Roger Alan Karraker, 73, passed away after a long illness Tuesday morning, October 23, at his home in Santa Rosa, California, with his wife, Nancy at his side.
Roger taught journalism at Santa Rosa Junior College, from 1982 until his retirement. He introduced cutting-edge technology into his classes, and the award-winning college newspaper, The Oak Leaf He was among the first educators in California to understand the nascent internet, personal computers, and the power of social media. An early adapter of what became known as a “blog,” Roger was also a pioneer of online instruction. In 1991 he authored Highways of the Mind for the Whole Earth Review He also partnered with Apple Computers, and produced daily newsletters from a booth at conventions.
His interest in Journalism began in the politically turbulent ’60's, at Burbank High School, where he wrote for the school newspaper and yearbook, and later at Los Angeles Valley College, with the Valley Star and Crown magazine. He garnered several trophies for his achievements which were displayed proudly by parents Geri and Nehel, until their passings. Roger was their first-born child, followed by siblings Randy (Karen), Greg (Debbie), and Marcia (Philippe).
Roger graduated from USC and worked on an unsuccessful campaign for a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He met and married Audrey Ramsay and they had two children, Jeff Karraker and Julie Karraker West,who blessed them with two grandchildren.
His career as an educator began at both L. A. Harbor College and L. A. City College. He and his second wife (the late Sandy Gilpin Madrid), relocated to Forestville, where he joined the faculty at Santa Rosa Junior College. They designed and built their Forestville home based upon a Japanese pole house. Sandy’s children, Bob Madrid (Susan) and Ronn Madrid (Missy), blessed them with six grand children and five great-grandchildren.
Roger and Nancy Rappolt married in 2009 and enjoyed life together until his death. He is also survived by his step-son, Andrew Rappolt (Lena) and Andrew's two children.
(Posted on Facebook by Randy Karraker)
