Category Archives: Obituary

Alvis Mueller Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary and tagged with , , , ,

alvis photo scan

Remembering Alvis Mueller

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Alvis Mueller.  He died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after a decline of his health. Alvis was a lifelong member of MLLC. 

Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, Texas with the family present from 3 – 5pm on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Services will be held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2pm. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of Alvis.

 

THE OBITUARY

Alvis Roy Mueller

June 16, 1936 — December 18, 2024

 

Alvis Roy Mueller (88) of Carmine, Texas was called home by His Heavenly Father on December 18, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station, Texas.

 

Alvis was born on June 15, 1936, to John and Ida (Stebner) Mueller at home in the La Bahia/Burton Texas area. He started his education at Boundary School and Burton Elementary. When the family moved to the Carmine, Texas area, he continued his education at the Round Top-Carmine junior high and high school. After Alvis graduated from Round Top-Carmine high school in 1955, he continued his education by studying Education at Blinn College for 2 years and then Sam Houston State Teachers College.

 

After receiving his Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College, he started his first job at Round Top-Carmine high school on September 6, 1960, as a math and driver’s education teacher and principal. In addition to teaching and administrative responsibilities, he coached both boys basketball and baseball. After a month of teaching, he was drafted by the United States government to serve in the US Army achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana for twelve months before being assigned to the Army National Guard. He was a member of the 49th Armored Division as a squad leader.

 

Upon returning from serving his country, Alvis, resumed his teaching/coaching and leadership roles at Round Top- Carmine high school in 1962, kickstarting a 32-year career in education in this school district. He furthered his education by attending the University of Arkansas on his summer breaks and obtained his superintendent certification in 1969. Alvis touched many students’ lives through his 30 plus years in education. Many remember him from his numerous math classes, driver’s education courses, and coaching them in sports. A few students even have memories of him from their trips to the principal’s office where they were introduced to his paddle with his initials “ARM” on it, which he jokingly referred to it as the long ARM of the law.

 

From his actions to others, people knew Alvis was a devoted Christian man. He was baptized into the Christian faith on November 22, 1936, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas. He later confirmed his Christian faith at the same church on September 24, 1950. Alvis was an active member of this church until his death and participated in the church as a church council member, Sunday School teacher, Brotherhood/Men in Mission member, and sang in the church choir. Alvis’ passion for service touched him to lead the Port of Houston Seafarers boxes for numerous years at the church.

 

In addition to being actively involved at the high school in Carmine, he was also very active in the community by being a charter member of the Carmine Lions Club, where he served numerous leadership roles as well as the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, Young Farmers, and served on the Board of Directors for the Fayette County Farm Bureau. Alvis loved animals and wildlife and was a member of the Sandtown Wildlife Association. He continued his love and support for his country by being actively involved for 42 consecutive years in leadership roles in the American Legion Quade-Werchan Post #338. Alvis also remained connected with fellow service members through his involvement with the 49th Armored Division National Guard Reunion Committee.

 

In his early adulthood, he loved to travel, the US states and abroad, often taking his family with him on these trips. He enjoyed participating in community sports, playing volleyball, baseball and softball. He also enjoyed crappie fishing and water skiing on Somerville Lake on his boat.

 

In 1994, Alvis retired from his career at school and spent his time taking care of his mother until her passing in 1996. His retirement allowed him to become more involved in farming and ranching. During his retirement years, he really enjoyed tending to his cattle, many times sitting on the back of his truck and handfeeding range cubes to his tame cattle. He enjoyed the comradery of the small towns in his area with friends and relatives at local restaurants and stores.

 

Alvis loved animals and you would see him frequently driving around with one of his canine friends riding shotgun in the front seat. He also loved listening to the radio where some of his favorite programs were the Country Store, Rush Limbaugh and all other Republican talk-show hosts. Another favorite on the radio was Polka Time, where he often made birthday dedications for his family members.

 

Alvis was very independent and enjoyed living on his own until six months ago when his health declined.

 

Alvis was predeceased by his parents, brother, J.D. Mueller and sister-in-law, Shirley Fuchs Mueller, brother- in-law, J.C. Pohl, and great niece, Karlee Layne Peters.

 

Left to mourn are his sister, Avalda Pohl; nieces, Debbie Eckert and husband Ronnie, Renee Mueller, Connie Peters and husband Michael, Jill Finke and husband Rodney and nephew Jody Pohl and wife Evelyn.

 

In addition to his family, Alvis touched many lives through his 30 plus years of teaching at Round Top-Carmine high school as a teacher, coach, principal and friend. Missing his loving touch will be his dog, Speckles, and his numerous cats.

 

Pallbearers include his great nephews: Andrew Eckert, Joshua Eckert, Joey Pohl, Jared Pohl, Ryan Finke and Grant Finke. Honorary pallbearers are his great nieces: Brooke Klausmeyer, Kayla Peters and Jordan Peters.

 

 

 

 

 

The family requests that memorial donations be made to:

 

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932

 

Christian Education/Sunday School Fund

 

Online Giving Web Site:  https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

 

After going to the secure giving link on that page, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “Alvis Mueller,” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

 

Or

 

The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter

240 Svoboda Lane

La Grange, Texas 78945

https://janssenanimalshelter.org/

 

or

 

Brenham Animal Services

1804 Longwood Dr.

Brenham, TX 77833

Email: animalservices@cityofbrenham.org

 

or an organization that touches your heart.

