Obituaries

Johnnie (John) Willie Susen, Jr.

 Johnnie (John) Willie Susen Jr, 59 of Bleiblerville went to be with the Lord on April 22, 2024. Visitation will be Monday, April 29, 2024 at 5pm followed by a memorial service at 6pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel, Brenham TX officiated by Brother Mike Groseclose. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Duron Jr, Chris Duron, Michael Duron, Gary Haevischer, Kenneth (Spotty) Macat, Ronnie Shupak, Mike Wiesepape, J.D. Lambright, Kyle Wittner, Terry Shupak, Gary Shupak, Josh Reeves, Scott Martin, and Dwayne Schulz. John was born August 29, 1964 in Bellville, Tx to John and Clara Susen of Bleiblerville. He was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Industry. John attended Industry Elementary and Bellville High School, where he graduated in 1983. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trail riding with the West End Outlaws and Chappell Hill Cowpokes and spending time with his friends and family. He was co-owner of T&J Plumbing with longtime friend Gary Haevischer. After retiring, John loved riding around the property and back-roading on his ATV with his nephews and friends, JD Lambright and Kyle Wittner. They would also pass the time playing cards… 31 was one of his favorites! John is survived by his sister, Susie Thaler and husband Billy of Brenham; Brother in law, Daniel Duron Sr of Bleiblerville; Nephews, Billy Thaler Jr and wife Stacey of Waller, Daniel Duron Jr and wife Ammie of Bleiblerville, Chris Duron and wife Heather of Bellville, and Michael Duron and wife Joyce of Bleiblerville; Niece, Kristy Knight and husband Kirk of Coppell, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John Susen Sr and Clara Susen; Sister, Elaine Duron; Grandparents, Willie and Mary Susen and Emil and Albina Kolenovsky; Great Nephew, Dakota Duron. Memorials may be made to Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Dept and/or Nelsonville Brethren Church. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

Cheryl Renee (Zwahr) Turner

Cheryl passed away on April 20, 2024 surrounded by family and friends in Houston, Texas. Born in Brenham, Texas to AnNell (Haevischer) Zwahr and Bruno Zwahr on August 7, 1960. Cheryl was a mother, daughter, grandmother, wife, sister, cousin, friend and “Nana” to many. She was baptized September 18, 1960 and confirmed April 7, 1974 at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in Brenham. Cheryl was a lifelong member of Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church where she was part of Junior Lutherans and Choir, Luther League and Choir, and taught Sunday School. She was in Brenham band from middle school through graduation. She graduated from Brenham High School in 1978. Cheryl enjoyed crafting, cooking, trips to Coushatta, spending time with family at the deer ranch and spending time at her “happy place”: The Flamingo Ranch. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family - especially her grandchildren. Cheryl is preceded in death by her father, Bruno Zwahr; brother, Glenn Dale Zwahr; grandparents, Fritz and Wela Haevischer and Kurt and Alma Zwahr; father-in-law, Jim Turner; brother-in-law Jimmy Turner; as well as numerous relatives and friends. She is survived by her mother, AnNell Zwahr; husband, Joseph Turner; children, Erica and Kenneth Farmer, Jared and Ashley Campbell; stepchildren, Joseph Turner, Krystal Turner, Daniel and wife Tina Turner; grandchildren Taylor Farmer and partner Tommy, Payton Farmer, Grace Campbell; son of the heart, Mark Schulte; mother-in-law, Delores “Dee” Turner; step-grandchildren, Kenley (Hunter), Joseph, Quentin, Tristan, Braylon, Mason, Brice, Jordan and Jayla; brother-in-law, Mike (Linda) Turner; along with many relatives and friends. Cheryl will be dearly missed and will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Her loving heart, giving and compassionate spirit, and all the beautiful memories will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel Friday, April 26th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 27th, Eben-Ezer Lutheran of Berlin. Interment following service at Eben-Ezer. Pallbearers will be Mark Schulte, Bud Reneau, Allen Zwahr, Billy Nelson, Jimmy Vogler and Wade Sisk. Honorary Pallbearers are Rita Knipstein, Connie Knipstein, and Debbie Knipstein. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to her church, Eben-Ezer Lutheran. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Diana Lynn Williams

