Obituaries


Dora Ann Pittman (Scholes)

Dora Ann Pittman (Scholes) passed away on September 23, 2023, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in College Station, Texas at the age of 90. Dora is survived by her loving husband of 69 years RV, daughter Catherine, sons Alan and spouse Martha, Richard and spouse Clemencia, Michael and spouse Lori, brother Andrew Scholes and spouse Joanne. She is survived by nine grandchildren: Ashlea and spouse Justin Schroeder, Megan and spouse Chris Schramme, Joshua and spouse Charly Ruemke, Angela and spouse Alamex Martinez, Kyle and spouse Casey Pittman, Carlee Ruemke and significant other Courtney Weaver, Brooke Pittman and significant other John Vierus, Alex Pittman and fiancée Leslie Kippes, Julia and spouse Isaac Schauer. Also surviving Dora are eight great-grandchildren: Jacob and Ella Schroeder, Charlie and Oliver Schramme, Lena, Cora, and Jensen Ruemke, and Alana Martinez. She is also survived by a niece, two nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and other extended family. Visitation will be held Friday, September 29 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham from 6-8 p.m. Graveside service will be held Saturday, September 30 at Independence Cemetery at 10 am. A gathering for family and friends will be held following the service at the Salem 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

Betty Jane Newcomb Repka

Betty J. Repka, left to be with the Lord September 23, 2023.  She was born October 7, 1943, to James Edwin and Martha (Supercinski) Newcomb in Hempstead Texas.  Betty is preceded in death by her parents J. E. and Martha Newcomb, son Jason Lee Repka, Grandbaby Mattern, sister Virginia Newcomb Curd and brother Tony Newcomb.  Betty and Bobby Lee Repka were high school sweethearts. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1962. The Sweethearts married July 28, 1963. Their first son Jonathan Lee was born in April 1964, daughter Sally Anne February 1967 and youngest son Jason Lee May 1972.  They bought Newcomb’s Hardware April 1, 1980, and changed the name to Repka’s Hardware. Betty and Bobby ran the family store until December 16, 2015, when the doors closed.  She enjoyed spending her time with her Grandkids. Then their two great grandbabies until the end.  Betty will be greatly missed by her husband of 60 years, Bobby; her son Jon Repka and wife Susan; daughter Sally Mattern and husband Paul; brothers James Newcomb and wife Vanessa, and David Newcomb and wife Melissa; sisters Margaret Pruitt, Linda Lamp and husband Larry, and Martha (Tweedle) Clark and husband Kenneth; grandson Tyler Repka and wife Kaitlyn; granddaughter Rachel Marie Repka O’Lane and husband David; grandson Tommy Kmiec and granddaughter Melissa Kmiec Anhorn;  great-granddaughter Alice Rei Repka and great-grandson Cohen Lee O’Lane;  great- grandsons Alex Kmiec, Austin Anhorn, Nico Kmiec and Morgan Kmiec; great-granddaughters Hailey Anhorn, Ariana Kmiec and Ada Kmiec; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 5-7pm at Canon Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 10am at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church with Fr. Xavier Bilavendiran officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Canon Funeral Home & Monument Co., 1420 Farr St., Waller, TX  - 936 372-3683 – www.canonfuneralhome.com

Randy Wayne Jacob

Randy Wayne Jacob, 67, husband of Joanne Hollingsworth-Jacob, passed away at his residence on September 18, 2023.  Randy was born in Brenham, Texas December 20,1955 to Ide and Laverna Oppermann Jacob. He was baptized February 12,1956 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Brenham, and affirmed his baptism on May 17, 1970 at Christ Lutheran Church. He graduated from Brenham High School in 1974. On February 14, 2015 he married Joanne Witte Hollingsworth. During his lifetime Randy had several truck driving positions, but he retired as a plumber from Stegent Thielemann. His work was his passion and he took pride in a job well done. During retirement he loved fishing and boating at Lake Somerville, watching Nascar and spending time with his beloved pet, Oliver. Randy was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge #979 of Brenham where he was fondly referred to as “The Reverend”.  Randy and Joanne spent time yearly volunteering time and money to the Texas Elks Special Needs Children's Camp.  Randy never met a stranger, he could be cantankerous, but you always knew where you stood with him.   He is survived by his wife, brother Danny Jacob and wife Donna from Bellville and his sister, Sharon Logan and husband, Terry from Brenham.  Niece, Heidi Surovik and husband Ritchie; nephews, Jason Jacob and wife, Dana, Brett Logan and wife, Stephanie, Seth Logan and wife, Lesley, as well as great nephews. Thanks to special friends Scott Sonnenburg and Kim Krause. Serving as pallbearers are Marcus Norwicki, Dr. William “Doc” Sickels, Clayton Wallace, Jose Herandez, Windy Mock, Mabel Hall, James “Scooby” Kent, and Tammy Gehovak.  A visitation will be held Friday, September 22nd, from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held from Christ Lutheran Church, Saturday, September 23rd at 11 am. with the Rev Pastor Mark Groves officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Texas Elks Special Needs Children’s Camp, P.O. Box 177, Brenham, TX 77834. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham, TX 77833. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Roy Elmer White

