Colorado County Obituaries

"Poenitzch"  

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Poenitzch, Aubrey Alvin and Paul Perry

Aubrey Alvin ("Jack") POENITZCH, 25 Mar 1930 - 30 April 1955 & Paul Perry POENITZSCH, 16 Jun 1934 - 30 April 1955

"Poenitzsch Men Drown In River"

Last rites for Aubrey Alvin (Jack) Poenitzsch, 25, and Paul Perry Poenitzsch, 20 who drowned in the Colorado river at Shaw's Bend Saturday about 4:30 p.m., were held Monday at 3 p.m. in the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Poenitzsch, at Shaw's Bend.

Rev. G. Wolf of the Lutheran church in Columbus and Rev. Raymond Durst of Reutersville conducted the rites for the young men whose fishing trip ended in the tragedy.

Aubrey and Paul Perry fell from a motor boat into the river while they were on a fishing trip with D. C. McLemore of Houston.  They were about a half mile from the home of Gilbert Poenitzsch, another brother.

Neither Could Swim

The 2 bodies were recovered about an hour and a half or 2 hours after the boat capsized.  Neither of the Poenitzsch boys could swim.

Columbus firemen and local officers answered the call for aid, along with neighbors, but the bodies had been in the water too long for artificial respiration to be of any help.

The bodies of the brothers were brought to Columbus Funeral home, and they were buried in Brune cemetery.

One Was Veteran

Aubrey Poenitzsch, who had been out of the army about a year, lived with his parents.  Paul Perry lived with his wife in Houston, where he was employed.

       Mr. and Mrs. Paul Poenitzsch and Mr. and Mrs. McLemore came to Shaw's Bend for a visit, and the 3 men went to the river to put out more fishing lines.

Justice of the Peace Bob Weishuhn quoted Mr. McLemore as saying that he was standing beside a car on the river bank when he heard the boat motor roar.  He turned in time to see his friends falling from the capsizing boat.

Many Help

A brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilbern of Laredo were also visiting the Poenitizsches at Shaw's Bend, and Mr. Wilbern recovered one of the bodies.

Several men took part in the search of the river bed.  The body of Aubrey was recovered first and the body of Paul Perry a short time later.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Mrs. Wilbert and Miss Laura Lee Poenitzsch of East Bernard; and 5 brothers, Lloyd Poenitzsch, a half-brother, Calvin, Edwin, Lawrence and Gilbert Poenitzsch.  The brothers also live in the Columbus-Shaw's Bend area.

Pallbearers in the double funeral rights were Elmo and Leroy Lilie, Harry Heintschel, Herman Balzer, Fritz Chollett, Lawrence Klump, Marvin Horndt, Clarence George, Max Mai, Leroy Moeckel, Lester Rogers and E. L. Schve.

Colorado County Citizen, May 5, 1955

 

Poenitzsch, Edwin R.

POENITZSCH

Edwin R. Poenitzsch, 84, of Shaws Bend passed away April 12 at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital in Houston.

He was born in Shaws Bend Dec. 4, 1918 to Paul and Elizabeth Poenitzsch and married Alvina Kansteiner Feb. 18, 1941.

He was a self-employed farmer and rancher and a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth Poenitzsch; and brothers, Calvin, Paul Perry and Aubrey Poenitzsch.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Barbara and husband Cooper Johnson of Flatonia and Diana and husband Doug Young of Delhi; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Pfannstiel of San Antonio; sons, Larry and wife Carolyn Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend, Russell and wife Dolores Poenitzsch of Frelsburg, Daniel and wife Peggy Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend; sisters, Laurie Heintschel of Shaws Bend and Lurline Willbern of Shaws Bend; brothers, Lloyd Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend, Lawrence Poenitzsch of Sealy and Gilbert Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were April 15 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with Pastor Karl Johnson officiating.

Interment followed at Brune Cemetery in Shaws Bend.

Pallbearers were grandchildren John, Ray, Josh, Caleb and Everett Poenitzsch, Eric Alhers, Raena Darragh, Rachel Benavides, Michelle Acosta, Jo Lynn, Jackie and Teri Poenitzsch and Kayla and Nathan Young.

Honorary pallbearers were great-grandchildren Ashley Blackwell, Tori and Katelynn Poenitzsch, Bayleigh Acosta, Macie Benavides and Reed and Brandon Darragh.

Colorado County Citizen, April 16, 2003
Courtesy of
the Citizen

 

Poenitzsch, Elizabeth F. (Horndt)

POENITZSCH, Elizabeth

Funeral services for Elizabeth F. Poenitzsch, 84, were held Wednesday, August 25, at Henneke Funeral Home with Reverend Lee Eschberger officiating. Burial was at Brune Cemetery, Shaws Bend.

Mrs. Poenitzsch was born December 31, 1897, to Wilhelm and Bertha Staffeldt Horndt. She married Paul Poenitzsch November 27, 1917.