Diana Lynn Williams, of Brenham, TX peacefully passed away Thursday evening in her sleep. She was 71. Diana was a native Texan born in Brenham to Floyd and Delores Addicks Gaskamp. She was the older sibling to Betty Keith. Diana was married to Mark Williams in 1984 in Richardson, TX. They went on to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kennesaw, Georgia, and then Brenham, TX. Diana enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and sewing. Reading remained her passion throughout her lifetime. Diana was involved in her church including visiting shut-in church members who were unable to attend weekly services. You could find her tending to her garden and maintaining her flowerbeds. She was preceded in her death by her father, Floyd Gaskamp. She is survived by her mother, Delores Gaskamp; husband, Mark Williams; children, Brian and wife Kim Estes, Ben and wife Laura Williams, and Bethany and husband, Josh Steely; sister, Betty Keith; grandchildren, Brandon and Kate Estes, Ellie, Mason and Emelynn Steely, and Gavin Williams, and finally her most special dogs Otis and Savannah. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23nd, St. John's Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill. Interment following service at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery. There will be a visitation Monday, April 22nd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel Brenham, TX. Pallbearers will be Ricky Ripple, Kenneth Ripple, Mark Neuman, Van Georger, Joshua Steely and Gerald Wehring. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Louise (Konieczny) Bolcerek

Louise (Konieczny) Bolcerek, 78, of Brenham and the wife of Albin Bolcerek passed away April 12, 2024 with family by her side.  Louise was born October 8, 1945 in the Wesley community to Stanley and Helen (Bilski) Konieczny, the youngest of seven children.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she attended each Sunday and remained a lifelong member.  On April 18, 1964, Louise married the love of her life, Albin Bolcerek at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by Msgr. Charles Weisnerowski. The couple worked the farm, growing corn and cotton and raising cattle. When her children started school, she began work at Brenham ISD in the Child Nutrition Department and from where she retired after 40 years.  She was a member of Parish Council of Catholic Women and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was involved in the weekly adoration hour, reciting the rosary on Fridays at noon.  Her pride and joy was family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren who were very special to her. She attended all activities and sporting events that they were involved in. She enjoyed cooking and served a warm meal every evening. She kept an immaculate home and yard and created embroidered squares to give others to make quilts. Louise always had a giving heart, helping others as needed. Louise is preceded in death by parents; parents-in-law Louis and Frances Bolcerek; brothers and sister-in-law Edward and Dorothy Konieczny, John Konieczny, Frank Konieczny, Charles Konieczny; brothers-in-law Albert Rybarski and Marion Rybarski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Max and Marth Baranowski, John and Regina Antkowiak, Julian Bolcerek, Bruno Bolcerek, Charles Bolcerek and numerous nieces and nephews.  Louise is survived by her husband; sons Tommy Bolcerek, Craig and wife Lisa Bolcerek; grandchildren Chance and wife Tayler Bolcerek, Chad and wife Whitney Bolcerek, Wyatt Bolcerek and Lainie Bolcerek; great-grandchildren Harper and Rheagan Bolcerek; sisters Annie Rybarski and Genevieve Rybarski; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Florian Bolcerek, Ben and Margie Bolcerek; sister-in-law Bonnie Bolcerek and numerous nieces and nephews; and special family friend Dr. Neil Hooper.  Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16th from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. with family present from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the rosary beginning at 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 17th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham with Father Jay Polishetty officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be: grandsons, Chance, Chad, Wyatt Bolcerek; granddaughter Lainie Bolcerek; Dr. Neil Hooper, Randy Kapchinski, Henry Jankowiak, Ross Schroeder.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Brenham Bosom Buddies.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com  