Roy Elmer White, born November 4, 1934 in Houston, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2023. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod his whole life, a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas when he died. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Mann White, his parents Jack William White Sr and Antoinette Helfrich White, brothers Jack William White Jr and Bruce White, and sisters Evelyn White Huber, Vivian White Blysard and Betty Jean White. Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham, TX 77833. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5-7 PM. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas at 11:00 AM. Family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Grace Lutheran School, 1212 W Jefferson St, Brenham, TX 77833, United States. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham, TX. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com

Walter Spear "Rip" Evans III

Walter Spear Evans III, age 74 of Waller, passed away on September 9, 2023. Known to all as Rip.  To know Rip was to love Rip, a true Texas legend. His loyalty, gift of gab nature, and true cowboy way of life made him a friend to all. He never met a stranger, and his beer barn was always open to anyone who wanted to share a cold one.  Rip was always down for a good time, a good story, a new project, or just a good ol’ therapy session. He believed in celebrating life's joys, mourning its losses, and being there for his friends and family through thick and thin.  His heart was the size of Texas, he loved his family, his wife, his beloved buddy Deets, his kids, his grandbabies, his animals, his tractors, his land, his country….to say the least his love was simply endless.  Rip was one of a kind.  A cowboy never says goodbye, but in the words of Rip, “there’s only one way to leave a beer joint.”  Rip is preceded in death by his father Walter Evans, Jr. and his first wife Susan Burt Evans.  He is survived by his wife Niki Evans; his best buddy Deets; his mother Renee Evans; son John Michael Evans (Tammy); daughter Amy Hurry (Jeremy); brother Roy Evans (Linda); grandchildren Steven Tyler Ragsdale (Veronica), Kelsey Hurry, Michael Garrett Evans, Kourtney Hurry; as well as other family and many friends.  Visitation will be Friday, September 15, 2023, from 5-7pm at Canon Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11am at Canon Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Dobbs officiating. Interment will follow at Fieldstore Cemetery.   Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Canon Funeral Home & Monument Co., 1420 Farr St., Waller, TX  - 936 372-3683 – www.canonfuneralhome.com

Angelina Rose Nowak

Angeline Rose Nowak, 93, of Brenham, Texas, widow of Ike S. Nowak, passed away on September 8, 2023, at her residence.  Angeline was born in Houston, Texas, on November 19, 1929, to John B., Jr., and Mary Ann Koteras Kaminski. On October 3, 1953, she married Ike S. Nowak in Chappell Hill. Throughout her life, Angeline’s focus was always family first. She enjoyed dancing with Ike at weddings and family reunions. She was a true homemaker, as well as an amazing cook and gardener. She was involved in her children’s activities and especially enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in their baseball and softball events.  Her legacy lives large through her surviving family members which include sons & daughters-in-law, Daniel (Danny) and Margaret Nowak of Houston, Harold and Diane Nowak of Austin, Mark and Jacque Nowak of Austin; daughter and son-in- law, Evelyn and Russell Stein of Brenham; grandchildren, Sam Nowak and Hillary Tusick of Seattle, Washington, Max Nowak of Austin, Jake Nowak of Austin, Bridget Stein and fiancé Dane Winkelmann of Brenham, Dalton Stein of Brenham, Craig and April Box of Tomball, Dustin and Nikki Gross of Tomball, Russell and Kimmy Gross of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Shelby and Justin Dowdell of Tomball, Aubrey Box of Tomball, Payton Gross and Haylee Gross of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Riddick Gross and Ryker Gross of Tomball, and Jax Dowdell of Tomball; and sisters-in-law, Gertrude Nowak of Richmond, and Georgianna Nowak of Rosenberg.  Preceding her in death were her husband, Ike S. Nowak; her parents, John and Mary Kaminski; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Mae Kaminski; sister-in-law, Florence and Frank Faterkowski; and brother and sister-in-law, Emilian and Darlene Kaminski.  A visitation for Mrs. Nowak will be held on Thursday, September 14, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel with a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be on Friday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Chappell Hill. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sam Nowak, Max Nowak, Jake Nowak, Dalton Stein, Allen Kaminski, and Stanton Nowak. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Nowak and Danny Twardowski. 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