Gladys Roemer Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary and tagged with , , , ,

Roemer, Gladys

We Remember Gladys Roemer

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Gladys Roemer.  She died on Friday, October 4, 2024, after a recent decline of her health. Gladys was a longtime member of MLLC. She and her late husband Herbert joined MLLC in 2001.

Gladys will lie in state at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 8, 2024 for those who wish to pay their respects.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at MLLC in the Parlor. Funeral services will be held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine on on that same day, October 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Burial will follow the service at Carmine Cemetery.  A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of Gladys.

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THE OBITUARY

Gladys Marie (Eickenhorst) Roemer

August 25, 1935 – October 4, 2024

Gladys Marie (Eickenhorst) Roemer, 89, the widow of Herbert O. Roemer, Jr., passed away October 4, 2024, in Brenham.

Gladys was born August 25, 1935, to Ben and Laura (Loesch) Eickenhorst in the William Penn community of Washington County. She was baptized on November 3, 1935, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of William Penn by Pastor C.J. Appel. Gladys was confirmed June 5, 1949, at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Sandy Hill by Pastor A. M. Fielder. Her Confirmation Bible Verse was 1 Corinthians 6:20, which reads: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” On January 31, 1959, she was united in marriage to Herbert Roemer, Jr. at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham with Rev. Arnold Mueller officiating. For about 40 years she and Herbert were members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Houston. In retirement in 2001 they joined Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine.

Mrs. Roemer is survived by her brothers and sisters in law: Glen and Rose Eickenhorst of South Carolina and Johnnie Lee and Elois Eickenhorst of Brenham.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Loyce Murray of Brenham, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Clarence and Linda Roemer of Schulenburg and Alice Wiederhold of Caldwell. Many nieces and nephews are also left to cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, her parents, 2 brothers, a sister, and several nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Roemer, Mark Roemer, Ricky Roemer, Vince Neal, Timmy Murski, and Glenn Eickenhorst, II.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Martin Luther Lutheran Church or Hospice Brazos Valley.

Martin Luther Lutheran Church General Fund

PO Box 362

Carmine, TX 78932

979-278-3388

mluther@industryinet.com

Online Giving Web Site:  https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

After going to the secure giving link, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “Gladys Roemer” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

Or

Hospice Brazos Valley

302 E. Blue Bell Rd.

Brenham, Texas 77833

979-277-9525

https://www.hospicebv.org/

 

Jerry Wickel Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in harvest festival, Obituary

Jerry Wickel

Remembering Jerry Wickel

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Herbert Jerry Wickel.  He was known to all of us as Jerry.  He died on Sunday, August 22, after a lengthly decline of his health.  For many years he served as a member of our Praise Team, playing bass and adding to the vocals. Often he would present a special, solo song during the offering.  Jerry was baptized at MLLC as a young child. While he was not on our roster of members beyond his early childhood, he was a part of our life together.  We remember his dedication to God and Church is remembered fondly at MLLC.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top on Saturday, September 7th, at 10:30 a.m., with Visitation to be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Friday, September 6th, with family present 5:00-7:00 p.m. For those who wish to memorialize Jerry, contributions may be made to Brazos Valley Hospice, Bridge Ministry of Burton, TX, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Round Top, or St John’s UCC, Burton.

Photo below: Jerry and Jolene at a MLLC Harvest Festival and Homecoming, with Jerry dressed for the Polka Service.

Jerry Wickel Harvest Fest 2011

Jerry and Jolene together
Jerry Wickel with Jolene

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The Obituary

Herbert Jerry Wickel

January 6, 1943 — August 22, 2024

Herbert Jerry Wickel, age 81, of the Carmine area moved to his heavenly home on August 22, 2024 after several lengthy illnesses, including diabetes, congestive heart failure and finally, cancer. He fought the good fight for many years with several hospitalizations and rehabs. At the end he was more than ready to meet his Lord.

Jerry grew up in La Porte, TX, and was a multitalented, charming, funny, and very creative man. As a young person, he developed interests in building kits for model trains, remote control airplanes and boats (he loved to look through the kits at Hovey’s, a general store in LP), astronomy (he had a wonderful telescope, which he loved observing the night skies with), music (he played several instruments and sang beautifully), photography (photographing and developing the images), and bee keeping (his neighbor, a gentle elderly man, gave Jer a colony of bees). He modified the family rowboat into a sailboat and then proceeded to sail from Sylvan Beach to an island in the ship channel. Unfortunately for him, the wind died down when he wanted to return, so when he did finally get home, he had the mother of all sunburns!