Lorine Hold

Lorine Minnie (Richter) Hold, died in peace on April 8, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Brenham, TX at the age of 97. She was born October 5, 1926 to Elo and Louise (Meyer) Richter in Garwood, TX; she was baptized on April 17, 1927 in Frelsburg, TX, by Rev O. Lindenberg and confirmed on April 6, 1941, at St John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, Texas by Rev Paul Gogolin.  On April 20, 1947, she was married to Louis Hold, Jr at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX by Rev T.H. Graalmann. Four children were born of this union, Amanda Kaye, Jerry, Audrey Faye and John Paul.  Lorine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda (Katie) and Joe Wilson of Winfield, Kansas; son and daughter-in-law, John and Sharon Machac Hold of Brenham; grandchildren, Kristy and Loren Brownell of Sebeka, Minnesota; Scott and Sonya Mueller of Westminister, Colorado; Mandy McMeans and Cole McMeans, both of Brenham; and great grandchildren, Lyle, Lucas and Audrey Brownell of Sebeka, Minnesota. She is also survived by her sister, Amanda Hafer, of Brenham and many nieces and nephews as well as her half-brother, Elo Richter and his wife of New Ulm, Texas.  Lorine was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, infant son, Jerry and daughter, Audrey; sisters, Hattie Finke, Clara Roesler and Lucille Bohne; three sisters-in-law, and seven brothers-in-law.  Lorine was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham since 1943. She was an active member of Grace serving as an assistant Sunday school teacher, room mother, den mother, class trip chaperon and member of Grace Adult Choir.  Lorine was educated in the public schools of Washington County. She graduated from the NYA Welding School in Brenham and Beauty School in Houston. During World War II, she worked as a welder in the Houston Ship Yard. Later, she and her sisters, Lucille and Clara, opened the “Three Sisters Beauty Shop” in Brenham. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and homemaker and taking care of her husband, children and other family members.  Lorine enjoyed taking care of the elderly, which she did with great loving care until she was the one who needed help. Her son, John, and his wife Sharon, were her caregivers – with talents learned from his mother.  She loved taking care of her plants, and working with her husband in their yard and garden. Her dill pickles, picante sauce, homemade bread and cookies were quite well known (and loved) in and around Brenham and Kansas. She also enjoyed quilting using quilt pieces that her husband cut for her.  When asked, “Why do you do all that?” her answer: God gave me two hands to use and I will use them for His good as long as He gives me strength to do so. She lived her faith!  Visitation will be Thursday, April 11^th from 8am until 7pm with family present from 5-7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.  Funeral services will be held Friday, April 12^th at 11 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 1212 W. Jefferson St., Brenham with Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz officiating. You may livestream the service on YouTube at Grace Lutheran Brenham Texas.  Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.  Memorials are requested to Grace Lutheran Church.  Her family would like to thank Silversage Assisted Living staff for their loving care. Also, thanks to Baylor Scott & White Hospital nurses and staff.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611.  Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com

Louis Timothy "Tim" Maass

Louis Timothy “Tim” Maass, 61, of Longpoint, TX, passed away April 3, 2024. Tim was a Son, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.  He was the only child born to Louis Paul Maass & Rosa Lee Glaesmann Maass on May 12, 1962 at St Jude in Brenham. He was blessed with two older sisters, JoAnn Renz Lehde & Sharon Kay Renz Collins. He was baptized and confirmed at Zionsville Lutheran Church. He graduated from Brenham High School in 1980 and attended Blinn College. When he started his family, he became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg. Tim enjoyed his youth by spending summers with his family in Navasota and Clifton. He enjoyed welding and various farm duties throughout his childhood. He showed swine at the Washington County Fair and placed well with his pig, George. His career with the United States Postal Service began in 1983 in Bryan, Texas, as a letter carrier. After a few months he was transferred to Brenham as a city letter carrier, walking 8 – 12 miles a day. During the day he worked as a letter carrier and in the evenings, he hauled hay with his friends. He retired in 2015 after 32 years of service. Tim loved participating in trail rides almost every weekend during his early adult life. In 1985 he became a father to Stephanie Marie, 1986 to Melissa Rene, and 1991 to Colton Timothy. His appreciation for agriculture was shared through his dedication as a member of the Washington County Fair Swine Committee prior to becoming a father and throughout his children’s show years. Tim was proud of his grandchildren and the bond they shared for agriculture. Before shows he would call to wish them good luck and say, “Kick butt!” When unable to attend shows he would be anxiously awaiting by the phone to hear how they did. When Hadley & Layne made honor roll, he would proudly call them. Tim was a pretty dependent man but a very caring person with a big heart. As the years went on, he looked forward to his daily drives to check on his cattle and “partaking in a cold sparkling beverage” as he would say. He was a faithful KWHI country store listener and occasional buyer. When he wasn’t checking his cows, he enjoyed watching Price is Right and Westerns. Christmas Eve was his favorite time of year; after the church service, all the family celebrated at his house with a meal. “Gampa” loved watching his grandchildren grow up and was excited to see their faces peek through the door each time they visited. It was even better if they brought him a treat, a new cap.  Tim is survived by his three children and their families; Stephanie Maass Schulze and husband Cody of Burton, TX; Melissa Maass Bilski and husband Justin of Carmine, TX; and Colton Maass and wife Lauren Schobel Maass of Brenham, TX; grandchildren: Hadley Schulze, Layne Bilski, Karsyn Schulze, and Chance Maass; as well as his sisters, JoAnn Renz Lehde and Sharon Renz Collins; niece, Dana Collins Kasmiersky and her family; and cousins, Gloria Blackmann and Ray Wehmeyer and their families.  Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Rosa Lee; brothers in law, James Collins and Vernon Lehde; Uncles and Aunts, Thurman & Nevilee Wehmeyer and Otto & Regina Maass. Serving as pallbearers are Chase Mikolajczak, Buddy Northrup, Herbert Klatte Jr., Paul Crane, Jimmie Glover, and Ray Wehmeyer.  Honorary pallbearers are BJ Herrin, Wayne Wellmann, Dean Winkelmann, and Robert Reimer.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg or a charity of your choice.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00pm on Monday, April 8, at Memorial Oaks Chapel with the funeral Tuesday, April 9, at 10:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg with Pastor Alvin Luedke officiating. The burial service will take place at Prairie Lea Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham.  To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Victoria Duston Blake