Katharina (Katy) Rebel Schulze

Katharina (Katy) Rebel Schulze, of Shelby, Texas, died on Friday, September 8, 2023 in Industry, Texas at the age of 98. Katy was born in Kikinda, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) on August 18, 1925 to Andreas and Magdalena (Kunst) Rebel who were descendants of ethnic Germans who had settled in the region several generations before. The Rebel family lost everything in World War II. In October 1944, as the communists took over Yugoslavia, the family fled for Hungary with only what they could carry. After traveling through Hungary via Budapest and then through Czechoslovakia, they arrived in Austria on October 16 where they stayed first with a farm family near Vienna. In April 1945 the family left for Salzburg. It was in Salzburg, while Katy was working for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, that she met Melvin H. E. Schulze, a young American who spoke her native German but with a Texas German dialect that was strange to her. Katy and Melvin married in Salzburg on August 16,1947. After Melvin’s discharge from the U.S. Army, the couple stayed in Salzburg for several months before sailing to the U.S. aboard the S.S. Willard A. Holbrook from Bremerhaven, Germany to New York City in November 1947. They made their way by bus and train to Fayetteville, Texas and then to Shelby where Katy and Melvin settled on the farm that was to be their home for the rest of their lives. Katy’s parents joined them in Texas in 1950. Katy and Melvin operated a diversified farm for almost six decades, raising chickens, hogs and cattle and many different crops, along with a custom hay operation in later years.  Katy was known for her well-crafted, and sometimes complicated, desserts which she made for community functions and family gatherings, the recipes for which she had brought from Europe.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby, American Legion Post 602 Auxiliary, Shelby Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Winedale German Singers.  Katy was trilingual, having learned German and Serbian as a child and English as a young adult in Texas.  She returned to Europe only once after the war, traveling to visit friends and relatives in the 1970s.  A childhood friend settled in Chicago, and Katy kept in touch with her throughout their adult lives. Katy was preceded in death by two brothers, Georg, who was born in 1924 and died in infancy, and Joseph, who was born in 1927 and was killed in World War II, by her parents Andreas and Magdalena Rebel, father- and mother-in-law Herbert and Frieda Schulze, her husband Melvin Schulze, brother- and sister-in-law Burnie and Burdine Schulze, and sister- and brother-in-law Verline and Roy Schlabach. She is survived by nephews Michael Schlabach (Karla) of Brenham, Darrell Schulze (Diane Stott) of West Lafayette, IN, Roger Schulze (Evon) of Brenham, and Mark Schulze (Lisa) of Houston, and niece Sheryl Durfey (Dennis) of Smithville. Her family would like to express special thanks to all of the caregivers at Oak Haven Assisted Living for all of the wonderful care they provided. Funeral services for Katy will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby with Pastor John David Nedbalek officiating.  Burial will follow in Shelby Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Rudloff, Charlie Schramm, Kenneth Hetzel, Jacob Hetzel, Zane Aschenbeck, and Ryan Aschenbeck.  Honorary pallbearers are her nieces and nephews and the caring staff at Oak Haven Assisted Living. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham.  To view Katy’s page online and to post a tribute to her family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

Ray Wayne Felder

Ray Wayne Felder, 88 of Burton went to join his son Gregory beside his Lord and Savior on September 10, 2023 at his home in Burton.  Ray was born in Burton, Texas on June 16, 1935 to Lena (Holle) and Theo Felder.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and a life member of St. John’s UCC. He attended public school in Burton, Texas and received an associate degree from Blinn College.  He served 2 years in the US Army including time in Korea.  On May 12,1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Ann Muehlbrad.  Together they had 3 children, Greg, Ann and Karl.  Ray worked many years with his father and brother in a wholesale gasoline company.  After selling the business he worked for Burton ISD in the maintenance department until his retirement.   Ray served as assistant Fire Chief of the Burton Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the American Legion.  He also loved deer hunting, even after he no longer hunted, he still had his deer feeders in the pasture so he could watch the deer.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Lillie and August Muehlbrad; son, Greg; sister in-law Jane Felder; brother in-law and sister in-law Edsel and Doris Muehlbrad.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years Peggy; brother Nelson Felder; daughter Ann and husband Quirt Knittel; son Karl all of Burton.  Grandchildren, Fawn Knittel, Shawn and Daphne Ware, Bryan and Samantha Ware, and Sydnie Knittel.  Great grandchildren: Connor Knittel; Colton Black; Janna Brinkman; Indigo, Nova, and Fox Ware; Leo and Olivia Ware, nieces, nephews and other relatives, and we can’t forget his favorite companion, his dog Gin.  Serving as pallbearers are Fawn Knittel, Shawn Ware, Bryan Ware, Sydnie Knittel, Todd Felder, Tara Felder, Tyson Felder, Scott Muehlbrad and Brett Muehlbred.  Honorary pallbearers are the “Boll-Weevils” and the staff of the Texas Cotton Gin and Museum.  Family visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, TX. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at St. John’s United Church of Christ of Burton.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Burton, TX.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Burton, TX.  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