In the summer between Jer’s junior and senior year at LPHS, he was accepted to participate in a summer science program sponsored by the National Science Foundation, to be held in Edinberg, TX at Pan American University. The program was aimed at an in-dept study of Astro-Sciences (Astronomy, astro-physics, rocketry, satellite tracking, etc.). The group of 30 select students were in Jer’s words, “sharp as tacks.” He wrote in his autobiography that the students and profs climbed a mountain (in central Mexico) where an observatory was to be constructed. He wrote that “there is little that can adequately describe the view of the heavens from the top of a 12,000′ mountain…awesome!” He said you could see the Southern Cross from there, and at that altitude, you could tell the red stars from the blue, orange and green ones. After the students returned back to the university, they built a rocket about 4′ long with a parachute return and fired it off. It did all right… rose 3400′ in the air and they were able to retrieve the rocket. Not so lucky the next time as the students decided if one rocket engine did that well, then, why not put on two. One minor glitch, he wrote, the second stage rocket didn’t fire until it was pointed back down. In a cloud of dust, it impacted about 10′ from the launch with no identifiable parts left to pick up. He said he was glad no one was hurt, although there was a lot of frantic running around.

As a student in the LPISD, Jerry just kept on learning and expanding his horizons. He played in both the school band and in a little dance band, where the group played in area events. In the school band, he played alto sax, tenor sax, and finally, tuba in his senior year, simply because the band director, Henry Einfeldt, needed tubists, as all tuba players had graduated the previous school year. So Jer (and two other sax players turned tubists) had to learn the tuba quickly to be able to play for football/marching season. He said what they lacked in note accuracy, they excelled in showmanship, moving left and right, up and down while playing on the field! He loved it!

In Jer’s senior year, he would eat lunch with a group of kids who all enjoyed his funny one-liners and loved to tease him (especially a friendly girl who became his future wife). He excelled in his studies and was well-liked. He was elected President of the Honor Society, President of the Science Club, and graduated with honors as Salutatorian.

After graduation, he attended Sam Houston University, where he played in the Sam Houston Bearkat Band, and between classes, homework, and band activities, fell in love with his future wife, Jolene. Jerry proposed to Jo that December and he decided to go ahead and join the US Air Force, rather than wait to be drafted, with the extra motivation of having an income when he and Jo got married the next August.

While in the USAF, Jer & Jo lived in Fort Worth, where Jer served in the Crypto Unit at Carswell AFB. Their son, William Jeremy, was born in the base hospital (at the huge cost of $8.73) on early June, 1964… A sad note here: On November 23, 1963, President Kennedy and wife, Jackie, traveled through FW in a cavalcade on a highway very close to Jer & Jo’s home, so J&J were able to see JFK & Jackie just a couple of hours before that presidential era ended with tragedy. It was terribly sad and Jo remembers being glued to the TV and weeping all weekend.

Jer was honorably discharged from the USAF in March 1966, where he already had a wonderful job waiting for him at IBM as a field engineer. He had already gone through the interviews and taken the “weeding out” tests before being discharged, and was hired to work in the Houston office after Jer’s discharge.

The family moved to their last LP home when they were expecting their second child, Karen Anne, who was born late July, 1968. That neighborhood was perfect for the family with all the young families up and down the street; lots of kids playing all day long in the summertime. So fun!

After working for IBM for several years, Jer was hired with a raise each time, for Control Data, Comma Corp, and Amdahl Corp. It was while he worked for Amdahl, that he had the distinct pleasure of working at NASA in Clear Lake City, which was 20 minutes from home. He absolutely loved just being there as a contract worker/field engineer for Amdahl, as NASA was “right down his alley” with his youthful experiences in aeronautical designs and implementation.

As Jerry matured, he became a master builder, designing and constructing a large addition to the family home, then after the couple purchased some acreage near several other members of the extended Wickel family, he went on to design and build the family’s country house, observatory, train room, and garage. He started with a 12′ x 20′ cabin, and just kept expanding it. In 1993, he gathered the men of the family and together, they put up the framework for the two-story addition. Such excitement! All the Wickel men could do almost anything, construction, plumbing, electrical work, and were all just terrific “fixers”. They were all Renaissance men; they could all do practically anything. Wonderful talents!

After the couple’s move (the children were both on their own at this time), Jer underwent a huge spiritual awakening, and felt he was being called by God to follow Him. When he asked his minister, Glen Schoeneberg about this, Glen suggested Jer take the UCC Lay Minister class. Before Jer could finish the two-year course, he was asked to serve as Interim Minister at Lyons UCC and after that time was over, he went on to serve in several churches in the area, including St. John’s UCC, as Asst. Pastor. He loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him in every way possible. He would oftentimes preach, then sing during the service.

He was a multi-talented, creative, loving, and highly intelligent man who loved doing so many things, but his main priorities and greatest loves were for his family and the Lord. The family thanks Brazos Valley Hospice for their loving and very competent care, also Pastor John David Nedbalek of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Round Top, for his unstintingly loving heart and all the “above and beyond” help, Pastor Darrin Holub of St. John’s UCC, Burton, for his loving visits, and his many friends and family for their prayers, visits and calls during his illnesses and hospitalizations over the past three years, especially these last few months. He leaves behind his wife, Jolene, daughter, Karen, and daughter-in-law, Julie, plus sister-in-law, Dotty and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, William (Willie), parents, Herbert & Alvina (Finke) Wickel, and siblings, Bill Wickel, Jo Ann (Wickel) Shippey Schnell, and DuWayne Wickel. Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 7th, 10:30 a.m. with Visitation to be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Friday, September 6th, with family present 5:00-7:00 p.m. For those who wish to memorialize Jerry, contributions may be made to Brazos Valley Hospice, Bridge Ministry of Burton, TX, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Round Top, or St John’s UCC, Burton.

