Obituaries for Austin County, Texas

Raymond Louis Foerster, 91, of New Ulm, Texas passed away on February 5, 2023 in Columbus, Texas. He was born on August 25, 1931, in New Ulm, Texas, at home on the Foerster home place to the parents of Henry and Hattie Foerster Sr. He grew up in the New Ulm area, attending Henkhaus School where he walked to school every day. He then attended Industry School for one year, riding horseback to get there. After that, he rode the school bus to Columbus High School where he graduated in 1950.

After graduating from high school, he joined the family in the farming and ranching business. He married Verlin Hohlt of New Wehdem on November 2, 1952, at St. James Lutheran Church in New Wehdem. They resided on the Foerster home place in their own home.

Raymond was drafted into the military and served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 in active service. He served at Fort Carson in Colorado and later transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was Honorably Discharged as Corporal Raymond L. Foerster. He was in the in-active Army Reserves from 1955 until 1963.

In 1955, while serving in the Army Reserve, Raymond worked for Schobel Truck and Tractor. He started as a mechanic on tractors and then automobiles. He was the Mechanic and Service Manager when he left in 1962. During this time, he attended Blinn College three nights a week with his brother Henry Jr. for three years. Upon completion, in 1958, he received a Certificate in Business Administration.

Raymond started working for Texas Construction Materials Company in 1962, as a dragline oiler, with promotions to locomotive engineer and ending in 1966, as a mechanic. In 1966, Lone Star Cement bought out Texas Construction Materials Company where he was promoted to Maintenance Foreman in charge of mechanics and welders. He supervised 25 people at Lone Star Cement currently known as Lone Star Industries, Inc.

In 1973, Raymond and Verlin moved onto their own property in New Ulm on Bernard Road.

In 1974, Raymond worked at Lone Star's Blue Roan Bend Plant at the Sand and Gravel Operations, in Garwood, Texas. He was the Plant Superintendent overseeing 76 employees. Later in 1979, Raymond received a promotion to the Superintendent of Sand and Gravel Operations. There were four Sand and Gravel plants located in Dolen, Woodlands, Eagle Lake, and Garwood. He also oversaw two Drying Plants located in Dolen and Eagle Lake. Raymond supervised 300 employees, indirectly at all of these locations.

Raymond was promoted to the Regional Equipment Manager in 1983. He managed plants in seven states throughout the southern parts of the United States. His specialty was in heavy equipment for Cement, Ready Mix, and the Sand and Gravel Operations. In 1985, the Texas plants were sold to Pioneer Sand and Gravel. At that time he retired from Lone Star.

Shortly thereafter, Raymond received a call from Pioneer's Austin Gravel plant. He came out of retirement, after less than two months, to take over the Sand and Gravel Operation, in Austin. After two and a half years he was transferred to the Woodlands Plant as Plant Manager to oversee its safety and production problems. In July of 1997, Raymond retired at the age of 66. He went home to work his cattle ranch and to be with his wife and family.

Raymond's wife Verlin passed away in February 2000. He remarried in August 2001 to Jo Ann Juergens. They lived a happy life until her passing in April 2017. His family was very proud of his devotion to taking care of both wives during their illnesses up until their time of death.

Raymond gave back to his community even though he worked away from home for many years. He was a member of the New Ulm Volunteer Fire Department since 1955. He belonged to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Austin County Livestock Association, Austin County Sportsmen's Association, and the Austin County Soil and Water Conservation District #347. He belonged to the St. John's Lutheran Church and was a member of the Cemetery Association in New Ulm.

Raymond is survived by his brother Henry Foerster Jr. of New Ulm. Surviving sons and daughter- Stephen Foerster and wife Melissa (Ullrich) of Brenham, Stuart Foerster and wife Penny (Eddins) of New Ulm, Cynthia (Foerster) Childs and husband Tom of Janesville, Wisconsin. Surviving grandchildren- Michelle (Meinecke) Menon and husband Manoj of Houston, Misty (Meinecke) McGee and husband Bryan of Brenham, Tyler Foerster and significant other Courtney Wilson of New Ulm, Jessica (Foerster) Hall and significant other Bryan Arriola of New Ulm, Hilary (Foerster) Adamson and husband Butch of New Ulm, and Einn Childs of Janesville, Wisconsin. Surviving great grandchildren- Diya Menon, Pooja Menon-Guzman and husband Josue, Mallory Cole, Colleen Cole, Westen Foerster, Ella Wilson, Sam Wilson, Jeremy Hall, Peyton Adamson and Wyatt Adamson. Surviving great-great grandson Levi Jai Menon-Guzman and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Henry Foerster Sr. and Hattie Schmidt Foerster, brother Roger Lee Foerster, sister-in-law Bernice Foerster, wives Verlin Foerster and Jo Ann Foerster.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 5-00 PM to 8-00 PM at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas.

Funeral service will be Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10-00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas with Pastor Ivy Schulz officiating. Visitation at church will be from 9-00 AM to 10-00 AM.

Burial will follow in New Ulm Cemetery in New Ulm, Texas.

Pallbearers are T.J. Foerster, Manoj Menon, Butch Adamson, Bryan McGee, Russel Foerster and David Chudej.

The family is extremely grateful to the caregivers and T.L.C. staff for the special care given to Raymond.

https-//www.hennekefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Raymond-Louis--Foerster?obId=27214688#/obituaryInfo

Fojtik, John Pete Sr. (10 Sep 1915 - 16 Jul 1997)

Veteran: WW2, US Army, Medic Family- Father: Joe John Fojtik, Mother: Laura Wilhelmina Eckerman, Spouse: Dorothy Lillian Bender Cemetery: Calvary Cath Cem--Galveston References: Findagrave, GenFolks

GALVESTON - John P. Fojtik Sr., 81, died July 6, 1997, at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, July 10, 1997, at Games Brothers Funeral Home, Galveston, Texas, with Father Bill Bartniski, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Galveston. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July $ 1907, at the funeral home from 4:00 to7 :00 pm followed by a vigil for the deceased and Rosary to be held from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Mr. Fojtik was born September 10, 1915, in Wallis> Texas, to Joe and Laura Fojtik, He was a retired machinist from Todd Shipyard, where he was employed for 42 years and 5 months. He was a member of The Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937 through 1940. Mr. Fojtik served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946 as an Army Medic. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

He was a 50 year veteran member of the Grand Lodge, No. 6, of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers; a member of the American Legion Lodge No. 200 in Wallis, Texas; a member of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST); a member of the Catholic Faith at St. Peter The Apostle Church of Galveston and a resident of Galveston for more than 51 years.

Preceded in death by his parents, oldest son, John P. Fojtik Jr. and sister, Josie Schiller.

Mr. Fojtik is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Bender Fojtik of Galveston; daughter, Kimberly Fojtik Bundrick of Saluda, South Carolina; son, Marvin Fojtik of Galveston; beloved grandson, Brad Bundrick of Saluda, South Carolina; sister, Florence Sliva of Wallis, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Erwin Wilke, Albert Bender Jr., Gary Northern, Ronnie Herrin, Bennie Vasquez and Ray King. Honorary pallbearers are Albert Zajicek, Marvin Polasek, Lester Bender, Joe Ledwig Jr., Donald Ledwig and OA. Martinolich.