Evelyn Thielemann

Evelyn Thielemann, 93, of Brenham passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Silver Sage Assisted Living Center.   Evelyn was born on August 4, 1930, to Charlie Sr. and Olga (Wagner) Riechers, in the Sandy Hill community. She was baptized on September 14, 1930, at St. John Lutheran Church by Rev. Paul Gogolin and was confirmed in that same church on March 25, 1945, by Rev. Gogolin. Her confirmation verse was Matthew 5:6 stating, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst, for they shall be filled.” She attended Sandy Hill and Prairie Hill schools and on May 1, 1943, she received The American Legion Certificate of School Award for ranking first in her class. After that year, however, she was not able to continue her education because she was needed to help on the family farm. After several years working on the farm, she found a job at the Sisters of St. Francis Hospital and then for Dr. Robert A. Hasskarl, where she remained during her working years. On November 24, 1951, she received her LVN license.  On May 28, 1950, Evelyn was married to Walter F. Thielemann at St. John Lutheran Church, also by Rev. Paul Goglin. This union was blessed with three children: Glenda Joy, Arlen Ross, and Tricia Leigh. It was at this time she decided to leave her job to stay home and take care of the children. Like so many women of her generation, she realized her most important job was to be a mother and homemaker. And what a job she did – three hot meals a day for her husband and children, keeping a spotless house, tending to all the scrapes and bruises that came along, giving out praise when warranted and a spanking when needed (If it was really bad, it was – “Wait ‘til your father gets home!”), and teaching right from wrong in her own quiet way.  Then, in 1956, new duties were added as Walter and Evelyn founded Walter Thielemann Construction which is known today as Thielemann Construction Co. In those early days while working from home, she assisted Walter in the business by doing all the secretarial and bookkeeping work. The business grew and eventually other employees were hired, but Evelyn continued to gather and distribute the mail, process banking needs, and run other errands up until the age of ninety-one. Throughout the years, you might have seen her driving her gold mini-van up and down S. Market Street and around town on those errands.  Another important part of Evelyn’s life was her faith and church involvement. She was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir for many years, was a member of the Women of the ELCA and served on other appointed committees. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years.  

As the family grew, she had grandchildren and great-grandchildren to dote on as well. She loved caring for and cooking for them. Her “MeMe” meals were more sought after than any restaurant meal in town. It also allowed her to attend their school achievements and countless sports activities, just as she had done for her own children, always arriving well before the starting time. To MeMe ten minutes early was late to anything she attended. She was most in her element at family gatherings, where she could cook for everyone and just watch the chaos of young children running and playing everywhere while the adults enjoyed family time together playing all sorts of games. She would quietly go about tending to everyone and taking it all in.  She enjoyed bowling and competed in leagues for decades only deciding to stop when she approached her 90th birthday which is amazing in and of itself. An avid puzzler, she would frame the finished puzzles and have them hanging all around her garage walls. If you spent any length of time in Brenham, you would know that she was the “Queen” of garage sales too. She loved having them for the family throughout the years and ran them meticulously and in order just like her home. Another pastime she enjoyed was playing cards and dominoes. In the early years, she and Walter would have Friday night dinners with friends, playing games afterwards. Later in life, it was cards and dominoes with family.  To an abundant life, well lived. Though we will miss her, we praise God for our time together and the example she set of faith, family, and a lifetime of service to others.  Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda, and husband David Stegent; Tricia and husband, Scott Schroeder; son, Arlen and wife, Heather VanDyke Thielemann, all of Brenham. Grandchildren: Ryan Stegent and wife Kristin; Corey Stegent and wife Kristi; Brooke Huckert and husband Darren; Shea Carter and husband Daniel; Dillon Thielemann & fiancé Kacy Dunn, Addison Thielemann; Makenna, Hayden, and Evan Schroeder. Great grandchildren: Manning, Rhythm, Tapestry, Cherish, Liberty, Jubilee, Mercy, Treasure, River, and Bravely Stegent; Ethan and Olivia Stegent; Swayzee, Harper, Reegan, and Cooper Huckert. Sisters-in law and brothers-in-law; Elverna Borchardt of Brenham, Elaine Thielemann and husband Ralph Grinde of Cat Spring and Wilbert and Dinora Thielemann of Katy. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law Herbert and Else Thielemann, brothers: Ervin Riechers, Burney Riechers, Charlie Riechers, Jr.; sister Dorothy Luedke; brothers-in-law; Gerald Luedke, Milton Thielemann, Roy Bockhorn, and Herman Borchardt; and sisters-in-law; Theckla Riechers, Lorene Riechers, Mary Ann Riechers and Vada Bockhorn.  Pallbearers will be Ryan Stegent, Corey Stegent, Dillon Thielemann, Hayden Schroeder, Evan Schroeder, Darren Huckert, and Daniel Carter.  The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to Carolyn Coleman for the wisdom, care, and compassion shown over the past six months as Evelyn’s personal caregiver. We would also like to thank CaTorrie Fielder, Equilla Parker and the entire staff at Silver Sage. We are forever grateful for the many ways that each of you loved and cared for her during this time.  A visitation is planned for Thursday, September 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. The celebration of life will be held Friday, September 8, at 10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill with Rev. Norman Sulaica, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Hill Church Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church Prairie Hill, 6605 Old Independence Rd. Brenham, TX  77833; Amedisys Hospice Care, 226 S. Live Oak Bellville, TX 77418; or a charity of your choice.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St. in Brenham. 979.836.3611 Send condolences to the family at bmc@brenhammemorialchapel.com.