Pastor Bill Derrick Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in ELCA, Obituary

Derrick MAIN Pic

Remembering Pastor Bill Derrick

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of The Rev. William “Bill” Frank Derrick.  He died on Sunday, August 18, after a decline of his health.  After his retirement, Pastor Bill became a member at MLLC.  For many years he served as a member of the worship committee and sang with our Praise Team.  He also filled in for the pastors of MLLC when on vacation or out due to illness.  His dedication to God and Church is remembered fondly at MLLC.  In his final years he moved into an assisted living community in Giddings and joined Grace Lutheran Church in Giddings.

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Visitation

Visitation will be on Friday, August 23rd at Brenham Memorial Chapel with family present from 5-7pm.

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Funeral

The funeral will be at MLLC on Saturday, August 24, at 11 a.m.  Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Burton following the service.  A memorial luncheon will be provided back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

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Memorial Gifts

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting this organization with monetary gifts in memory of our friend, Pastor Bill Derrick.

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THE OBITUARY

 

William “Bill” Frank Derrick

May 28, 1940 – August 18, 2024

William ‘Bill’ Derrick, known by many as ‘Pastor Derrick,’ died Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Bec’s Blessing in Giddings, Texas, after a years-long battle with congestive heart failure. He was 84.

A lifelong and proud Texan, Bill was born not in Texas, but in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Erwin Aaron and Allyne Louise Prenzler Derrick. He was baptized in Texas at St. John United Church of Christ in Burton, on September 29, 1940. He lived in the Texas towns of Monahans, Andrews, Texas City, and Kingsville as a young child, and survived both polio and the Texas City explosion before moving to La Marque, Texas, where he spent most of his childhood.

Bill was La Marque High School student council president, and voted Most Likely to Succeed, Best Personality, Best All-Around, and Friendliest, and that was just his senior year. Unfortunately for his father, who was himself a great ball player, Bill proved to be rather incompetent with a bat and ball, but he did find his place in sports as the beloved manager for the La Marque High School football team. He was so good at it that had his own cheering squad at football games.

Bill graduated from La Marque High School in 1958 and moved on to Texas Lutheran College, where he began his journey to become a Lutheran pastor. After graduating from TLC in 1962, Bill drove his VW bug to Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated in 1966 and booked it back to Texas having spent four winters being extremely cold. Bill was ordained at his home congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, La Marque, on June 19, 1966, making his mother very, very proud. Pastor Derrick then went on to serve St. John Lutheran Church, Robstown, from 1966-72, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Houston from 1972-78 and finally to Salem Lutheran Church of Brenham from 1978 to his retirement in December 2005.

It was in Robstown that Bill met the love of his life, Rosemary Totter, who was a beauty and a transplant from New York, and who was also very smart, having conveniently placed herself in the front pew during Sunday services. They married on June 19, 1971, at St. John Lutheran Church, Robstown, TX., and in quick succession had two children, Julyne and Jason. Bill and Ro also welcomed into their Houston, Texas, home many foster sons and daughters, and one very special exchange student, Karsten Luethke of Germany, whom Dad referred to as his ‘first son,’ and who would remain in Bill’s life for more than 50 years, until his own life ended from cancer in 2023.

Bill loved singing since he was a child. He sang in the choirs at La Marque High School, Texas Lutheran College, and at Wartburg Seminary. Bill also sang in the Brenham Chorale for many years, and he was beloved for singing ‘O Holy Night’ every Christmas Eve at Salem Lutheran in Brenham. He was one of several area pastors who, in 1985, helped found Brenham’s Faith Mission, an ecumenical, non-profit that serves the homeless.

Long before his own kids got into scouts, Bill was a cubmaster and scoutmaster in Pack and Troop 636 in Houston and cubmaster of Pack 74 in Brenham. He also founded a scout troop after he retired and settled in the Burton area. When his son Jason was in elementary school, Bill was one of several parents who helped start the youth soccer program in Brenham. Later, the league needed a referee, so he started training, running three times a week around the Brenham High School track. As an avid Brenham Cub Sports Fan, he could be heard in the stands ringing the cowbell showing his support. He was a lifelong runner, having taken up the sport in his 30s after his dad had coronary bypass surgery. Fitness and healthy eating were a lifelong passion of Bill’s, who strived to live a long, healthy life.

Bill was named Washington County Man of the Year in 2006. He loved the Astros, his grandkids, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Democratic Party, and perhaps most of all, card games and dominoes, especially 88, Bridge, Gin Rummy, Pinochle, and the game ‘Oh Shit,’ which he taught to his fellow students at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin.

A couple years after he retired from Salem, Bill had a stroke that blinded him in his eye. He’d had a previous stroke 10 years before that blinded him in his other eye. He attended the School for the Blind, where he learned how to live with his blindness with humor and grace, and where he met many dear friends, including his roommate Ken Gwyn, who was the only 75-year-old blind person Bill knew who made it a hobby to jump out of airplanes.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Erwin and Allyne; his wife Rosemary ‘Ro’; two infant sisters, Betty Anne and Baby Derrick; and a host of dear family members and friends, all of whom we imagine were gathered to excitedly greet him as he joined them in Heaven.