Victoria “Tia” Duston Blake was born in Dallas, TX on October 1, 1958, and passed away on March 26, 2024, in Ellis County, TX.

Victoria was predeceased by her parents, Pat and Monica (Rodgers) Duston of Dallas.

She is survived by brother, Andrew J Duston of Dallas, TX, and four sons Matthew (Courtney Brennan Blake) & children Elizabeth & Charles Blake of Rockport, TX, Justin (Jentri Clay Blake) & children Payton, Lyla, & Rex Blake & Leland Pawlak of Brenham, TX, Andrew (Tomee Schelling) & daughter Evalyn Blake of Llano, TX, Benjamin (Jennifer Buchanan Vermillion) & son Callahan Vermillion of Dallas, TX, and dear friend, Olin “Sam” Gibbons of Rockett, TX.

Tia is also survived by family in the UK which she enjoyed traveling to visit. 

A private ceremony will follow at a later date so Tia can take one last walk along the beach.  

Gloria Schroeder Ehlert

Gloria Schroeder Ehlert, age 92, of Brenham, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by family, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.  Gloria was born May 13, 1931, in Brenham, Texas to Otto and Lillie Schroeder.  She was baptized on August 30, 1931 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and was also confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on April 14, 1946.  Gloria grew up in Brenham and graduated from Brenham High School.  After high school she attended Sam Houston State Teacher’s College.  On April 4, 1953, Gloria married Melvin Howell “Fritzie” Ehlert Sr. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  After Fritz spent time working for Humble Oil Company in Palestine, Texas, Gloria and Fritz returned to Brenham, where Fritz joined Schroeder Insurance, which later became Ehlert Insurance.  They raised three sons, Melvin Jr., Jeffrey, and Scott.  As the boys became older, Gloria joined Fritz in the family insurance business until Fritz retired in 2001.  Fritz and Gloria built their dream home on four acres in 1973 on Gun and Rod Road.  Gloria’s passion for her yard continued to grow over the years.  Her flowerbeds were overflowing with beautiful azaleas, bridal wreath, yesterday today and tomorrow, amaryllis and ferns.   She loved sharing her yard with family and friends for family reunions, weddings, parties, and family holiday celebrations.  Gloria also enjoyed creating a beautiful home for her family and friends.  Gloria and Fritz enjoyed being active participants of “The Birthday Group”.  The group traveled, entertained, celebrated, and enjoyed living life together. Gloria loved to share stories about their many travels to places like Africa and Europe. Gloria also enjoyed antiquing with family and friends.  Gloria adored and provided unconditional love to her family. Family vacations to Rockport and Port Aransas brought great joy to Gloria as she shared time with her children and grandchildren.  Holidays were also a special time full of family traditions, fun and laughter.  Gloria’s memory will be cherished by: sons, Melvin Ehlert Jr., Scott Ehlert and wife Rebecca of Brenham; grandchildren, Anna Ehlert Molyneaux and husband Ian and sons Hunter and Aubert of London, England, Melvin “Chip” Ehlert and wife Danielle and children Emmerson and Ezra Fritz of The Woodlands, Scott “Andy” Ehlert and his wife Nisa of Austin, and Lillie Ehlert Morrison and her husband Nick and daughter Harper of Sugarland; and treasured cousin Marcia Thompson of Houston.  Gloria is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Melvin “Fritz” Ehlert, her beloved son Jeffrey Dean “Pup” Ehlert, her father and mother, Otto and Lillie Schroeder, and her in-laws, Melvin and Irene Ehlert.  The Family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Silver Sage Assisted Living Center for their incredible support, care and friendship throughout Gloria’s brief time there.  Pallbearers will be Paul Ehlert, John Ehlert, Coy Reece, Bob Mitchell, Billy Holle, Chip Ehlert, Andy Ehlert, and Nick Morrison.  Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin “Scooter” Schroeder. Donald Ray Ahrens, Bill Ehlert and Ian Molyneaux. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Brenham Memorial Chapel with family present from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:00pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.  Memorials can be given to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com

