School continuing to do what he loved, working with students.

Karl had an undeniable passion for all sports and served as an AIA referee for over 35 years, but tennis and pickleball are where he truly found joy. Whether competing, coaching, teaching lessons, or simply sharing the game with others, Karl had a gift for bringing people together through sports. In addition to private lessons, over the years he coached at the Coyote Summer Camp, Brophy College Preparatory, St. Mary’s High School, and Xavier College Preparatory. And for the last seven years, Karl spent his summers at his family’s lake house, serving as Director of Tennis and Pickleball at the Lake Almanor Country Club, where he met up with old friends, built new friendships, inspired players of all ages, and found comfort by the water.

Off the courts and beyond the classroom, Karl was a family man, a devoted husband, a loving father and an exceptional Grampy passing along his love of reading and movies. His greatest talent though was enriching the lives of those around him. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and capable. Whether offering encouragement, sharing a dad joke, bestowing a nickname, or lending a helping hand, Karl left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Karl is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Signe, and his brothers, Kurt and Erik. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his children Sarah Behring, Kevin O’Connor, Brian O’Connor (Kellie), and Christine O’Connor Royce (Jason); his sister, Kristin Baltodano (Napoleon); and his six beloved grandchildren, Mackenna, Colin, Gavin, Logan, Taylor, and Olivia.

As we remember and celebrate his life, we would love to hear from those whose lives he touched. If you knew Karl and have a favorite memory, story, or photo you would like to share, please email it to coachkarlbehring@gmail.com Hearing your memories will help us honor the many ways he made a difference in the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karl’s memory to St. Francis Catholic School or St. Gregory Catholic School, two communities that were absolute highlights of his career and where he loved teaching and coaching. Alternatively, because Karl dedicated his life to lifting others up, contributions may be made to a local youth sports program, like RAMMS or the YMCA, or a mental health charity of your choice to honor his legacy of care and mentorship.

Karl's legacy lives on in the countless students he taught, athletes he coached, friends he encouraged, and family members he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary prayer service to begin at 6:30 p.m., at Whitney Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. A reception will follow in the St. Francis Xavier School gym. The funeral service will also be live streamed at this link: https://sfxphx.org/livestream.