He is survived by his daughter Julyne and husband Nick, and grandson William ‘Parker’ Siewert; son Jason and granddaughter Kerrigan, and Jason’s partner Jennifer Wright and her daughters Jenna and Jada Dechant; nephew Kevin Rausch, and nieces Catherine Keenan and Tara Hermanowski; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Pallbearers are Rebecca and Ray Hooks, Kevin Rausch, Chris Jackson, James Naegeli, and Al Cardenas, his beloved caregiver of 13 years.

Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Moerbe, Charles Parnell, Gary and Kerri Veit, Lynn and Glenda Pieper, Mark and Jane Crocker, Justine Morton, Employees of Bec’s Blessing and Carolyn Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one or more of the following organizations:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932-0362

979-278-3388

Online Giving

On the page where you select where to give and how much, note there is a line for “Memorial Gifts.”  This is the 4th line down on the secure giving page.  Included is a memo box.  Note in that box, “William Derrick,” and the gift will be passed along to the right account.

Or

The Pastor William and Rosemary Derrick Endowed Scholarship at Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest at http://www.lfsw.org

103 12th Street, Suite 201

Pflugerville, TX 78660

800-424-0447

Email: info@lfsw.org

Or

Grace Lutheran Church

1123 N Orange St

Giddings, TX

979-542-0100

Kim (Wunderlich) Lewis Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

Kim Lewis Photo

Remembering Kim (Wunderlich) Lewis

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Kim Lewis.  She died on Sunday, June 9, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. Kim was baptized at MLLC in the same year of her birth, 1964.  She lived most of her adult life away from Carmine, but was a frequent visitor to see her family and friends over the years.

Funeral services were held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Here is the Facebook video link – click link. Burial followed the service at Carmine Cemetery.  A memorial luncheon was held back at the church following the committal service.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of Kim Lewis.

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THE OBITUARY

Kim Larue (Wunderlich) Lewis

September 3, 1964 – June 9, 2024

Kim Larue Wunderlich was born on September 3, 1964 to Reuben and Diana Neese Wunderlich, at St. Jude Hospital in Brenham, TX. She was baptized on October 18, 1964, in Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, TX, by Pastor August Hannemann.  She was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Sublime, TX on April 8, 1979, by Pastor Luther Oelke. Her Confirmation Bible Verse was, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Her early years were spent in Carmine, which meant long hours outdoors with her parents, grandparents, and friends. She learned about nature, and how to work hard and get a little dirty in the process. She attended Sunday School, Junior Lutherans, and Bible School, and had the distinct honor of being the mascot for Round Top-Carmine Girls Basketball Teams.

The family moved in 1970 to Sheridan, Texas, but returned every summer to the area. Kim spent those summers with her grandparents: William and Lucille Watson Neese, and Delvin and Wilma Goeble Wunderlich. She learned to plant a garden, put up a fence, pluck a chicken, and draw water from a well. Most of all, she built her independent, fearless, and loving spirit.

Kim never met a stranger. She had a magnetism about her, paired with contagious determination. She may not have been the best at something, but she would work harder than anyone to get it right. That strong work ethic and her athleticism led Kim to a successful academic and athletic career at Rice Consolidated High School (1983), Blinn College (1985), and Texas Lutheran College (1987). She received full scholarships for basketball to attend Blinn and Texas Lutheran. She then attended Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX to study Physical Therapy.

Degree in hand and on her own, she jumped in her car and drove to Minnesota. After six years as a Physical Therapist there, she decided to move to warmer weather; landing in Phoenix, Arizona. Kim took a job at Concentra Physical Therapy and began building relationships with friends that have lasted a lifetime. Here, her dreams of starting a family came true. She met her husband William Lewis, and they had two amazing children: Nicole Rae and William Trey. Their neighborhood had a true sense of community, where families assisted each other and gathered for celebrations. She spent these years simultaneously working, supporting her kid’s ambitions, and making a house a home. Kim became a loved and loving member of her surrounding community, volunteering to do art class at her kid’s school, helping neighbors out in crises’, just being herself. She cherished nature with her family, spending time in the mountains skiing, hiking, and once again- getting a little dirty.

Kim was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2021. In true Kim fashion, she outlived the 8-to-12-month prognosis by almost 3 years. Cancer became a part of her life, but it did not define her. Despite the effects of various treatments, she didn’t cease to climb mountains with her kids in Colorado, visit family in Texas, catch a good concert, fly to a wedding, make a high school reunion, or meet her girlfriends for brunch. She was always doing life her way, making plans for others even up to the end on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Besides her parents, and immediate family, she will be dearly missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Beverly Wunderlich, her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and the many, many friends she touched along her journey of life.Serving as Pall Bearers are: Keith Cundieff, Charles Neese, Doug Mzyk, Dylan Mzyk, Andre Del Bosque, and Ryan Rerich.