Daniel Benhard Borchgardt

Daniel “Dan” Borchgardt, 83, of Brenham, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Greenvine, Texas, he was the son of the late Edward W. Borchgardt and Lydia Giesler Borchgardt. He was a faithful member of Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas. Daniel graduated from Brenham High School in 1960, he joined the army in August 1960 and trained at Fort Ord in California. He also served at Fort Polk in Louisiana.  Daniel married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Duch on May 16, 1965. In 1968, Dan bought his own meat market and laid the foundation of what would become a staple within the local community - Dan’s Meat Market. He sold the meat market in 2001 but continued working there part-time until 2011. Daniel was also a rancher who alongside his son and grandson operated Borchgardt Cattle Company and instilled a passion for agriculture and cattle within those around him. In his younger days, he also raised horses. Outside of his career, Daniel had a passion and love for antique Farmall tractors. He enjoyed restoring them, riding in tractor drives and parades within the community, and displaying them at the Washington County Fair each year. Daniel was a loyal, hardworking man, who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone that might need it. He was a wonderful storyteller and an excellent prankster to his grandchildren. He was genuine and welcoming to anyone he met with his contagious laugh and smile that always brought the best out in others. His contributions to Washington County will be his legacy. He was loved and will be missed by many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Jeanelle Knebel, and Elvera Atkins, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Helena Duch. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy “Dot” Borchgardt; their children, Doyle Borchgardt (Sara), and DeAnn Wise (Michael); and his cherished grandchildren Blaine and Suzanna Borchgardt. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Hafner (Jimbo), Flora Dell Fischer (Tommy), Mae Dell Carpenter, and Marilyn Wilke (Carson); as well as his brothers, Jimmie Borchgardt and Leonard Borchgardt (Vicki), sisters in laws and brothers in laws Helen Herring (Jimmie), Shirley Coleman (Wayne) and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monday March 18, 2024 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday March 19, 2024 at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Jen Kindsvatter officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church. Pallbearers include nephews Jim Herring Jr., Craig Herring, and Cody Herring, Chris Coleman, Kyle Hafner, Jason Wilke, Heath Fischer, and Roger Schade; godson Justin Borchardt; and grandson Blaine Borchgardt. Honorary Pallbearers include granddaughter Suzanna Borchgardt; friends Curtis Dittert, Roger Chambers, David Roehling, Leonard Finke, Patrick Mantey, and Leroy Baron. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham.  To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Michael Wayne Janecek

