Carl K. Kolling, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away on Sunday July 28, 2024, in his golf cart next to his wife, Bonnie. Carl was the oldest of four children, born to Carl and Betty Jane Kolling in Akron, Ohio, on February 18,1944. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and learned to swim at a young age. He began lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons before he turned 20. Carl attended Akron University and was a member of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Theta Chi and graduated with a degree in Special Education and Varying Exceptionalities. He taught in Tallmadge, Ohio and met Bonnie at Akron University. They were married June 27, 1970 and moved to Naples, Florida in August, 1971 after Bonnie became an R.N. Carl taught at Naples High School and later opened Lely High School. He coached both Boys and Girls Golf and Swimming and Diving, as well as Ladies Soccer. Many of his golfers went on to play on the Pro circuit and one swimmer went to the Olympics. 

While at Lely, he was named Teacher of Distinction multiple times and earned the Golden Apple in 2006. He was a Life Member of Optimist International, a Lt. Governor, and sold many Christmas trees and coached youth soccer. Carl was also a member of National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America and he had a love of teaching swim strokes to the very young and also to adults, at Royal Poinciana, Port Royal, Monterey and private homes. He taught middle school science at St. Ann’s School after retiring from Collier County Schools in 2008. Carl and Bonnie moved to Spring Hill, Florida in 2009 to Timber Pines. Four golf courses kept him busy but he still was Weeki Wachee High School’s first swim coach in their opening years. He was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples and later Forest Oaks Lutheran in Spring Hill.

Carl is predeceased by his parents; and his sisters, Cheyrl and Mary. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; and children,

Chip (Katherine) Kolling of Apopka, Fla., and Karin (Corey) Stewart of Naples. He also is survived by his granddaughter, Trinity Kolling (who swam in her first swim meets before she was 5!); his niece, Stacie Hicks; his nephew, David Hicks; and his cousin, Patty Overly. 

Lots of cruises and international trips with the Faust’s kept him busy and he was on the last ship to enter the US at the start of the pandemic. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Carl's home church, Emmanuel Lutheran, with the Reverend Rick Bliese officiating. A funeral service will take place Saturday, September 21, at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples Florida, with internment into the church columbarium after the service. Refreshments to follow at the church.