Memorial Gifts are suggested to:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church

PO Box 362

Carmine, TX 78932

979-278-3388

mluther@industryinet.com

Online Giving Web Site:  https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

After going to the secure giving link, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “Kim Lewis” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

Remembering LaVerne Kunkel

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

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Obituary Notice for LaVerne Kunkel

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of LaVerne Kunkel.  She died on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, after a recent decline of her health. LaVerne was a lifelong member of MLLC, having been baptized in the same year of her birth, 1933, at the church.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 8, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, Brenham, Texas. Funeral services will be held at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Burial will follow the service at Loewe Cemetery.  A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of LaVerne.

THE OBITUARY

LaVerne Eloise Sommer Kunkel

January 5, 1933 – March 6, 2024

LaVerne Eloise Sommer Kunkel of Giddings, Texas passed away on March 6, 2024, in Giddings, at the age of 91.

LaVerne was born on January 5, 1933 in Ledbetter to Ida Loewe Sommer and John Ernst Sommer. She was baptized on June 4, 1933, and confirmed on March 21, 1948, both at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine. Her confirmation Bible Verse was Hebrews 13:5, which reads: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.”” She was a graduate of Giddings High School and married Orville (Bubba) Kunkel on October 1, 1950 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, Texas.

LaVerne loved baking, cooking, dancing and gardening and had a love for the outdoors. She loved doing for others, especially the grandkids. She was a member of the Rebekah Group, a Lioness in the Lions Club, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and SPJST Lodge 179 of Warrenton.

Preceding LaVerne in death were her parents, John and Ida Sommer; husband, Orville (Bubba); son-in-law, Bobby; granddaughter, Callie; two sisters, Dorothy and Joyce; and one brother J.E.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda Callahan, Deborah and Randy Albert and Tawana and Donald Mueller; brother and sister-in-law, Lyndon and Betty Sommer; sister Gloria Reuter; grandchildren, Cory, Chad, Casey, Marisa, Chanda and Megan; 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Chad Albert, Kelly Quinn, Terry Reuter, Lesley Sommer, Bryan Tucker and Aaron Wylie.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to

Loewe Cemetery Association or

Martin Luther Lutheran Church

PO Box 362

Carmine, TX 78932

979-278-3388

mluther@industryinet.com

Online Giving Web Site:  https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

After going to the secure giving link, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “LaVerne Kunkel” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

Remembering Matt Kelley

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

Matt Kelley photo

Remembering Matthew Bryan Kelley

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Matthew Bryan Kelley.  He died on Monday, February 5, 2024.

The funeral will be at MLLC on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10 a.m.  Burial will be at the Carmine City Cemetery following the service.  A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting this organization with monetary gifts in memory of Sonny.

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THE OBITUARY

Matthew Bryan Kelley

February 26, 1981 – February 5, 2024

 

Matthew Bryan Kelley was born February 26, 1981, in Cheverly, Maryland to parents Timothy and Teresa Wright Kelley. He was baptized December 27, 1981, at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church in Springfield, Virginia by the Rev. Martin. In 6th grade, he was confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Rockwall, Texas.

Matt received the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts, played soccer and baseball in his youth, and basketball for Rockwall High School. He played saxophone in band and won in state competition.

Matthew proudly served his country in the United State Air Force from 2000 to 2004 in the Medical Operations Squadron as a Physical Therapy Journeyman, helping wounded veterans with their severe injuries. It was rewarding to see them walk again.

He attended Auburn University while stationed in Alabama and graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, where he met his wife.

On July 10, 2010, Matt was united in marriage with Christy Eilers at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas by the Rev. Paul Bohot.

Matt worked in physical therapy for both children and in nursing homes. He was a Program Director of Rehabilitation for 12 years.

Matthew’s priority was his family which he loved deeply. His witty sense of humor and contagious laugh ensured he never met a stranger.

Matthew shared his musical talents for various special worship services at Martin Luther Lutheran Church over the years.

He entered his heavenly home on February 5, 2024, at his home in Spring surrounded by family at the age of 42 after a battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents Weldon Wright, Norman & June Kelley, grandparents-in-law Barney & Joyce Eilers and Roger & LeVerne Hinze.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Kelley; children Seth Wade (12), Luke Timothy (7), and Ava Ann (5) Kelley of Spring; parents Teresa & Timothy Kelley of Rockwall; grandmother Catherine Wright of Lorton, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law Kevin & Nina Kelley of Murphy; sister and brother-in-law Michelle & Chase Uvodich of Lake Forest, California; parents-in-law Wade & Nancy Eilers of Carmine; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Clint & Stacy Eilers of Shelby; nieces and nephews Kate, Jill, and Tess Eilers, and Lillian and Grayson Kelley.

Memorials are suggested to:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church Sunday School

PO Box 362

Carmine, TX 78932

979-278-3388

mluther@industryinet.com

Online Giving Web Site:  https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

After going to the secure giving link, use the line “Memorial Gifts” for you gift designation. Remember to note, “Matt Kelley” on the memo line, so the gift will be passed along to the right committee.

or charity of your choice.