Carnes Brothers Funeral Home
Jul 9 1997
Galveston Daily NEws

Fonville, Thera (Cocke) (15 Apr 1909 - 14 Nov 2003)

Family- Father: Chester Cocke, Mother: Carrie References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Thera Cocke Fonville, 94, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 in Bellville.

She was born April 15, 1909 in Granger, Texas. She graduated from Granger High School and received her B.A. degree from Southwestern University in 1927. She earned her Masters degree from the University of Texas in 1930, and taught English for 40 years in Beaumont, Jacksonville, San Augustine and Nacogdoches. She retired from Houston ISD in 1970.

Mrs. Fonville was a member of the Austin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Retired Teachers Association of Lampasas, Texas. Additionally Mrs. Fonville was a past member of the Bellville Garden Club and Body Recall group. She was of the Presbyterian faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie and Chester Cocke, sister and brother in law Charlie and Frank Denson and husband, D.W. Boitnott and Fred Fonville.

Among her survivors are a niece Susan Matthews and her husband Tom Matthews of Corpus Christi and a great niece Kelly Matthews of Austin.
Graveside services were held Monday, Nov. 17, 2003 at 2 p.m. in Granger City Cemetery with Rev. William Sterling officiating.

Posted by Joy Neely

Ford, Betty Ruth (Scott) (14 Jan 1930 - 24 May 2003)

Family- Father: Merrill Scott, Mother: Ruth Elizabeth Brown, Spouse: James C. Ford Cemetery: Sealy Cemetery (C) References: GenFolks

Bellville Times
6-5-03

Funeral services for Betty Ford, 73, of Sealy, were held Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 11 a.m. from Trinity Lutheran Church in Sealy with Rev. Dale Leland officiating. Interment was at Sealy Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Burttschell, Bobby Buesinger, Drake Davis, Gene Doeling, Kevin Krampitz, Jesse Aranda, Eric Scott and Ryan Whitzel.

Born in Lamar, Colorado, Betty Ruth Scott was the daughter of Merrill and Ruth Elizabeth (Brown) Scott. She was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and graduated from Cheyenne High School. On September 25, 1954, the former Miss Betty Scott and Mr. James C. Ford were married with ceremony held at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Betty was a lifelong homemaker.

Mrs. Betty Ruth Ford passed away Saturday, May 24, 2003 after a recurring battle with cancer.

Survived by her husband Jim Ford of Sealy, daughter and son-in-law Jamie and Brian Zapalac of Sealy, son and daughter in law Charlie and Melissa Ford also of Sealy, sister Barbara Scott of Boulder, Colorado, brother and sister-in-law Merrill Jr. and Ardie Scott of Brookshire, Texas. Also surviving are her adored grandchildren Stacey Okonski and husband Daryl, Leslie Anderson and husband Brent, Keith Zapalac, Charles and Christopher Ford and one great grandchild Brandt Lee Okonski.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merrill and Ruth Scott.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oaks & Silverlakes Resident Council, 801 Main Street, Sealy, Texas 77474 or to Hospice Brazos Valley, 705 So. Austin Street, Brenham, Texas 77833.

Funeral services under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapels, Sealy, Texas.

Posted by Joy Neely

Ford, Dorothy Virginia (Lummus; Ball) (21 Jan 1927 - 10 Aug 2013)

Family- Father: Joseph Goree “Red” Lummus Sr, Mother: Myrtle Inez Haley, Spouse: Eddie Ray Ball & Oscar E Ford Jr m:1978 Cemetery: Sealy Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

Dorothy Virginia Lummus was born on January 21, 1927 in Waco, Texas to parents, Joseph Goree Lummus, Sr. and Myrtle Haley Lummus. She was raised in Katy and Sealy and graduated from Sealy High School in the class of 1944. Dorothy worked for many years as a secretary for Anderson-Storey Class Company before her retirement. She married Oscar Ford on January 21, 1978. Mrs. Ford was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sealy. She passed away on August 10, 2013 in Sealy.

Survivors include her daughter, Connie Ford and Norman Jackson of Sealy; sisters, Louise Kuchara of Sealy, Myrtle Giddens of Bellville, Joe Ann Kiesewetter and Ervin of Bellville, Jo Nell Cooper and Monroe of Friendswood; sister-in-law, Carol Verm Lummus of Houston; and grandson, Brett Attaway of Sealy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Myrtle Lummus; husbands, Eddie Ray Ball and Oscar Ford; brothers, Bobby Lummus and Joseph Lummus Jr.; sister, Gloria Magill; niece, Jo Ann Magill; nephews, Aaron Magill III and Andy Kiesewetter; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Krampitz.

Graveside services for Dorothy Virginia Lummus Ball Ford, 86, of Sealy, Texas, 11-30 am, Thursday, August 15, 2013, at Sealy Cemetery, with Rev. Lani Rousseau officiating.

Ford, Henry Kenneth (28 Apr 1916 - 2 Jan 2015)

Veteran: WW2, Dr., US Army, 1940-45, 158 RCT Infantry USA& So. Pacific Family- Father: Jessie Ford, Mother: Lillie, Spouse: Jane Lillian Smith Cemetery: Oak Knoll Cemetery (C) References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Dr. Henry Kenneth Ford after 98 years of life that included military service, bringing chiropractic relief to the distressed, a man's love of his family and joy to those he called friends has shed the earthly bonds of this life for eternal peace and happiness.

Dr. Ford passed away Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 at Briarwood Manor Care Center in Bellville.

Henry was born in Lone Tree, N.D. on April 28, 1916 to Jessie and Lillie Ford. Later the family moved to Kendallville, Ind. where Henry attended school and graduated in 1937.

Because of a respiratory condition he moved to Phoenix, Ariz.

While living in Arizona, Henry was drafted in the service Jan. 7, 1941 in the 158th infantry and assigned to “F” Company. ”F” company was an all Native American company having 22 tribes represented.

Henry was the first “paleface” joining the company. On Dec. 5, they boarded a ship bound for the Philippines.When they arrived in Panama they were dropped off for jungle training that lasted for six months. From there they went to Port Morsby, New Guinea and Goodnuf Island where they became the honor guard for General McArthur.Henry served as McArthur's personal body guard everyday while on that island.

Henry was relieved of duty on his birthday April 27, 1945 and sent back to the states to be discharged in May of 1945.

After the war Henry settled in South Bend, Indiana where he met the love of his life, Jane Lillian Smith. They were married March 1, 1946.

Their first daughter Mary Beth was born on Henry's birthday April 28, 1947.

Jane and Henry both attended Lincoln Chiropractic School in Indianapolis. While living there the second daughter, Kay, arrived in May 1950.

Hating the cold Indiana winters Jane and Henry with their two daughters moved to Phoenix. After 2 years, a college friend told them that Texas was the place to set up a chiropractic office. In 1953 the Ford family made their home in Bellville. In 1957 their third daughter, Jill was born.

Henry retired after more than 30 years as a chiropractor in Bellville, Brenham and Sealy. After retirement Jane and Henry enjoyed traveling to many places and attending both family reunions and Bushmasters Army reunions.

Henry leaves behind many close friends, former patients and loved ones who will greatly miss his camaraderie, humor, positive attitude and love.

He is survived by daughters Mary Grigar and husband Daniel, Kay Brenner and husband James, and Jill Evans and fiancé Tom Feehery. Grandchildren Doug Grigar and wife Marion, Jimmy Brenner and wife Elva, Kenneth Grigar and wife Melissa, Kristi Brenner and Ricki Waak, Jacob Brenner and wife Erin, Andy Evans and wife Chelsey, Jeb Brenner, and Jane Evans and husband Wesley Gunselman. Great Grandchildren Henry Grigar, Alicia Grigar, Hayden Grigar, River Grigar, Henry Brenner and Sarah Armstrong.

Preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers Jimmy Brenner, Jeb Brenner, Andy Evans, Henry Grigar, Robert Calvert, J.R.Earnhart Honorary Pallbearers- Connie Huff, Vernon Wendt, Gene Wietstruck, Elroy Kieke, Dakota Coke. In charge of services- www.knesekfuneralhome.com

Posted by Bruce White

Ford, James Charles "Jim" (17 Oct 1931 - 2 May 2018)

Veteran: Korea, USAF Family- Father: Charles F Ford, Mother: Bernays Ziern, Spouse: Betty Ruth “Mimi” Scott Cemetery: Sealy Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

James Charles Ford (Jim), age 86, passed away in Sealy, Texas on May 2, 2018. He was born on October 17, 1931 in St. Louis Missouri to Bernays and Charles Ford, as the first and only son of four children.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents, Bernays and Charles; his youngest sister, Joy Brauer; and his son-in-law, Brian Zapalac.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Zapalac; son, Charles and wife, Melissa; five grandchildren, Stacy Okonski and husband, Daryl, Leslie Anderson and husband, Brent, Keith Zapalac and wife, Dana, Charlie Ford, Christopher Ford and wife, Beth; eleven great-grandchildren, Brandt, Ally, and Tyler Okonski, Andie, Ford, and Shepherd Anderson, Brian, Beau, and Austyn Zapalac, Gatlin and Remington Ford; and two sisters, Jean Buisinger and husband, Ron, and Joan Boldt.

Jim grew up and attended school in St. Louis Missouri. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1949; attended Westminster College for one year, and then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis.

In 1950, he enlisted in the US Airforce. After basic training, Jim was sent to supply school at Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was an outstanding golfer and upon arriving in Cheyenne a few days early, he broke the course record at the base golf course. This vaulted him into becoming the golf pro for the base. During his service he represented Warren AFB in tournaments around the country. It was there that he met his future wife, Betty Scott, and returned to St. Louis after his tour was over.

Upon returning to St. Louis, he joined A. G. Edwards and Sons, an investment firm. After several years in the home office, Jim moved to Houston, Texas to manage an A. G. Edwards office. He continued to work in the investment industry until his retirement in 1991. In addition to being an outstanding golfer and athlete, Jim was an avid reader, wine enthusiast, and lover of fine foods. Nothing gave him more pleasure than hearing about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many accomplishments.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Emery's Buffalo Creek, 10827 TX-36, Bellville, TX 77418 on Tuesday, May 15, from 5-00 - 8-00 PM. Memorials may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County, 540 West Main Street, Bellville, Texas 77418, or Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy, Texas 77474.

A special note of appreciation goes to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County and Life Changes Home Care, and to Stephanie Rosas and Sandy Wietstruck for their special attention and loving care for him in the last few months.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapel; 768 Fourth Street; Sealy, Texas 77474. (979) 885-3535. www.knesekfuneralhome.com.

Fordtran, Charles William (7 May 1801 - 1 Nov 1900)

Veteran: Early Wars,Tx Rev, 1835-36 Capt Byrd's Spy Rangers Family- Father: Johann Heinrich Andreas Fordtran, Mother: Johanne Marie Backhauss, Spouse: Almeda Brookfield References: FamilySearch, Findagrave, GenFolks

The Brenham correspondent of the Houston Post pens the following graphic obituary to Charles Fordtran, who died at Industry on November 1st-

Not many lives have so nearly spanned this wonderful century as did that of Mr. Charles Fordtran of Industry, who passed painlessly away at 4 o'clock Thursday morning, lacking but six months of having rounded out 100 years of existence. Mr. Fordtran was born in Minden, on the Weser river in Prussia, on May 7 1801. In 1830 he emigrated to New York and remained in Gotham about a year. Not finding that city a satisfactory place for investments and having some money that he was anxious to spend to advantage in the new world, he started to Missouri. On the way Mr. Fordtran fell in with what must have been the pioneer ""land boomer"" of Texas, who described the new Eldorado just opened to civilization by the genius of Stephan F. Austin. As a result of this accidental meeting Mr. Fordtran became a Texan. Mr. Fordtran first visited San Felipe de Austin and arranged for securing the land near Industry, Austin county, which yet remains the property of his estate. After a residence of two years at Industry Mr. Fordtran became tired of frontier life and homesick for his native land. He decided to see his possessions and to this end offered his entire Texas belongings, including land, stock and household belongings, for $1,000. There were no offers and the property was left in the hands of an agent. Mr. Fordtran started on his trip back to Prussia. At San Felipe he put up at the celebrated Whitesides Inn, and while there met Henry Austin, a brother of Stephen F. Austin. They spent the night in the same room and agreed on being traveling companions for a considerable distance. Next morning they began their journey to the coast and at Bolivar Mr. Fordtran became a guest of the Austin household. It was there he met Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Townsend, who were starting on a journey to Natchez, Miss. He because a member of the party and remained at Natchez several months, long enough to recover from his homesickness and for the determination to be made to return to his Texas home. He retuned to Industry six months from the date of his departure and has continuously resided there since that time. It was there he met and married Miss Almeda Brookfield, who journeyed with him through life for more than fifty years, and by whose side his remains were laid in the family lot in Prairie Lea cemetery, this city. The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Mr. Fordtran number seventy-three, his surviving sons and daughters being Mr. Charles Fordtran, jr., of Waco; Mr. R. L. Fordtran of Industry; Mrs. C. G. McGreggor and Mrs. J. B. Baker of Waco; Mrs. G. H. Mensing and Mrs. Annie Hill of Galveston, and Mrs. M. A. Healy of this city.

On a number of occasions the numerous relatives assembled to celebrate each of Mr. Fordtran's recurring anniversaries, and a reunion of the entire kith and kin had been planned for May 7, 1901, when Grandpa Fordtran would be 100 years old. It was a very dear wish of Mr. Fordtran to pass the century mark on earth. This wish and the desire ot pass away painlessly constituted the only solicitude manifested by this venerable man concerning the hereafter.

It is wonderful to contemplate the occurrences of his long and useful life. He watched with keep interest the marvelous growth of these United States from infancy to be one of the leading nations of the world. He saw primeval forests cleared to give place to prosperous agricultural districts and populous towns and cities. The introduction of many of the conveniences of life, such as matches, gins, sewing machines, etc., compassed his recollection. He witnessed the rapid development of steam as a motive power and later the astounding achievement of electrical appliances. Up to the very day of his death Mr. Fordtran's physical vigor and mental equilibrium were remarkable, and while the vicissitudes of a century of life had bent his frame and dimmed his eyes and furrowed his cheeks, they had in no wise soured him. On the contrary he was always bright and cheerful, and delighted in giving an occasional reminiscence from the great storehouse of his memory concerning early Texas. On his last visit to Brenham he told of an incident that came near cutting short his existence some seventy years. Mr. Fordtran had made a contract with a man named Samuel Williams to bring some 800 families to the new colony. He went to New Orleans and after a sojourn of some weeks in the Crescent city induced a number of families to come to Texas. It so happened that another agent was doing New Orleans for colonists for Brazil. The Brazilian agent told the prospective immigrants, who were lately arrived from the old country, that Mr. Fordtran would bring then to Texas and sell them as slaves. The immigrants arranged a meeting with Mr. Fordtran ostensibly to come to final terms, but in reality to kill him and sink his body in the Mississippi river. Two women who discovered the plot informed Mr. Fordtran of it in time to prevent his keeping what would have been a fatal appointment.

