Hartensteiner Honored by Diocese of Victoria

The Diocese of Victoria First-Class Education Awards were held on Monday, Oct. 17, at The Hause Venue in Victoria. Our 2022 Distinguished Alumni Carol Hartensteiner was honored. Bishop Brendan Cahill presented the award to her husband Clarence Hartensteiner. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, Rest in Peace. From the moment Carol Wagner walked into St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in 1965, a lifetime connection was made. Her days as a student filled her with a special sense of belonging. She found lifelong friends who became family. Until her death in January of 2022, Carol was a familiar fixture at St. Rose School and its events for over 60 years. During her years at St. Rose, Carol participated in Mass celebrations, athletics, and pep squad. As a student, she worked picnics in the ring toss, fishpond, and bingo stand. After graduating from Bishop Forrest Catholic high school, Carol remained a loyal St. Rose Cardinal fan by attending games and school activities. When her three children were of school age, there was never a question of where they would attend. She, along with her husband Clarence, were actively involved with the school lending their time and talents when and wherever needed. With her signature smile and gift of conversation, she was a recognizable fixture in the bleachers, concession stands, and at meetings. Always supporting her children, she was an avid school volunteer and chaperone. Even after her children graduated from St. Rose, she still attended games, Christmas Around the World, and other St. Rose activities to support her friends’ children and grandchildren. She was often asked, “Mrs. Hartensteiner, please come and watch me!” Carol would rearrange her schedule to accommodate the request, as she believed that each child playing should have a supporter. She became a surrogate mom and grandma to many players over the years. She became a fixture to a new generation of students in the bleachers, concession stand, and cafeteria until her health would not permit.

Carol was an advocate of St. Rose School and Catholic education. She enthusiastically encouraged parents to send their children to Catholic school, explaining the benefits, and educating about the ways to financially make it possible. She wanted students to have the same wonderful experiences she had building a spiritual foundation, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Three of her granddaughters currently attend St. Rose and her other grandchildren attend Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville. Carol and Clarence have contributed monetarily, worked shifts, and attended meetings for our Catholic schools, but what stands most out is the time she spent with her children, her grandchildren, and her “adopted” children. Her impact is still felt as memorials and endowments (per her wishes) have been bestowed to the Catholic school in her memory following her death from ALS. St. Rose is so proud to have Mrs. Hertensteiner as a distinguished alumni and inspiring model of faith and love.

Carol would ask us all to smile more, support your children and grandchildren in their endeavors, spend time with your family. Give back to your church, school, and community by donating your time and talents. Through your actions, you will continue her noteworthy and exceptional work.