Roger Sommerfeld Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary

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Remembering Roger Sommerfeld

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of Roger Dale Sommerfeld.  He died on Saturday, December 16, 2023, after a recent decline of his health.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 21st from 8 am until 7 pm, with family present from 5 to 7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

The funeral will be at MLLC on Friday, December 22, at 10 a.m.  Burial will be at the Hills Cemetery following the service.  A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting these organizations with monetary gifts in memory of Roger.

Obituary

Roger Dale Sommerfeld

May 24, 1955 – December 16, 2023

Roger Sommerfeld, age 68 of Carmine, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Roger was born May 24, 1955, in Brenham, Texas to Emanuel and Mildred (Spiess) Sommerfeld. He was baptized July 7, 1955, at Salem Lutheran Church by Pastor Otto K. Oelke and later confirmed June 29, 1969 by Pastor F.T. Sager. Roger’s Confirmation Bible Verse was: Mark 16:16, which reads:  “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

He attended Wesley School before attending Brenham High School, from where he graduated. On June 4, 1977, Roger was married to Carol Ann Rosenbaum at Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville by Pastor James Witschorke.

Roger loved working and took great pride in doing his best. From high school until the time of his illness, he worked with his friend and business partner Max Baranowski, Jr. Over the years their services evolved from the early years of custom hay baling, to the small feed store at Max’s house. Later they did application of fertilizer and then opened Round Top Farm & Ranch. In his final years of work, he ran dozers. He made house pads, driveways, tanks and any other dirt work a customer needed. He was quite the pro at looking at a piece of land and able to envision the final product that the customer was asking for.

He took great pride in teaching his grandchildren the tricks of the trade. He had the biggest smile while watching Jake help him move equipment, when the landowner told him, “That’s a big tractor for a little boy.” His love for all things tractor and equipment related was passed onto his son and two grandsons. Many hours were spent working on antique tractors on the weekends, which usually was a family affair. An annual trip to the Temple Tractor Show was always on his calendar. Just this past October, he took Jake to the tractor pull where he was awarded 1st place in his weight class, a great accomplishment for Roger.

When his beloved wife unexpectedly died in 2018, Roger took on the role of Grandpa and Granny. If grand kids needed anything, no matter how small, he would drop what he was doing and make it happen. Whether it was leaving at 5am to make a road trip to watch a full day of Makayla’s club volleyball or an early morning trip to Corpus Christi to watch her run in the Regional Cross Country meet, he was there. He would also work all day and then leave to make a 2 hour road trip to watch Jake’s basketball or baseball games or watch one of Austin’s football games. He traveled to Edna to watch Olivia compete in her first Fair Queen Pageant. He rarely said no, and the grand kids loved to see him cheering them on. He enjoyed going to the Jackson County Fair, watching Olivia and Austin show their fair projects and enjoyed a fun evening with them during the auction.

One of his other pastimes was late evening rides through the back roads of Fayette County. Many Saturday evenings, you could find him riding the back roads with Makayla, as he was teaching her to drive while listen to all kinds of music. While Roger was not a hunter, he always helped the boys keep their feeders full. When it was time to make deer sausage, he was always ready for the full day of work. He often was a man of few words, but around good friends and family he was full of stories and great memories. He looked forward to his annual trip to Iowa to the tractor shows with his good friend Norris. This was the only time he would take a full week off from work.

Roger is preceded in death by his wife Carol; parents; parents-in-law Irvin and Virgine Rosenbaum; brother Charles Otto Sommerfeld and niece Brittany Ridley.

Roger is survived by his loving family: son Justin and wife Elizabeth, daughter Melissa and husband Jason Smith; grandchildren Olivia and Austin Sommerfeld, Makayla and Jake Smith; sisters Carolyn and husband Gilbert Goeke, Kathy and husband Daryl Gummelt; brother-in-laws and wives Lary and Dixie Rosenbaum, Gary and Diana Rosenbaum; nieces and nephews Sean and fiancé Brittany Hohlt, Jill Rosenbaum, Jeffory and Rachael Goeke, Tracy and Ken Meier, Leigh Ann and Adam Seilheimer, along with numerous great nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Pallbearers will be: Sean Rosenbaum, Jeffory Goeke, Kino Salinas, Raul Salinas, Bradley Raska and John Kruse. Honorary pallbearers will be: Norris Fuchs, Max Baranowski Jr, Eugene Hall, Rodney Read, Monty Mayer, Daryl Gummelt, Gilbert Goeke, Lary Rosenbaum, Gary Rosenbaum and Jerry Krebs.

Memorials may be made to Round Top-Carmine ISD Booster Club, Texas Early Day Tractor & Engine Association or  

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932-0362

Online Giving

or a charity of one’s choice.

William T. “Sonny” Marth, Sr. Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Obituary and tagged with , , , ,

 

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Remembering William T. “Sonny” Marth, Sr.

We grieve and we give thanks for the life and ministry of William T. “Sonny” Marth.  He died on Friday, December 15, 2023, after a recent decline of his health.

The funeral will be at MLLC on Monday, December 18, at 10 a.m.  Burial will be at the Carmine City Cemetery following the service.  A memorial luncheon will be back at the church following the committal service.  All are welcome at all events.

Information about memorial contributions is on this page after the obituary.  Please consider supporting this organization with monetary gifts in memory of Sonny.

 

THE OBITUARY

William “Sonny” T. Marth Sr.