Source- The Portal to Texas History, The LaGrange Journal, LaGrange, Fayette County, Texas, Thursday, November 15, 1900

Biography; ; ; https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/fordtran-charles

Fordtran, Ruby (Jurries; Stein) (11 Apr 1914 - 19 Jul 2003)

Family- Father: August Jurries, Mother: Mary Kramer, Spouse: Charles N. Cemetery: Oak Knoll Cemetery (B) References: GenFolks

Bellville Times
July 2003

Funeral services for Ruby Jurries Fordtran were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at the Industry United Methodist Church with Reverend Patricia Newcomer officiating. Burial followed in the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Bellville.

Pallbearers were Dr. Winston Neely, Johnny Spiess, John Spiess, Mark Wittner, Dr. R.A. Neely and Gayle Krebs.

She was born April 11, 1914 in Brenham, Texas the daughter of August and Mary Kramer Jurries. She grew up in the Wesley and Bleiblerville areas where she attended the Klump School.

Ruby was united in marriage with Lonnie Stein who preceded her in death in August 1940. On January 26, 1944 she was united in marriage with Charles (Dutch) Fordtran in Industry. They made their home in Industry where they were members of the United Methodist Church. Dutch preceded Ruby in death on December 24, 1973. Ruby remained in Industry until December 1996 when she made her home with her daughter. Since Oct. 2000 because of her health, she has been a resident of the Sugar Land Health Center. Ruby enjoyed working with the children in 4-H and was active in the P.T.A. during her younger years.

Ruby Jurries Fordtran passed away Saturday July 19, 2003 in a Houston hospital at the age of 89.

Ruby is survived by her daughter Delois Easterling and her husband John of San Marcos, grandchildren Kevin Easterling and Julie Easterling, also of San Marcos, sisters-in-law Mary Fordtran of Corpus Christi and O'Reed Lange of Bellville, cousins Archie and Juanita Jurries of Houston and Leroy and Bonnie Jurries of Bremond and Rosalie Moehring of the Wesley-Greenvine area as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother August Jurries, Jr., sister-in-law Inez Jurries, nephews Wayne, Gene and Jimmy Jurries and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in the Fordtran family.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home, Bellville, Texas.

Posted by Joy Neely

Forse, Trudie Mae (McDaniel) (9 Oct 1931 - 18 Feb 2013)

Family- Father: Martin Ross McDaniel, Mother: Edna Temple, Spouse: Hubert Earl Forse Cemetery: San Felipe de Austin Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

Our mother, Trudie Mae Forse, age 81, was born to Martin Ross and Edna McDaniel October 9, 1931 in Hemphill, Texas. She grew up in a large family of siblings and step-siblings. She was married to our father, Hubert Forse, for 56 years before he went to be with our Lord in May of 2010.

She is survived by her children, Floyd Forse and his wife, Charlene, of Sealy, Walter Forse of Porter, Carolyn Furber and her husband, Steve, of Sealy, Arlene Mask and her husband, Ken, of Katy; by her grandchildren, Jonathan Forse and his wife, Vanessa, Margaret (Furber) Cecil and her husband, Ryan, Steven Furber, Jr., Christopher Forse, Justin Forse, Matthew Forse, Cassandra Mask, and Katie Mask; and by her great-grandchild, Claire Elise Cecil.

Mom loved it when we read from the Bible. She was like the children whom Jesus talked about. She loved to pray and loved the Lord. We thank God that she now rests in peace in Him. There is no greater comfort for us than this Truth. Mom hugged everyone. Her favorites, of course, were little children but anyone she just met would get a hug, too. There was no escaping it. She cared about people and expressed it through her hugs.

Mom was a sweet and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was fun to talk to and easy to please. She raised her children well, never gossiped around them, and taught them to respect others. We loved birthdays, Christmases, Mother's Day, and other events because she was always so "tickled pink" and thankful for her gifts. We were truly blessed to have her as our mom. Mom was blessed in that she had eight grandchildren born over several years. She loved the company of teenage grandchildren who played with their baby cousins. Christmases were especially fun with so many grandchildren of varying ages visiting and unwrapping presents. She was blessed with one great-grandchild, Claire Elise, who was born on December 23, 2011. Mom was able to spend her last Christmas watching Claire, on tiptoe, peeking out of great-aunt Charlene's window to marvel at her kitties. S

he loved gardening both vegetables and flowers and had a soft spot for animals. In the last years of her life, her son, Floyd, built her a little garden so that she would not have to bend over to tend it. She named the little, wild kittens who were born under her home and delighted in watching them play with one another. She loved bright and colorful flowers and enjoyed driving with Daddy and, when he passed, with her children to see the bluebonnets in bloom. She enjoyed going to Somerville with Dad to gaze at the lake, take walks, and enjoy the simple beauty and quiet of it all. Mom was a fiercely independent woman who insisted on living on her own. She did not want to leave the home she had known for over 30 years. No matter how much the children coaxed and begged her to come live with them, she was insistent that she could manage. She loved the quiet and enjoyed the chair-side window that allowed her to peer out onto her property and beyond. We surrounded her with our love, prayed for her, worried about her, and are grateful to God that she was able to stay in her home to the end.

We love Mom and miss her dearly. No words can truly explain the grief that children feel when their mother passes. She was the one who carried us for nine months, who fed us, nurtured us, worried about us no matter how old we were, and, loved us to the end, and even now. There was no one like her, nor will there ever be. She was our mother and we will never forget or stop loving this kind, sweet lady we call Mom.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2013, from 6-00 PM until 8-00 PM at Knesek Bros Fourth Street Chapel, 768 Fourth St., Sealy, TX. Funeral services will be held at 10-00 AM on Friday, February 22, 2013, at Knesek Bros Fourth Street Chapel.

Interment will be in San Felipe Cemetery.

Foss, William Kenneth "Ken" (11 Jun 1944 - 14 Dec 1913)

Veteran: Vietnam Family- Father: Charles C. Foss Sr., Mother: Edith B. Watson, Spouse: Linda Gray Story References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Life began 6/11/44 in Miami FL and ended with grace on 12/14/13 at Methodist Hospital, Houston. Kenneth received the Sacrament of Last Rites from Rev. Ryazard Kulma, Pastor of St. Edith Stein Catholic Church.

An Alumni of University of Louisville, Class of 1973 (Go Cardinals!) and Graduate studies in the U of L Community Development Masters Program.

William K .Foss was a patriot, Vietnam War Veteran and a Conservative. He was a true advocate of education. He was an adventurer, world traveler, a big man with a warm heart, hardy laugh, with many talents and diverse interests. He was a loyal friend and “Uncle Kenney” to many. Ken truly loved the life he had been blessed with and lived it to the fullest.

Ken retired from Saudi Aramco Oil Corp. in 1994 as Business Mgr. for the Process & Computer Engr Dept. He valued the lasting friendships made while working on many worldwide Aramco projects. He was a proud member of the Klunkers. He felt honored and privileged to belong to this distinguished group of men.