Jeanette Marie Kieke

Jeanette Marie Kieke, 84, of Burton , passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023. Jeanette was born on April 3, 1939 in the Longpoint Community to Estlean and Louis Roehling, Jr. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Glen E Kieke. She is survived by her five children Glen E. Kieke, Jr. (Cindi), Robert A. Kieke (Renee), Ricky D. Kieke, Glynda S. Kieke and Christine A. Kieke; her brother, Butch Roehling (Pat); 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation for Jeanette will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 12pm to 7pm with family present from 5pm to 7pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel located at 2300 Stringer Street, Brenham, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10am at Brenham Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery of Rehburg. Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com

Edward Wensel

Edward Wensel, 80 of Brenham, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023.  Edward was born January 23, 1943 in rural Austin County, Texas to Rubin and Alma (Flentge) Wensel. He was a graduate of Brenham High School. On October 29, 1966, he married Marilyn Hrnicko at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Edward served in the National Guard, doing basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  Upon returning, he worked at Brentex/Mt. Vernon Mills.  From there he retired with 47 years of service.   Edward enjoyed working cattle and gardening. He regularly met with his Morning Breakfast Group. Most of all was the importance of family. He loved to watch son and later grandsons play baseball and enjoyed the after.  He was preceded in death by parents Rubin and Alma Wensel, son Lance Wensel and, sister-in-law Carol Girouard.  Surviving family includes: wife Marilyn Wensel; son Aaron Wensel; grandsons Colten Wensel and Carson Wensel; brothers-in-law, Gary Hrnicko, Freddie Hrnicko and wife Brenda; and two nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be Wednesday August 30th, with family present form 5-7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 31st at 3 pm also at Brenham Memorial Chapel with Deacon Al Prescott officiating.  Memorials are requested to the American Leukemia Society.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share tributes at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com

Orie Theodore (Ted) Dinkins, Jr.

Orie Theodore (Ted) Dinkins, Jr., 78, departed this Earth on August 26, 2023, after a prolonged but valiant battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Until his final days, Ted continued to amuse his kids and grandkids with stories from his lifetime and those of his ancestors. Ted was the only child of Orie Theodore Dinkins, Sr. and Verna Victoria May. A proud native of Texas, Ted was born in Houston, Texas, on June 27, 1945, and spent his early formative years in Tomball and Trinity, Texas. He moved to Livingston, Texas, where he graduated from Livingston High School.  He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin in 1966, followed by his Doctor of Jurisprudence cum laude from The University of Texas School of Law in 1969, where he was Order of the Coif and an associate editor of the Texas Law Review. Ted was known for his sharp mind and keen wit. His stories of his upbringing in East Texas were legendary, as was his charming East Texas drawl, about which one of his friends quipped, “He could draw out his three-letter name into the next county”. Despite his many successes, Ted was very humble and most who met him on a casual basis would be unaware of his many achievements. Ted was proud to have been a Partner with the law firm Butler, Binion, Rice, Cook & Knapp where he specialized in probate litigation. It was there that he litigated his most well-known case, as the attorney ad litem by court appointment representing the unknown heirs of the estate of Howard Hughes. In 1985, Ted, with his esteemed colleagues Linda Kelly, Judy Lenox, and Randall Lamb, founded the law firm of Dinkins, Kelly, Lenox & Lamb. In 1993, he moved to Brenham, Texas, where he opened his solo law practice and resided until his passing. Ted was instrumental in the restoration of historic downtown Brenham, investing in and restoring several historic buildings. He served as Treasurer of the “Save Our Simon” foundation, which raised over $2 million to redevelop the Simon Theater into the City’s Visitor Center. He personally invested in and restored the Farmers National Bank Building, circa 1870, and the Shipman Building, circa 1848, the former which won an award from the Texas Downtown Association for Best Commercial Interior, and the latter was a finalist for Best Re-Use of a Historic Building.  In addition to being a lawyer and preservationist, Ted was also a part-time rancher, holding close to his heart properties he acquired on his own and others passed down from preceding generations. He was an avid hunter in his early years and a dedicated fisherman always. Ted was a loyal friend, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed, but he will live on in the stories of his friends and family. His memory will be cherished by his loving daughters, Anne Dinkins Briggs of Brenham and Amy Dinkins Allen of Bellaire, son-in-law Joseph Allen, along with his four grandchildren, Garrett Theodore Briggs, Beck Parker Briggs, Victoria Grace Allen, and Nathaniel Preston Allen. Ted also leaves behind his cousin, Cheryl Jackson, who was like a sister to him, and her husband, Richie. His memory will live on with his relatives and close friends, especially Cathy Lewis and her family, as well as his former wife, Carol Eggert Dinkins. Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Orie Theodore Dinkins, Sr. and Verna Victoria May. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 3pm to 6pm the afternoon of Friday, September 1st, at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas. A final viewing and funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas (305 W. Third St.). The final visitation will be held from 9am to 10am, followed by a funeral service at 10am. A reception in the church parlor will immediately follow the service. The interment and graveside service will be held at Evans Chapel Cemetery in Leona, Texas, at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 2nd. For those desiring, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ or St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at https://www.stpaulsbrenham.org/give. Online condolences may be offered at https://www.cochranfh.com/obits.