 January 6, 1934 — December 15, 2023

William “Sonny” T. Marth, Sr., 89, of Carmine, Tx passed away on December 15, 2023. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 17th at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 on Monday, December 18th at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine with burial following at the Carmine City Cemetery.

 

Sonny was born on January 6, 1934, in Carmine, TX to Reinhard and Anita Oberrender Marth. He was baptized on April 29, 1934, and confirmed on March 21, 1948, both at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, Texas. His confirmation Bible Verse was John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”” Sonny was united in marriage on March 8, 1958, to Dorothy Siegmund by Pastor George Reck and they were married for 65 years.

 

He was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church and the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department.  At Martin Luther Lutheran Church he served on the most recent Pastoral Call Committee in 2011-2012, and in various other areas of ministry.


William was most notably a caregiver much of his life. Starting after a brief stent in the Army, he was released early to come home to help take care of his younger siblings when his father died.
He loved his wife Dorothy beyond measure and took very good care of her throughout their 65+ year marriage.


His career was as a well-respected machinist in Houston, working for Cameron Iron Works. He also ran his own business as a machinist.


Sonny enjoyed learning.  He especially enjoyed learning about cooking and gardening as evidenced by his many books and magazine subscriptions about them. He acquired a love of cooking at an early age. He was always looking for ways to improve his garden and shared his knowledge with others. As a Master Gardener (Fayette County), he enjoyed helping Round Top-Carmine elementary children and various children at the Round Top Family Library learn about gardening. He loved canning and preserving the fruits of his labor, which he shared with family and friends. Sonny absolutely loved to cook and was not afraid to try new recipes!


Sonny cared deeply about people and dedicated many hours to Carmine Cemetery Association, Carmine Lions Club, Carmine Hall, and serving on Carmine City Council. He gave so much of his time to helping others through these organizations and various fundraisers. He will truly be missed.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Deborah Marth; sister, Ruth “Tootsie” Schneider; brothers, Reinhard John “R.J.” Marth and Ralph Wayne “Butch” Marth.

 

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Marth; son and daughter-in-law, William “Billy” and Susan Marth of Waxahachie; sister, Jo Ella Littlejohn of Brenham.

 

Memorial gifts are encouraged for:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932-0362

Online Giving

or a charity of one’s choice.

Obituary for Ruth Schoenemann

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Obituary

Remembering Ruth Schoenemann

We remember longtime member of MLLC, Ruth Schoenemann.  She died on October 27, 2023, after a recent decline in her health.

There will be a visitation with family present on Wednesday, November 1, 4-6 p.m., at Memorial Oaks Chapel Funeral Home in Brenham.  The funeral will be at MLLC on Thursday, November 2, at 10 a.m.

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Memorial Contributions

See the end of obituary for details on how to make memorial contributions in memory of Ruth.  Her family has designated the church as the primary recipient.  There are mention of other idea for memorial contributions as well.

Obituary

Ruth Schoenemann

February 4, 1932 — October 27, 2023

Essie Ruth Kennedy Schoenemann, 91, a longtime resident of Washington County passed away on October 27, 2023. At the time of her death, she was residing in a care facility in Temple.

Ruth, as she was known to her friends and family, was the only daughter of James and Essie Kennedy. She was born on February 4, 1932, in Walnut Springs, Bosque County, Texas. Ruth’s father died before she entered elementary school. Her widowed mother was left with three children, Ruth and her two older brothers. Ruth’s mother who was partially impaired by a chronic physical condition relied on Ruth’s maternal grandparents for assistance with raising the children.

Ruth graduated from Walnut Springs High School in 1949. During her high school years, Ruth played on the girls’ basketball team and was a member of the yearbook staff.

While attending a party, Ruth met Virgil Spence whom she married in 1951. They made their home in Hearne where they raised their two children, Virgil Bryant Spence, Jr. and Beverly Ruth Spence. Both children graduated from Hearne High School.

In 1986, Ruth met and married Herman Schoenemann, Jr. and moved to Brenham. The couple began their life together by “dancing and traveling” which they continued to do for the many years that followed. Ruth also enjoyed taking part in Herman’s ranching activities.

Ruth worked for Brookshire Brothers in Hearne until her retirement.

Ruth was an excellent seamstress and cook. She loved entertaining and prepared all the food served at her parties. Ruth made suits and dresses for all her children’s formal affairs while they were in school. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds, the results of which proved worthy of a prize from the Garden Club.

When Ruth married Herman, she gained four “bonus children” whom she loved as her own. She enjoyed visiting with them wherever they lived.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herman Schoenemann, Jr., her brother Lester Ray Kennedy, her brother James Edward Kennedy and her son Virgil Bryant Spence, Jr.

She is survived by: Beverly Mathis and husband Mike, daughter-in-law Catherine Spence Worthington, stepson Marty Schoenemann and wife Janine Brown, stepson Cliff Schoenemann and wife Julie, stepdaughter Pam Rosas, stepson Trent Schoenemann, 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to:

Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine

P O Box 362

Carmine TX 78932

https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/

Also consider:

Walnut Springs High School

Hearne High School

Any library of your choice

Any animal rescue of your choice.