Michael Wayne Janecek, 70, of Brenham passed away March 12, 2024 at home, after a short battle with cancer.  Michael was born July 30, 1953 in Houston, Texas to Jessie and Estella (Braesicke) Janecek. In early years, Michael and his parents moved to Sealy, Texas where he attended school and graduated. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Sealy on March 19, 1967 by Pastor O.C. Schreiner. After high school, Michael’s law enforcement career began with Texas A&M University Police. He graduated from the TAMU Basic Police Academy on June, 9, 1978. Michael began working at The Brenham Police Department on September 16, 1979, where he achieved many positions and touched many lives. One of Michael’s proudest moments was graduating from The F.B.I National Academy - 180th Session in March of 1995. Michael retired from The Brenham Police Department in 2014. He worked part-time at the Washington County Sheriff Department and retired from there February 14, 2019. He lived his lifelong dream of being a police officer, and served proudly for almost 41 years, alongside men and women he truly considered family. Michael's favorite past time was being able to spend time with his loved ones. He also enjoyed listening to Texas country music, his favorite artist was Billy Joe Shaver. He enjoyed going to music venues and seeing his favorite bands live. Since his youth Michael played the guitar and became an avid guitar collector. Michael is preceded in death by his parents and step-daughter Kelly Lane.  Left to cherish his memory is daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Key Hasselmeier; son Christopher Janecek; special lady Cynthia Jones; grandchildren Kaden and Madelyn Vela, Soren, Camille and Dani Hasselmeier and Jude Lane. Visitation will be held Friday, March 15th at Brenham Memorial Chapel from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00p.m. with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Champion Fellowship, 1801 S Market Street, Brenham, Texas 77833 with Pastor Tim Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Cavalry Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Giese, Todd Ashorn, Bill Hendrix, Lance Weiss, Jay Petrash, and Anthony Lane.  Honorary pall bearers will be his brothers and sisters of the Brenham Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Family would like to give a special thanks to Cynthia Jones and Hospice Brazos Valley for all the compassionate care they provided to Michael.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com

Herman Aschenbeck

Herman Aschenbeck passed away on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024 at the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center in Schulenburg, TX. He struggled with Alzheimer’s, which accelerated with brain injuries after a fall in November 2023. He is now with his heavenly Father. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Abiding Word Lutheran Church with Reverend Cody Mills officiating. A private burial will be at Shelby Cemetery. Herman was born on November 4, 1940 to Anton and Hilda Aschenbeck in Shelby, TX. He was baptized on January 21, 1941 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby, TX by Reverend Bosshard and was confirmed in the Spring of 1955 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby, TX by Reverend Wilbert Doerr. He graduated from Round Top Carmine High School in 1959. He married his wife, Sandra Meischen, on May 26, 1962. He graduated from Sam Houston University in 1963 with a BBA in Business and Accounting. Herman was employed at Texas Instrument as an assistant comptroller, Control Date Corp as a Regional Finance Director, and Amdahl Corp as a Regional Finance Director. Herman is survived by his wife, Sandra Meischen Aschenbeck; daughter, Shannon Aschenbeck; daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and husband John Alford; granddaughters, Hope Dewan and Sabrina Dewan; brother and sister-in-law, Nelson and wife Ann Aschenbeck, sister and brother-in-law, Doris and husband Larry Wolff, sister-in-law, Carol Thielemann, brothers and sister-in-law, Del and wife Betty Meischen, and Melvin and wife Pat Meischen and their son Jeremy; nephews and nieces, Ryan Aschenbeck and his children Mia, Reid and Zane, Sarah and Kevin Bertsch and their daughter Hannah, Dedra Wolff, Erin and E.B. Feldman and their children Troop, Storm, and Dutch, Jeff and Jaime Meischen and their son Jackson, Scott and Desiree Meischen, Becky Malone and her children Sam and Jake, Brad and Lisa Thielemann and their children Anna, Thomas, and Sarah, Michelle and David Perkins and their children Brad Michael, Mark, Catherine and Elizabeth. Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Hilda Aschenbeck; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Erna Meischen, and niece Stephanie Meischen. Memorials may be directed to Abiding Word Lutheran Church, 464 Oak Tree Crossing Drive, Brenham, TX 77833, or to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department and Round Top Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Daniel Cendalski

Daniel Cendalski, age 83 of Brenham, Texas passed away March 4, 2024. Daniel was born December 13, 1940 in Washington County. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham.  Daniel was preceeded in death by his parents Mitchell and Carrie (Kwiatkowski) Cendalski, his brother Bruno Cendalski, niece Thresa Cendalski and nephew Adam Marin.  Survivors include his sister-in-law Lilly May Cendalski, nephew Charlie and Tracy (Jones) Cendalski, nieces Nancy Skiles, Lil (Cendalski) and David Chovanec,  Frances (Cendalski) and Robert Pack, numerous great nieces and nephews.  Daniel loved playing music as a youth. He played in several bands and put together his own band “Daniel and the Country Boys”.  Family, fishing and spending time with friends was how Daniel spent his time during retirement.  Visitation is set for Sunday, March 10, 2024, 9am until 6pm, with family present from 4-6pm, with Rosary being recited at 6pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Brenham, Texas, with Father Jay Polisetty as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833.  979.836.3611   Share condolences at  www.brenhammemorialchapel.com