Betty Jean “Jeanie” Finke

Betty Jean “Jeanie” Finke, 82, of Brenham, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023. Jeanie was born December 29, 1940 in Brenham to Dennis and Bertha Wittner.  Jeanie is survived by her children Kim Hartnett and her husband Jerry and Jeff Finke and his wife Lori; her grandchildren, Lauren Hartnett Tiernan and husband Peter, Mason Hartnett and wife Ashley, step-granddaughters Amber Boeker and fiancé Kyle Armstrong and Shaye Boeker; great grandchildren, Madisyn, Hadley, and Parker Hartnett and Claire, Lillian, and Emma Tiernan; sister in laws, Oranell Storrs, Darlene Kelly, Shirley Finke and Sherri Finke along with numerous nieces and nephews and friends.  A visitation for Jeanie will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church located at 1500 Salem Road, Brenham, Texas, with Dr. Craig Dohse officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Industry.  Memorials may be donated to Salem Lutheran Church.  Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.

Robert “Bob” Hugh Guire

Robert “Bob” Hugh Guire ,age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2023, in Brenham, Texas.  From his birth in Lafayette, Indiana, on October 31, 1937, to his death, Bob supported the people around him with  love and humor. He was the second child and only son of James Robert Guire and Edna (Meyer) Guire.  After graduating in the first graduating class of Burgess High School in El Paso, Texas,  he married the love of his life,  Peggy Joyce Smith on April  2, 1960, in El Paso at which time he began his career with  El Paso Natural Gas. EPNG was soon sold to Shell Oil Company, where Bob quickly rose through the ranks and was transferred in 1964 to Los Angeles, California, and then to Houston, Texas, in 1971. In Houston, Bob continued to work in the oil industry chartering Very Large Crude Carriers (super tankers) for Shell Oil and its affiliate, Pecten Oil Trading Company  before becoming responsible  for transportation and supply  at Hill Petroleum. Following Hill Petroleum, he worked for Mitsui and eventually opened his own business, American National Petroleum Company.  In his mid 50s, he decided to retire and followed his dream to be a rancher, settling in Chappell Hill, Texas. While in Chappell Hill, he was president of the Chappell Hill  Chamber of Commerce where  one of his accomplishments was the Texas Legislature  designating the Chappell Hill  Bluebonnet Festival as the  Official Bluebonnet Festival  of Texas. He was president of the Chappell Hill Volunteer  Fire Department for four  years where he, among other  things, spearheaded a grant to get an additional tanker trunk and founded the annual CHVFD BBQ fundraiser. Bob loved competition BBQ, winning many trophies, and even representing Washington County at the Houston Livestock  Show and Rodeo. For more than 30 years, Bob was active in the Chappell Hill Methodist Church. He served on several committees, was Chairman of the Board and involved in Methodist Men. Over the course of his life, he was an oil man, gentleman cattle rancher, avid hunter and fisherman, husband, father, friend, volunteer and philanthropist. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Peggy (Smith) Guire of Brenham, Texas; daughter, Katherine Joyce Peterson and husband Marshall of Germantown, Maryland; daughter, Cynthia Ann Guire of Manvel, Texas; nephew Roger Watson of Ohio; step grandchildren, Karoline Withington and husband Ryan of Honolulu, Hawaii; Kyle Peterson of College Park, Maryland; Kevin Peterson and partner, Mikayla Griffin,of Spring, Texas; and step great-grandchildren Rowan and Hilda Withington. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Adia Roslyn Rhodes.The memorial service will be held on August 19, 2023, at 11:00 am at Chappell Hill Methodist Church, Chappell Hill, Texas, with Pastor Dan Danheim officiating. The Guire family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Kruse Village, BaylorScott and White Hospital and Hospice Brazos Valley in Brenham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Chappell Hill, Texas

Peggy Ann Bossee

Peggy Ann Bosse, 75, of Brenham, passed away in the early hours of August 13, 2023 at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Temple following a lengthy illness. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill at 6605 Old Independence Road, Brenham. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Visitation will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. Survivors include her husband, Milton; daughter, Sondra, and her husband, Gerardo, of Conroe; son, Justin and his wife, Hannah, of Brenham; four grandchildren including Henry and Annie Hernandez of Conroe and Taylor and Raelyn Bosse of Brenham. She is also survived by sister, Judy Griffin, and her husband, Michael, of Brenham; niece, Amy Griffin, of Bryan and lifelong friends Charles and Ann Sander and their children, Charles Hershel, Cathleen and Craig as well as many cousins. Funeral arrangements for Peggy Bosse are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

Otto L. Fuchs, Jr.

Otto Lorenz Fuchs, Jr., 97, of Carmine, widower of Carolyn Elizabeth Rothermel Fuchs passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023 in Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be Thursday, August 17 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, August 18 at 10:00 AM at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Burton.  Otto is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Carobeth and Bruce Bockhorn and Rebecca and Mark Kuecker, all of Carmine; grandchildren: Lucas and Chris Ann Stroech, Carolise and Benjamin Kelly, Dawn and Gary Bolcerek, and Clint and RaChelle Kuecker; great-grandchildren: Graceyn, Braelyn, and Kaleb Stroech, Caroleen and Zackary Kelly, Jessalynn and Jaseton Bolcerek, and Jax, Ripkyn, and Harley Kuecker; step-grandchildren, Lee Bockhorn and Laura Fiedler and their families; sister-in-law Joyce Fuchs; and numerous nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Erma Rothermel; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Dellora and Edison Manske and Shirley and J. D. Mueller, brother Howard Fuchs, and sister-in-law Nina Ellermann and her husband Henry Al. Serving as pallbearers are grandsons, Lucas Stroech, Clint Kuecker, Gary Bolcerek, and Benjamin Kelly; nephew, Stanley Manske, and great-nephew, Trent Teinert.  Honorary pallbearers are granddaughters, Dawn Bolcerek, Carolise Kelly, Chris Ann Stroech, and RaChelle Kuecker; great-nephew, Ryan Finke; members of Quade-Werchan American Legion Post #338, Carmine State Bank Board of Directors, and MLLC Men in Mission.  Memorials may be directed to Martin Luther Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements for Otto L. Fuchs, Jr. are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