Mrs. Poenitzsch was a lifetime resident of Columbus and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinger.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harry (Laurie) Heintschel of Columbus and Mrs. A. D. (Lurline) Willbern also of Columbus; three sons, Edwin Poenitzsch of Columbus, Lawrence Poenitzsch of Sealy, Gilbert Poenitzsch of Columbus, and one step-son, Lloyd Poenitzsch of Columbus; one brother, Alvin Horndt of Columbus; 32 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, three sons, and two grandchildren.

Pallbearers were David Willbern, Gerald Heintschel, Gary Poenitzsch, Larry Poenitzsch , Allen Poenitzsch and Harvey Poenitzsch.

The Colorado County Citizen, September 2, 1982
Submitted by
Joyce Stancik

 

Poenitzsch, Gilbert Horndt

Poenitzsch

Gilbert Horndt Poenitzsch, 84, passed away Jan. 26, at his residence in Shaws Bend.
He was born on Feb. 3, 1922 in Shaws Bend, to Elizabeth (Horndt) and Paul Poenitzsch. He was baptized on March 19, 1922 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Shaws Bend, and confirmed on March 17, 1940.
He served in the U.S. Army in the 435th Fighter Squadron as an expert rifle marksman. He was decorated with a Central European Campaign medal with one bronze star; a Good Conduct medal; a World War II Victory medal and a Champion Rifle Marksmanship medal. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 21, 1945. He married, LaVerne Klump, Nov. 10, 1946. He was a carpenter and owned his own construction company.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and brothers, Jack, Pete, Calvin, Edwin and Lawrence Poenitzsch.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Arlene and David Nelson of Sealy and Paulette and Weldon Moeller of Brenham; sons and daughter-in-law Gary and Susan Poenitzsch and Craig Poenitzsch and Naomi Tomlinson all of Shaws Bend; grandchildren, Stacy, Kristen, Derek and Dustin Nelson, Aaron and Amanda Moeller, Kyle and wife Lindsey, Kevin and Kayley Poenitzsch; step-grandchildren, Blair and Trey Tomlinson; and great-grandsons, Haven and Kash Moeller and Dean Poenitzsch; brother, Lloyd Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend; and sisters, Laurie Heintschel and Lurline Willbern of Shaws Bend.

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 29, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbus with the Rev. Jeffrey Marsh officiating and under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Interment followed at Brune Cemetery in Shaws Bend.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.

Colorado County Citizen, February 1, 2006
Courtesy of The Citizen

 

Poenitzsch, Kenneth Wayne

Kenneth Wayne POENITZSCH,
July 26, 1944 - August 19, 1996

Kenneth Wayne Poenitzsch, 52, of New Braunfels, passed away August 19, 1996, in San Antonio.

He was born on July 26, 1944, in Columbus to Edwin and Alvina Kansteiner Poenitzsch.

Kenneth married Bonnie Jo Wright on February 29, 1964.

He was general manager at Redland Stone Products and had been a resident of New Braunfels for 20 years.

He was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels.

Survivors include his parents of Shaws Bend; wife, Bonnie Jo of New Braunfels; daughters, Constance Raena Darragh of Canyon Lake and Jo Lyn Poenitzsch of New Braunfels; son, Robert Ray Poenitzsch of Baltimore, Maryland; sisters, Barbara Johnson of Flatonia and Diana Young of Delih; brothers, Larry and Daniel Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend, and Russell Poenitzsch of Frelsburg; grand- children, Ashley Raena Blackwell and Kenneth Reed Hart Darragh.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 21, at 2 p.m. from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with Father Dan Kahlich officiating.

Interment followed in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus.

Pallbearers were Nyle Dean and Davis Gene Polis, Bo Bankston, Joe McCadden, Tommy Harst and Edgar Horndt.

Arrangements were under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Submitted by Joyce Stancik

 

Poenitzsch, Lawrence Charles

Poenitzsch

Lawrence Charles Poenitzsch, 84, of Sealy, passed away Feb. 20 at Rice Medical Center in Eagle Lake.

He was born in Columbus, July 29, 1920 to Paul and Elizabeth (Horndt) Poenitzsch and married Margie Forde in September 1979.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Elaine Poenitzsch Marek; and brothers, Edwin, Calvin, Paul and Aubrey Poenitzsch.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Lurraine Poenitzsch Lima of Houston; stepdaughters, Mary Jane Peters and Margie Peters of Sealy and Emily Chavez of Houston; sons, Allen Poenitzsch of Sealy and Leonard Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend; stepson, Robert Lancom of Sealy; sisters, Lurlene Willbern of Shaws Bend and Laurie Heintchell of Columbus; brother, Gilbert and Lloyd Poenitzsch of Shaws Bend; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Feb. 22 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with Mark Servis officiating. Interment followed at the Brune Cemetery in Shaws Bend.

Pallbearers were James "Mac" Mahaffey, Chris McCool, Paul "Red" Blunek, Dale Clark, Daniel Mazac and Elgien Konescheck.

Colorado County Citizen, March 2, 2005
Courtesy of The Citizen

Poenitzsch, Lillie Elizabeth (Stancik)

Poenitzsch

Lillie Elizabeth Poenitzsch, 85, of Shaws Bend passed away Dec. 26 at her residence.