Ken loved his ranch, cattle, and the community of Kenney, and nearby Bellville. It’s a wholesome family area where good people lend a helping hand to their fellow man. Ken felt at home on the ranch surrounded by trusting friends and neighbors.

Predeceased by his cherished grandparents Carleton F. and Annie R. Foss of Biddeford ME, father Charles C. Foss Sr., mother Edith B. Watson, and brother Charles C. Foss Jr.

Survived by his sister Mary J. Veitch (Herschel), Sneads FL, brother John A. Foss (Leticia) Sanford ME, 3 nephews,S nieces, and Ken’s teenage sweetheart, former spouse and loving friend Linda Gray Story, Houston TX.

A celebration of life and friendship will be held in the beauty of late spring in Kenney. Internment will take place at Laurel Hills Cemetery, Saco ME in the Foss family plot next to his beloved grandmother. Kenneth may you rest in peace and the Lord hold you gently in the palm of His hands for all eternity.

Posted by Joy Neely

Foster, Arthur Lee (25 Nov 1887 - 10 Feb 1925)

Veteran: WW1, CAPT, US Army, SIG CORPS ASW Family- Father: Arkellus B. Foster, Mother: Nancy Delphina “Della” Myers, Spouse: Cora Ruth Young Cemetery: Odd Fellows Cem--Georgetown References: Findagrave, GenFolks

10 February 1925
The 1030 hrs. crash of a Curtiss JN-6H, AS-44806,[1] ~2 miles E of Brooks Field, Texas, kills instructor 1st Lt. Arthur Lee Foster along with Maj. Lee Otis. Wright. Foster Field at Victoria, Texas is later dedicated to the pilot on 22 February 1942. Foster's widow, Mrs. Ruth Young Foster, of San Antonio, Texas, unveiled a plaque that read "Dedicated to the memory of Lieut. Arthur Lee Foster, a pioneer in aviation who gave his life teaching others to fly." [2] Foster Field was designated Foster Air Force Base on an inactive status on 1 September 1952, by Department of the Air Force General Order No. 38, dated 29 August 1952.[3]
Source: FG

Frank, Anthony John "Tony" (17 Jul 1960 - 19 Apr 2019)

Family- Father: Herbert Allen Frank, Mother: Gladys Jane “Annie” Maler, Spouse: Wendy, Children: Joseph Frank and Johnathan Frank Cemetery: Sealy Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks COD: Cancer

After an extended battle with cancer, Tony Frank, 58, passed away on April 19, 2019 at his Sealy home with family at his side. Tony was born in Sealy to Herbert and Gladys Frank on July 17, 1960. At an early age, Tony enjoyed everything outdoors - hunting, fishing and sports. He loved football and was a part of the 1978 State Championship Sealy Tiger team. He graduated from Sealy High School in 1979. He married the love of his life, Wendy, on October 9, 1999 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wallis. He was a Draftsman for over 30 years and finished his career at Humphrey Company, Ltd.

Tony is preceded in death by father, Herbert Frank, and his brother-in-law, Tommy Smith.

Tony is survived by his wife, Wendy; sons, Joseph and Johnathon; his mom, Gladys; sister, Kathy; brothers, Mark, and Tim and his wife, Gayle; grandson, Ethan; nephew, Jeffrey; and his (favorite) niece, Lauren.

Pallbearers will be John Burtschell, Keith Barrett, Cody Barrett, Gary Poe, Phillip Morris and Tyler Harding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Fund here or charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Sharon and Tamra at Compassionate Care Hospice, Una and Becky, and the Humphrey Family.

Frank, Arno Edward, Jr. (9 Dec 1931 - 28 Mar 2012)

Veteran: Korea, SSGT, US Army Family- Father: Arno Edward Frank Sr, Mother: Norma Mewis, Spouse: Joyce Cemetery: Oak Knoll Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

Arno Frank Jr. (80), beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away Wednesday March 28, 2012 at home in Allen, TX. He was born and raised in Bellville, TX, but spent most of his adult life in Austin, TX.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joyce, 4 sons, Arno III in Allen, TX, John in Pflugerville, TX, Lance in Cedar Park, TX, Lee in Pflugerville,TX and their wives. He had 7 grandchildren, all from the Austin area. He also has has 3 surviving sisters; Bernice Blum in Kenney, TX, Maxine Dickehut in Rosenberg, TX, Janie Lubojasky in Bellville, and 8 nieces/nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday April 6, 2012 at 1-00 p.m. at Knesek Funeral Home in Bellville with Bro. Richard Kirkland, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Bellville, Texas

Frank, Calvin Milford (30 Aug 1931 - 11 Mar 2015)

Family- Father: Edwin Frank, Mother: Myrtle Mccastland Cemetery: Oak Knoll Cemetery (A) References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Calvin M. Frank, 83, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Brenham.

He was born Aug. 30, 1931, in Bellville,, the son of Edwin and Myrtle McCasland Frank. Calvin grew up and attended school in Bellville, before moving to Houston in the 1950's.

An active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Calvin enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was also a member of the SPJST Lodge. Calvin was employed as an accountant with Bosworth Paper, Inc., retiring after 30+ years. He enjoyed gardening and caring and feeding stray animals.

Calvin is survived by his sisters Gladys Pfeffer of Grapeland, Texas, and Grace Schneider of Peoria, Ariz. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Myrtle Frank, brothers, Harold, Travis and Bryan, and sisters, Evelyn and Ruby.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m. - noon, Saturday, March 14, 2015, Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas.

Visitation was held from 2-3-30 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015, Schmidt Funeral Home, Bellville.

Graveside service was held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015, Oak Knoll Cemetery, Bellville.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to- Animal Friends Shelter, P.O. Box 615, Bellville, TX 77418 or to the Paws Houston. 1940 Fountain View, Suite 445, Houston, Texas 77057.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home, 12029 Hwy. 36 S., Bellville, Tx 77418. (979)865-2424 - www.schmidtfunerals.com

Posted by Bruce White

Frank, Emil Henry, Jr. (17 Feb 1915 - 6 Nov 1997)

Family- Father: Emil Henry Frank Sr., Mother: Malida Maria Augu Woehst, Spouse: Jeanette Schiller Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Funeral Services for Emil H. Frank, Jr. 82, of Alvin, Texas (formerly of Bellville) were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997 from Knesek Bros./Etlinger Funeral Chapel in Bellville with the Rev. Roy Biser officiating. Interment was in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Marc Frank, Tim Ayers, Wayne Schomburg, Mel Tarwater, Weldon Frank, and Fred Deitrich.

Mr. Emil Henry Frank, Jr., was born Feb. 17, 1915 in Nelsonville, Texas, the son of Emil H. Frank, Sr. and Malita Woehst Frank.

He was raised in Bellville and attended the Piney Creek School, but resided in LaMarque, Texas for 45 years until moving to Alvin. In 1940, Emil and the former Miss Etta Mae Zander were married in Bellville, she preceded him in death in 1983.

On March 31, 1993, Mr. Frank and the former Miss Jeanette Schiller were married in Santa Fe, Texas. Mr. Frank was a Methodist and was retired with 40 years service from Houston Lighting and Power Company where he was a trouble shooter.

Mr. Emil Henry Frank, Jr. died Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 at his residence in Alvin, Texas.