Ruth Lorenz-Ganske

Ruth Lorenz-Ganske, 88, of Brenham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2023. I was the fourth child of Henry and Lilly (Hodde) Beckermann and was born on October 26, 1934, in Mill Creek, Tx. I was baptized on January 13, 1935 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Greenvine by Pastor Carl Ziehe and confirmed at the same church on October 19, 1947, by Rev. W. Wolf. On June 13, 1953, I was united in marriage with Milton Lorenz this marriage blessed us with three daughters: Janet Daniel, Eunice Schulz and Beatrice (BB) Kmiec. On January, 1 2007 I was united in marriage to Erwin Ganske. I attended Mill Creek School and graduated from Brenham High School in 1953. I was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill, and also Gay Hill/Mound Hill/ Cedar Hill VFD Ladies Auxiliary.  I started the first girls/ women's softball association in Washington County. I played and managed a girls/ women’s softball team,  which until death I was still in contact with many players and teammates, most of whom called me “Mama Ruth”. My faith, strength and understanding of God and his will was through Bible Study and leadership opportunities. I organized the Women’s Circle at St. Peter’s, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 32 plus years. I served on the Church council for two terms, and was a Junior Lutheran teacher and Luther League sponsor. I helped organize and was Secretary/Treasurer of the Gay Hill Trail Riding Club for some 30 years, and also the Secretary/Treasurer of the 290 Dance Club. My family and I were co-owners of Lorenz’s Catering and spent over 30 years serving BBQ at the Washington County Fair. I worked at Hausmann Grocery until its closing and then went to work for Appel Motors (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep) as the office manager and bookkeeper for 42 years until my retirement in 2009. I loved dancing, playing cards and dominoes, enjoyed watching my cows and baby calves. I loved to travel and my favorite trip was to Alaska for a cruise. I am  survived by my Daughters and Son-in-laws: Janet and Arthur Daniel, Eunice and James Schulz, Beatrice (BB) and Johnnie Kmiec; Grandchildren: Patrick and Brooke Koronka, Kate and Todd Chapman, Matthew Daniel and fiancé, Vanessa Sallinen, Zane and Misty Schulz, Justin and Emilie Kmiec, Travis and Cori Kmiec; Great-grandchildren: Cameron Logan and fiancé, Bethanne Gillum, Colton Logan and fiancé, Cheyenne Curry, Kavin & Kaden Quinn, Shelby and Chad Reynolds, Jordan Meyer and friend, Tyler Williams, Makenna, Laramie and Colt Kmiec; Great-great-grandchildren: Braxton and Brylee Reynolds. Sister: Elvera Drews, Sister-in-laws: JoAnn Beckermann and Delores Knipstein; Sister-in-laws and Brother-in-laws: Doris and Newton Williams and Walline and James Grimm. I was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. I was preceded in death by my parents, husbands, brothers & sister-in-law: Fred & Betty Beckermann, Dennis Beckermann, sister: Viola Schultz-Weiss; brother-in-laws: Milton Drews, Willie Knipstein Jr., Walldon Schultz and Herman Weiss, son-in-law: James Koronka and great grandson: Lance Koronka-Quinn. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 10th with the family present from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 11th, 2023.   Burial will follow the service at St. Peter’s Lutheran  Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are Patrick Koronka, Kate Chapman, Matthew Daniel, Zane Schulz, Justin Kmiec, Travis Kmiec, Ricky Adler and Dustin Adler. Honorary Pallbearers are my Godchildren: Scott Williams, Judy (Lorenz) May, Roy Beckermann, Kim Cmajdalka, and all members & friends of the Gay Hill/Mound Hill/ Cedar Hill VFD, Kelm's Store and and all former Appel Motors employees. Special thanks to Dr. William Loesch, Dr. Gordon Mitchell,  Kristen Meaders, Beverly Schlabach and her staff and the staff of Kruse Village and Rehab. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Gay Hill/Mound Hill/Cedar Hill VFD, Hospice Brazos Valley, or the charity of your choice. 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

Floyd Bentke

Floyd Bentke, 82, of Brenham, TX, passed away at his residence on August 6, 2023. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Chapel.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill with Pastor Skip Stutts officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Floyd is survived by his wife, Linda Bentke of Brenham, TX; sons, Troy Bentke of Brenham, TX and Timmy Bentke of Brenham, TX; brothers; William (Charlie) Bentke of Brenham, TX and Tom Bentke of Brenham, TX; sister, Florence Bentke of Brenham, TX; brothers-in-law, Melvin Winkelmann and Gary Winkelmann; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  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

