Carl “Herb” Herbert Skoog, Jr., respected community leader and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 3rd after a lengthy illness. Herb, as he was affectionately known to all, was born in Arlington Heights Illinois, on September 24, 1931 to Carl and Laura Skoog nee Chandler. Being the eldest of four children began Herb’s lifelong qualities of leadership, empathy and service to others culminating in his unwavering dedication and service to the New Braunfels community.
Raised in Illinois, Herb, along with a close friend, wanted to see the world by joining the US Navy together but as the line at the Navy recruiting station was too long for the ambitious yet impatient friends, they made their way next door and became Air Force enlistees; a move that would prove more life changing than he could have ever envisioned. To his good fortune, the Air Force kept Herb in San Antonio as an information specialist, instructor and recruiter. It was at this time he began working part-time as a DJ at radio station KONO and upon his discharge from the Air Force took on full time employment there as the stations program director and morning DJ where as “Herb Carl” was promoted as “San Antonio’s Morning Mayor”. It was at this time that Herb hosted “record hops” (dances) in Landa Park drawing fans from all over the area. It was during this time that Herb’s move to Texas truly paid off for it was then he met his future wife, Claudia Mittendorf whom he wed March 16, 1957. It was Claudia’s roots in Texas that anchored Herb to the community that adopted him as one of their own. Initially managing radio Station KGNB, he became managing partner of the organization as he led a group of local businessmen to acquire the station and growing it to add KNBT FM in New Braunfels as well as KBIC in Alice, Texas.
From his work in radio to his devoted family life, Herb’s influence reached far and wide. After taking on the management of KGNB, Herb continued to pour his heart into the New Braunfels community, becoming a trusted voice and beloved figure in the area. Over the years, Herb and Claudia raised their family, instilling the values of kindness, service, and community spirit in their children and grandchildren; his legacy includes not only many professional achievements but also his deep love for his family and his unwavering commitment to helping others. He was a dedicated member of several local organizations, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer sage advice. Whether through his work on the radio or his personal interactions, Herb touched the lives of many and will be remembered as a pillar of the New Braunfels community.
Herb’s past contributions to New Braunfels are almost too numerous to list but include
• New Braunfels Independent School District Board President
• Comal County Fair Association Director
• Chairman of the Braunfels / New Braunfels Partnership Committee
• Past Board Member and President of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman of the New Braunfels Sesquicentennial Commission
• Recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Besserung (Community Betterment) Award, the Silver Unicorn Award, and the Herald-Zeitung Unsung Hero award and he took great pride in being a supporter of the Eden Hill Community and in 2023 received the Leading Age Inspirational Senior Texan Award .
In 2006, Herb was named a New Braunfels Living Legend, a testament to his unwavering dedication and service. One contributing legacy to this award was the development of the radio program “Reflections”, an oral history of New Braunfels’ heritage as shared by local residents. Through Reflections, Herb ensured that the stories and experiences of the community would be preserved for future generations, further solidifying his legacy as a cherished and influential figure in New Braunfels. For more than 13 years Herb hosted this community favorite which is now forever archived in the oral history of our state at the archives of Texas Tech University.
Herb was one of the founding members of the Wurstfest Association. His involvement with Wurstfest is a testament to his dedication to celebrating and preserving local culture. He served in many roles, ultimately becoming President then honored with the titles of Grosse Opa and later Opa Emeritus, before taking on the role of Director of “Wurst Relations”, where he focused on advertising and promotion for the association for many years. His contributions to Wurstfest helped make it the beloved and vibrant event it is today.
Herb’s passion for adventure and community extended beyond his professional and civic achievements. Along with Claudia, he led the “NB Travelers,” a group of local travel enthusiasts who embarked on treks around the globe. Herb and Claudia’s enthusiasm and dedication made them exceptional hosts, and their warmth and camaraderie fostered lasting friendships among their fellow travelers. Over 30 excursions with the NB Travelers brought joy and unforgettable memories to many, who still fondly recall the great hosts and the cherished friendships formed during those journeys.
Herb’s dedication to his faith and community extended to his active involvement in the First Protestant Church of New Braunfels, where he served on numerous committees. His commitment to service and his willingness to contribute his time and energy to his church further highlight his deep-rooted values and generosity.
Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife Claudia and son-in-law Gary Marcoux. He is survived by his daughter Catherine Marcoux of New Braunfels, Cara Miranda and husband Steve of New Braunfels & Estes Park, CO, granddaughters Elissa Richer and husband Jesua of Cibolo, Ann-Therese Miranda of Denver, CO, and Mary Beth Miranda of Lakewood, CO and great-grandchildren Azrael Richer & Camellia Richer.
Visitation will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home on Friday February 14 from 4 to 7PM. A private family burial service will be held the morning of Saturday February 15 followed by a celebration of life service at First Protestant Church at 11 AM with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Protestant Church, Hope Hospice, or Edenhill Benevolence Fund.