Survived by his wife Jeanette of Alvin, her daughter and husband, Theresa and Ronald Ramirez, also of Alvin; his son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Lee and Mary Jane Frank of LaMarque, his sister, Grace Barrineau of Houston; his brothers, Roger Frank of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Robert Frank of Mineral Wells, Texas; randson, Marc Frank of LaMarque; granddaughter, Julie Ayers and husband Tim of Houston, and 6 great grand-children.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Emil and Malita Frank; brothers, Leroy Frank, William H. Frank, and first wife Etta Mae Zander Frank.

Services were under the direction of Knesek Bros/Etlinger Funeral Chapel in Bellville.

Submitted by Jerry Lee Frank

Frank, Emil Henry, Sr. (5 Mar 1892 - 2 Mar 1957)

Family- Spouse: Adeline Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: GenFolks

Galveston Daily News

Emil Frank, 64, Succumbs Here

Emil Frank, 64, of 4820 avenue Q died at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary's Infirmary following a brief illness.

Mr. Frank, a member of the Methodist Church, was born in Bellville, Texas, March 5, 1892. He resided in Galveston 14 years.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Adeline Frank of Galveston, two daughters, Mrs. James J. Causey of Victoria, Texas, and Mrs. John Ringer of Texas City, four sons, William of Houston, Roger and Robert of Fort Worth, and Emil Frank, Jr., of LaMarque, two stepsons, Ivan and Robert Ites of Galveston, two sisters, Mrs. Emil Berndt of Galveston and Mrs. Ida Oest of LaMarque, two brothers Bennie and Gustav Frank of Bellville, six grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8-30 p.m. Sunday in the Memorial Room of Broadway Funderal Home, the Rev. McMahill officiating.

Following services here, the body will be taken to Bellville, Texas where final services will be conducted at 2-30 p.m. Monday in the Ettlinger Funeral Parlor.

Burial will be in the family plot at Pilgrims Rest cemetery in Bellville.

Note- Emil H. Frank, Sr. died March 2, 1957.

Submitted by Jerry Lee Frank

Frank, Etta Mae (Zander) (7 Jul 1918 - 16 Aug 1983)

Family- Father: Fritz H. Zander, Spouse: Emil H. Frank Jr Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: GenFolks

Bellville Times
1983

Funeral services for Mrs. Etta Mae Frank, 65, of LaMarque were held from the Chapel of the Peter E. Ettinger Funeral Home in Bellville at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 19 with Rev. Craig Summer officiating. Burial was in the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.

Pallbearers were- Henry Ueckert, George Reinicke, Ralph Frank, Harry Zander, Fred Dehnel and Isador Zander.

Mrs. Frank died in the College Park Care Center in Texas City at 11-15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 1983. She had been in failing health for the past year.

Born in Bellville on July 7, 1918, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz H. Zander. She was reared in Bellville and graduated from Bellville High School in 1936. She was a member of the Bellville St. John Lutheran Church.

The former Miss Etta Mae Zander was married to Emil H. Frank, Jr. on August 14, 1940 in ceremonies performed in LaGrange.

Survivors include- husband, Emil H. Frank, Jr. of LaMarque; son, Jerry Lee Frank of LaMarque; sister, Mrs. W.H. Schomburg of Bellville; brother, Fred Zander of Bellville; and two grand-children, Marc Jon and Julie Laura Frank.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Submitted by Jerry Lee Frank

Frank, Gladys Jane (Maler) (7 Jan 1938 - 20 Sep 2022)

Veteran: Vietnam Family- Father: John Maler, Mother: Marie Surovik, Spouse: Herbert Allen Frank Cemetery: Sealy Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

Gladys Jane Frank passed away at age 84 on the afternoon of September 20, 2022 in Katy, TX. Lovingly known to her family as Annie from the time of her first grandchild who was unable to say, Granny.

She was born in Sealy in 1938 and lived most of her life on the same street that bears her family's name - Maler. Over the years, her family stayed near to her building homes right next door. As matriarch of the family, she served as the neighborhood watch over what lovingly became known as the Frank Compound.

Gladys graduated from Sealy High School in 1956 and on July 1, 1956, she married the love of her life, Herbert Frank. Over the years, their family grew to include a daughter, Kathy, and three rambunctious sons, Tony, Mark, and Timmy. In their later years, she and Herbert took many adventurous trips across the world from Israel to Alaska to the Czech Republic.

If you didn't know her by family relation, you likely knew her through her participation in one of her many clubs or organizations. Gladys was a committed and faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Wallis, Home Extension of Austin County, Sandbagger softball, Ceramics, and the Austin County Fair. It was because of her humble servant's heart that she loved people, loved to be involved, and serve the community she called home for so many years.

Her spiritual gift was hospitality, and she shared her gift well. You often found her gathering people together through family reunions, card games, Easter fish fry-s, and Christmas stew get-togethers. If you attended, you were often sternly warned, "If you don't sign the book; you don't eat!" It was very important to Gladys that she knew who attended and that they had a good time.

Another way she loved people was through their stomachs. She loved watching cooking shows and her kitchen was full of recipe books. If you had a favorite dish or dessert, Gladys always took the time to make it for you. Her love was warm and inviting and it always tasted good!

Her family teased her tirelessly for keeping food in her freezer for years past the expiration date, cheating at cards or dominoes, and not being able to point straight because of her crooked fingers. She always bore this playful teasing with a smile because of her great sense of humor.

The time Gladys had on this earth was well spent. She could always be counted on to show up when duty called or if an opportunity to help someone presented itself. She spent time putting others before herself and she loved giving her time to people and being present for those she loved. She ran her race and she ran it well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie Maler; husband, Herbert Frank (Poppie); son, Tony Frank; son-in-law, Tommy Smith; brother-in-law, Charles Quinton; and nephew, James Quinton.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Smith; daughter-in-love, Wendy Frank; son, Mark Frank, and son and spouse, Tim and Gayle Frank. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Lauren and her spouse, Lean, Joseph and Una, and Johnathon. Her great-grandchildren are Ethan Ryder, Ethan Lee, Sarah, and Bumpy. (Baby Potgieter due March 2023.)

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 25, 2022, from 5-00 PM until 7-00 PM at Knesek Family Funeral Chapel, 768 4th Street, Sealy, Texas 77474. A funeral service will be held at 10-00 AM on Monday, September 26, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church of Wallis, 218 Rogers Street, Wallis, Texas 77485. Burial will be in Sealy Cemetery. Pallbearers are Allen Milberger, Darren Quinton, David Sell, James Sell, Jeffrey Frank, Johnathon Frank, Joseph Tesar, Lean Potgieter and Honorary Pallbearer, Lauren Potgieter.

Frank, Herman, Sr (8 Apr 1857 - 22 Apr 1926)

Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: FamilySearch, GenFolks

The Bellville Times
Friday April 30, 1926

Herman Frank Sr.

On Thursday, April 22, Herman Frank Sr. died at his home near Bellville at 1-45 p.m. at the age of 69 years and 14 days.

Deceased was born in Bellville on April 8, 1857

He is survived by his widow; 8 sons, A.C., Julius, Herman, Alfred, Edgar, Ferdinand, Hugo and Carl Frank; 4, Mesdames Eva Wietstruck, Wilhelmine Andreas, Anna Berndt and Edith Adler; 5 brothers, Fritz, Wilhelm, Henry, Max and Richard; 3 sisters, Mrs. Mary Seidel, Mrs. Reinhold Weise and Mrs. Rudolf Brockmann; 24 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, relatives and many friends.