Marjorie Ann Meyer Draehn

Marjorie Ann Meyer Draehn, 85, of Brenham, TX, passed away on August 5, 2023.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, TX.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham, TX.  Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Brenham, TX.  Marjorie was born on April 4, 1938 in Brenham, TX, to parents Glenn Neilan and Odelia (Jozwiak) Meyer.  She was baptized on April 10, 1938 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and confirmed on October 16, 1949 also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She was united in marriage to Willie Draehn, Jr. on November 6, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Marjorie was a lifetime and very devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She was involved with the church’s Polish Heritage Festival and spent many hours over several weeks each year making kluski, pierogies and czarnina.  She also researched and documented the Catholic cemetery histories in Brenham.  She attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and Brenham High School.  She was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, a member of the Houston chapter of the Polish Genealogical Society of Texas, the Texas German Society group of Brenham, German-Texan Heritage Society, and a charter member of the Washington County Genealogical Society.  In December 1995, Marjorie received the honor of becoming a member of the Dr. Richard Fox Brenham chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  Marjorie was very proud to be the great-great-great granddaughter of Friedrich Ernst and Louise Augusta (Weber) Ernst, founders of Industry, Texas and the first permanent German settlers in Texas.  Marjorie was a people person.  She loved helping others and had a lot of friends and was proud of her Polish and German heritage.  She was a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She shared special joy and love with her grandchildren, as her family always came first in her life.  Looking at pictures and videos of her great-grandchildren brought her much joy in her last few years.  Her face would light up when she saw her family.  Marjorie was well known as an avid fan of Elvis.  She had a large collection of Elvis memorabilia and enjoyed many trips with her son William to Graceland in Memphis.  Marjorie LOVED butterflies – if she saw a piece of clothing with a butterfly on it, she bought it and wore it.  If it was a trinket or knickknack, she also bought it and displayed it in her home.  She also was known for her love of bright colors – her outfits were always color coordinated including jewelry and shoes.  Marjorie loved to walk in the neighborhood to get exercise.  She also loved to go riding in the car – it didn’t really matter where she went but she just loved to go riding out in the country.  Before her son William suddenly passed away in 2006, they would always make a point to go riding together.  All of her family would take her riding whenever they could as she enjoyed it so very much.  She was known around town as the older lady with the bun who drove the yellow Mustang (which had belonged to William).  Her hobbies were many – woodworking, arts and crafts, sewing, restoring antique furniture, painting birds, yard work, caring for her pet birds, doves and chickens.  Marjorie loved to draw and paint.  She was very creative and was self-taught in just about everything that she did.  Marjorie’s favorite hobby was genealogy.  She became an expert at it and was called upon by many people to help with researching their ancestry.  She would never turn anyone down who asked for help.  She also wrote more than 50 genealogical articles that were published in the Brenham Banner Press from 1999 -2003.  She had a 10th grade education but you would have never known this from her writings or her other successes.  Although Marjorie never graduated from high school, she was very successful.  She worked for her family at Broecker Woodwork Shop from 1973 through 1979.  She owned and operated Thisit Woodproducts, a surveyor supply shop, with her husband from 1979 through 1990.  She then began working at Hart’s Cleaners until 1992 so she could further expand her laundry business, The Shirt Shop.  She was self-employed in this business starting in 1959.  She was always employed doing more than one job at any given time.  She also was the bookkeeper for various family businesses over the years.  Marjorie was a longtime member of the local Alzheimer’s Support Group in Brenham in which she helped others to cope with their caregiving duties from their loved ones.  She would later know that she was suffering herself from dementia.  Marjorie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Melissa Draehn; her daughter LaFayne Draehn and Glenn Roberts; her dear sister Glennette Broecker; much loved grandchildren include Kourtney and Lee Neumann, Hannah and Cooper Baxter, Mitchell Draehn and fiancé Hailey Smith, and Sarah Littleton and special friend Hunter Pieper; great-grandchildren Karlee Kay Neumann, Casen Wyatt Baxter and Mason Wayne Pieper.  Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gene and Joann Draehn, Lee and Hanne Draehn, Dianne and Ted Sager, Allan Draehn, Evelyn Draehn, Deloris Draehn, and Geraldine Rybarski, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son, William Boyd Draehn, her husband Willie Draehn, Jr., her parents Glenn and Odelia Meyer, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald (Butch) Broecker, Lillie Mae and Willie Schmidt, Roger and Joyce Draehn, Glen (Pete) and Margaret Draehn, Elwood Draehn, Alvin (Jimmy) Draehn, Luther Draehn, and Edward Rybarski; and nephews Russell Draehn and Roy Schmidt.  Pallbearers are John Hasskarl, Stephen Stuckert, Rodney Foerster, Tom Brady, Mark Schubert, Darrell Schmidt, Royce Draehn and TJ Martinez.  Memorials in memory of Marjorie Draehn can be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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