Interment was made in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Bellville, on Friday, April 23rd at 3 p.m., Rev. Zeidler officiating in the home and at the grave.

Mr. Frank was a member of the O.D.H.S. No 11, whose members attended the funeral in body. Among the beautiful floral offering by his many friends was also a very beautiful wreath sent by the Special Police Department at Galveston.

Submitted by- weidler@earthlink.net

Frank, Hugo Edward (24 Mar 1895 - 11 Oct 1942)

Veteran: WW1, PFC, US Army, BASE HOSP 72 Family- Spouse: Mattie Matthews Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: GenFolks

The Bellville Times
Thursday October 15, 1942

Illness of 2 Weeks Fatal To Hugo Frank in Albuquerque, NM

Hugo Edward Frank well known native of Bellville whose home was in Belen, New Mexico died in an Albuquerque hospital at 11-10 P.M. on Sunday, October 11, following an illness of two weeks. An operation was performed in the Santa Fe hospital in Albuquerque in an effort to save his life.

Mr. Frank was 47 years of age, having been born here on March 24, 1895. He as reared here, served in the A.E.F. in the First World War and shortly after returning to private life went to work as a switchman for the Sante Fe.

On September 16, 1924 Mr. Frank was married to Miss Mattie Matthews in Houston.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Methodist Church and belonged to a Trainmen's Brotherhood.

Surviving are his widow, two daughters, Mattie Lynn Frank and Shirley Ann Frank; two sons Hugo Edward Frank Jr. and Donald Matthews Frank; four sisters, Mrs. Eva Wietstruck and Mrs. Richard Berndt of Bellville, Mrs. Max Andreas of Temple and Mrs. Robert Adler of El Paso and seven brothers A.C. Frank, Julius Frank, Ferdinand Frank, Alfred Frank, Edgar Frank and Carl Frank of Bellville and Herman Frank of Galveston.

Services were held at 5 P.M. this afternoon at the Methodist Church here with Rev. W. H. Dunlap conducting the rites. Burial was in Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery, the local American Legion Post assisting in the services.

Submitted by- weidler@earthlink.net

Frank, Louise (Reinecker) (25 Aug 1862 - 24 May 1942)

Cemetery: 1861 Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery References: GenFolks

The Bellville Times
Thursday May 28, 1942

Mrs. H. Frank Sr. Dies on Sunday At Home In Piney

Mrs. Herman Frank Sr. a highly respected Austin County native, mother of 12 prominent children and an integral part of old Austin County, died at her home in the Piney community at 3-15 a.m. on Sunday, May 24. About two weeks ago she was stricken with paralysis and when hope for her recovery waned, her children and other relatives living out-of-town were notified.

Mrs. Frank was a member of the Lutheran Church and of the Sons of Herman sister lodge. She was a loving wife, a diligent and careful housekeeper and had won the love and friendship of countless acquaintances.

Born in Austin County on Aug. 25, 1862, Mrs. Frank was 79 years of age. She was the former Miss Louise Reinecker and on February 7, 1882, was married to Mr. Frank, who preceded her in death on April 26, 1926. She assisted him through out their long married life in operating his farm and in making a home for him and their children.

Services were held at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 25, at St. John's Lutheran Church, with Rev. H. Schliesser officiating. Business houses, out of respect for her memory, were closed during the obsequies. Burial was at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery and pallbearers were Marvin Wietstruck, Earl Frank, James Frank, Milton Frank, Edgar Berndt and Wilfred Frank, all grandsons.

Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Eric Wietstruck and Mrs. Richard Berndt of Bellville, Mrs. Max Andreas of Temple and Mrs. Robert Adler of El Paso; eight sons, A.C. Frank Sr., Julius Frank Sr., Ferdinand Frank, Alfred Frank, Edgar Frank and Carl Frank of Bellville, Herman Frank Jr., of Galveston and Hugo Frank of Belen, New Mexico; three sisters Emma Neumann of Kenney, Mrs. August Mueller of McGregor and Mrs. G.T. Bell of New Braunfels; two brothers, Emil Reinecker of Houston and William Reinecker of Bellville; 43 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Submitted by- weidler@earthlink.net

Frank, Louise Faye (Franke) (11 Jun 1922 - 14 Sep 2013)

Family- Father: Edward Franke, Mother: Mary Elizabeth Frier, Spouse: Candy Frank Cemetery: Oak Knoll Cemetery (B - 31 I-4) References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Louise Faye (Franke) Frank, 91, of Industry, passed away on Sept. 14, 2013 at High Hope Care Center in Brenham.

Louise was born in Industry, on June 11, 1922, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Frier) Franke. She married Wilbert “Candy” Frank, Sr. on Aug. 25, 1939 in Bellville.

Louise and her husband, Candy, owned and operated Frank's Café when they first moved to Industry. They then owned and operated Frank's Grocery in Industry. Louise also served as a private sitter at Colonial Bell Nursing Home for three years. She was a member of Industry United Methodist Church and Eastern Star Chapter 611 of Bellville.

She is survived by one son, Wilbert “Bubba” Frank Jr. and wife, Debbie, of New Ulm; two daughters- Carol Frank Gilbert and husband, Melvin, of Houston and Dorothy Frank Gross and husband, Delroy, of Industry; sister, Almedia Bravenec of Houston; five grandchildren- Lisa Jones; Jason Frank; Christy Shelton and husband, Cody; Dwayne Gross and wife, Emily and Dustin Gross; two step grandchildren- Kley Brokmeyer and Cody Brokmeyer and wife, Gail; nine great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters- Laura Pavlovski and Norma Franke; three brothers- Monroe, Erwin and Arthur Franke.

Visitation was Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 from 2-8 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Zaskoda Chapel, 2280 Main St., Industry. Family received friends from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Services was at Industry United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. Burial followed at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Bellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Industry United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 86, Industry, TX 78944; Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX 77833; or a charity of one's choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Posted by Joy Neely

Franke, Joel Lee (20 Sep 1941 - 11 Nov 2003)

Family- Father: Henry Franke, Mother: Elinor Howe, Spouse: Pamela Lee Haglund References: GenFolks

Bellville Times

Joel Lee Franke was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday morning Nov. 11, 2003.

Mr. Franke was born September 20, 1941, in New Ulm, Texas to Henry and Elinor Howe Franke. He was christened at the Frelsburg Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church.

He attended La Marque public schools. After graduation from La Marque High School, he attended Alvin Community College and the University of Houston.

He received a bachelors and masters degree from Sam Houston State University. He also completed post-graduate courses at Texas A&M and the University of Texas.

On June 27, 1964, he married Pamela Lee Haglund in Trinity Lutheran Church in La Marque, Texas. They moved to Brenham in 1971.

Mr. Franke taught government and was division chair of the social sciences department at Blinn College. During his tenure at Blinn, he sponsored Circle K, College Republicans, the Student Government Association and Baptist Student Ministries. In 2001, he was awarded the Blinn College Teaching Excellence Award. He retired in May 2003 after working 32 years at Blinn. He was an active member and chairman of the Republican Party of Washington County, and in 1996 had the honor of being elected as a presidential elector in the Electoral College for Bob Dole.

Mr. Franke was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was baptized there on June 6, 1997. He was involved in the choir, chairman of the Brotherhood, was responsible for the Wednesday night family meals, and served on the baptismal and nominating committees.

Survivors include wife, Pamela Franke of Brenham; daughter, Kim and her husband Mark Winford of Brenham; son, Brandon and his wife Sarah Franke of College Station; grandchildren, Adalee, Aleesha and Amanda Winford and Hannah, Dylan and Jacob Franke; mother-in-law, Ethel Haglund of Houston; brother, James Franke of Houston; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Prissy and Carlton May of The Woodlands; nephews, Tim and Jamie Franke of Houston; niece, Becky and husband Toby Burt of La Porte; niece, Jennifer and her husband Michael Sieber of Sugar Land, Texas; great-nephews, Mitchell and Wade Burt; and great-niece, Grace Sieber.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral service was Friday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Friends paid their respects at Memorial Oaks Chapel Thursday, Nov. 13 between 6 and 8 p.m.

Pallbearers were Larry Watson, Alan Lehmann, Harley Hausmann, Thad Hill, Mack Bean, Dale Carnagey, Scott Baehren, Don Whatley, Don Stafford and Conway Drane.

Honorary pallbearers will be all the faculty, staff, administration and
former students of Blinn College.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joel and Pam Franke
Scholarship at Blinn College, 902 College Ave., Brenham, TX 77833 or memorials may be given to the building fund at Calvary Baptist Church, 1100

Posted by Joy Neely

Franke, Ralph Allen (15 Jan 1925 - 31 Jul 2012)

Veteran: Korea,Vietnam,WW2, SSGT, US Army Family- Father: Max Charles Franke Sr, Mother: Emma, Spouse: Patricia Ruth Stanford Cemetery: Cen TX State Vet Cem-Killeen References: GenFolks

SSG (Ret.) Ralph A. Franke, 87, of Harker Heights, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at the V.A. Hospital in Temple, after a long illness. Services will be at 9-30 a.m., Monday, August 6, at Harker Heights United Methodist Church with burial to follow at 11 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday evening, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen.

Ralph was born in New Ulm, Texas, to the late Max and Emma (Bollman) Franke, Sr. He was educated in El Campo, Texas, and entered the U. S. Army during World War II where he served 24 years before retiring in 1968. He married Patricia R. Stanford on August 14, 1948. He served in the Phillipines, Germany, Korea, Panama, and at Fort Hood. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of Harker Heights United Methodist Church. He was also a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Ralph enjoyed gardening and was a devout Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys fan.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Wilburn, Roy, Milton, and Max; sisters, Beatrice Hufstetler and Manola Mueler; and a great-granddaughter, Angel Ryan.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Patricia, of Harker Heights; son, John Franke, of Gatesville; daughters, Debora Stone, of Harker Heights, and Beth Eskew, of Waco; grandchildren, Dustin Zudell, of Tinker AFB, Jennifer Ryan, of Gatesville, Shannon Gormley, of Killeen, Brandon Panter, of Waco, Johnathan Panter, of Waco, David Stone, Jr., of Temple, and Gwylene LeFever, of Temple; 14 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. B10

Frayard, Courtney (Law) (18 Mar 1970 - 23 May 2018)

Family- Father: James Frayard, Mother: Carolyn Franssen, Spouse: David Robert “Dave” Frayard Jr Cemetery: Hartsville Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

Fort Bend Herald, May 27, 2018:

Courtney Law Frayard, 48, of Wallis, TX passed away on May 23, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 18, 1970 in Houston to parents James and the late Carolyn Law. She was wife of David, mother of Megan and Coltin, Mimi to Kamdon and Aunt to James.

Courtney worked at Sterling McCall Toyota as a Warranty Administrator for 27+ years.

She was a loving mother, amazing friend, phenomenal aunt, and a caring Mimi. She lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed watching her son play baseball and do what he loved. Holidays were important to her. She loved Traditions! She always put others first.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Franssen Law on March 14, 2014 and her brother, James Franssen Law on November 20, 2014.

Courtney is survived by her husband, David of Wallis, son, Coltin; daughter, Megan Erb and husband, Bryan of Rosharon, TX; father: James Law of Thompson, TX, grandson: Kamdon Erb; nephew, James Law and Mother-in-Law, Karyn Frayard of Eagle Lake. Close friends: Diane Boyd and husband, Michael and their children, Brittany, Hayley and Wyatt; and Sonia Albert and husband, Howard and their children, Skylar, Hayden and Tate. Along with numerous other friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Knesek and Son's Funeral Home in Wallis. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Knesek and Son's Funeral Chapel in Wallis with Honorable Stan Warfield officiating. Burial will follow at Hartsville Cemetery in Wallis.

Serving as pallbearers are: Michael Boyd, Howard Albert, Kevin Teague, Jaime Douglas, L.J. Guillutte and Harvey "Skip" Kramer, Jr.

Funeral Services under the direction of Knesek and Son's Funeral Home located at 122 N. First St., Wallis, Tx, 979-478-6311, www.knesekfuneralhome.com. Condolences may be left at knesekfuneralhome.com.

Frayard, David Robert "Dave", Jr (13 Jul 1969 - 5 Dec 2023)

Family- Father: David Frayard Sr., Mother: Karyn Weber, Spouse: Courtney Law, Children: Megan Erb, Coltin Frayard Cemetery: Hartsville Cemetery References: Findagrave, GenFolks

David Robert Frayard, Jr., 54, of Wallis, TX, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Katy, TX. He was born in Wharton on July 13, 1969 to parents, David Frayard Sr. and Karyn Weber Frayard, their only child. Attending Brazos ISD in Wallis TX, he graduated Class of 1987. He attended college in Waco, TX and that's when he became a master mechanic. On June 18, 1999, he married the love of his life, Courtney Law, making their home in Wallis. Throughout his career, he worked with Sterling McCall Toyota, Infinity, and Fort Bend County Road & Bridge. David had a true love for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were two hobbies he enjoyed, but most importantly, David loved being at the baseball field with his son, watching him play ball. David was a loving son, father, caring Papa, and the best friend anyone could have. He will be greatly missed.

David is preceded in death by his father, David Robert Frayard Sr. (March 9, 1984), and wife, Courtney Law Frayard (May 23, 2018).

David is survived by his mother, Karyn Weber Frayard of Eagle Lake; daughter, Megan Frayard Erb of Rosharon; son, Coltin Dale Frayard of Wallis; and two grandsons, Kamdon and Kadyn Erb. Special caregivers, Amanda Sowa of Orchard TX, our angel, we couldn't have held it together without her, Casey Sowa of Wallis, TX, Lisa Korenek of Wallis, TX., and Tatum James Sowa-Hidalgo who came to visit him regularly, bringing smiles and giggles, making David's day.

Visitation will be held, Sunday, December 17th, at Knesek's in Wallis from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, with service at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Knesek Funeral Home in Wallis, with Reverend Stan Warfield officiating. Burial will follow at Hartsville Cemetery in Wallis. Serving as pallbearers are Kevin Teague, Travis Sowa, Matt Krueger, Charles Kolojaco, Warren Evans, Mark Zatopek, Harvey "Skip" Kramer, and Harold McCain.

Funeral services are under the direction of Knesek's Funeral Home.

Frazier, James ( - Abt 1832)

Veteran: Early Wars Family- Spouse: Peggy Brown References: GenFolks

They received title to a league of land on the west bank of the Brazos River two miles below the site of San Felipe de Austin in what is now southeast Austin and northwest Fort Bend counties on July 24, 1824.

ExternalWebsite; TSHA; ; https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/frazier-james

| F1 | F2 |

Page Last Updated: 14 February 2025