She was born Oct. 3, 1919, to Joseph and Emma (Ahlgrim) Stancik. She attended the Shaws Bend School and married Lloyd Poenitzsch Oct. 22, 1935. She lived on the family farm in Shaws Bend. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbus and a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Polly Ann McRoberts and Deborah Kay Bankston; brothers, Clinton, Arthur, Lee Roy and Alvin Stancik.

She is survived by her husband; daughters, JoAnn Vaclavik and husband Hervey, of Pattison, Sandra O'Leary and husband John, of Columbus and Pam Evans and husband Steve, of Houston; sons, Harvey Poenitzsch, Robert Poenitzsch and wife Joan, and Jeffrey Poenitzsch and wife Mary Jane, of Shaws Bend; sister, Onie Mae Horndt and husband Clarence, of Ellinger; brother, Melvin Stancik and wife Joyce, of Eagle Lake; sisters-in-law, Frances Stancik of Ganado, Bernice Stancik of Glidden, and Martha Stancik Homeier of Schulenburg; grandchildren, Beth Grimet and husband H.C. III, of Pattison, Brian O'Leary and wife Courtney, of League City, Kristen O'Leary, of Columbus, Jacob and Jordan Evans, of Houston, Ashby McRoberts, of Bryan, Chuck and Abby Bankston of Spring and Shay, Matthew and Andrew Poenitzsch, of Shaws Bend; great grandchildren, Logan and Conley Grimet, of Pattison; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus with the Rev. John Hunsicker officiating. Interment followed at the Poenitzsch family cemetery in Shaws Bend. Services were under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.

Pallbearers were Ray, Darrell, David and Elliot Stancik, James Horndt and Daniel Poenitzsch.

Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Colorado County Citizen, December 29, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

 

Poenitzsch, Lloyd William Henry

Poenitzsch

Lloyd William Henry Poenitzsch, 94, of Shaws Bend, passed away June 10.

He was born in Shaws Bend on Oct. 10, 1911, to Paul and Anna Horndt Poenitz-sch. He attended the Shaws Bend School. He married Lillie Stancik on Oct. 22, 1935. He lived all his life on the family farm on the banks of the Colorado River in Shaws Bend. He was a farmer, rancher and father of eight children. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbus and a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinger.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughters, Polly Ann McRoberts and Deborah Kay Bankston; and brothers, Jack, Pete, Calvin, Edwin, Lawrence and Gilbert.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, JoAnn and Hervey Vaclavik, of Pattison, Sandra and John O'Leary, of Columbus, Pam and Steve Evans, of Houston; and sons, Harvey Poenitzsch, Robert Poenitzsch and wife Joan, and Jeffrey Poenitzsch and wife Mary Jane of Shaws Bend; sons-in-law Mike McRoberts, of Katy and Billy Bankston, of Spring; grandchildren, Beth Grimet and husband, H. C. III, of Pattison, Brian O'Leary and wife, Courtney, of League City, Kristen O'Leary, of Columbus, Jacob and Jordan Evans, of Houston, Ashby McRoberts, of Bryan, Abby and Chuck Bankston, of Spring, and Shay, Matthew and Andrew Poenitzsch, of Shaws Bend, and great grandchildren, Logan and Conley Grimet, of Pattison; sisters, Lurline Willbern and Laurie Heintschel, of Shaws Bend; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were conducted June 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus with Pastor Jeffrey Marsh officiating. Interment followed at the Poenitzsch family cemetery in Shaws Bend. Pallbearers were Larry, Gary and Leonard Poenitzsch, Gerald Heintschel, Bill Pavlicek and David Willbern.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus or Brazos Valley Hospice.

Colorado County Citizen, June 14, 2006
Courtesy of The Citizen

 

Poenitzsch, Marjorie D. (Forde)

Marjorie D. Poenitzsch
April 16, 1934 – November 23, 2006

Services for Marjorie D. Poenitzsch, 72, of Sealy were held Nov. 28 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. Jeffrey Marsh officiating.

Burial followed at Brune Cemetery in Shaws Bend.

Poenitzsch died Nov. 23 at Oakbend Medical Center in Richmond.

She was born on April 16, 1934, in Decorah, Iowa, the daughter of Magne Turine and Idella Istad Forde.

Poenitzsch was a long time employee for Bill’s Supermarket in Sealy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence C. Poenitzsch; parents; son-in-law Mike Lima; and grandson, Jimmy Chavez.

Survivors include four daughters, Mary “Sug” Peters, Margie Holmes and her fiancée, Paul Blunck II, Lurraine Lima and Emily Chavez; three sons, Allen Poenitzsch, Leonard Poenitzsch and his wife, Yvonne, and Robert Lancon; 17 grandchildren, Chris Wilson, Schyler M. Prentice, James G. and Joseph R. Hundl, Rodney D. Jr. and Rhonda R. Holmes, Paul Blunck III, Jessica Lima, Yolanda, Preston, Angela and Mary Chavez, and Julie, Jenny Kristi, James and Joseph Poenitzsch; and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were her grandchildren, Schyler, James, Joseph, Rodney, Rhonda and Paul.

Honorary pallbearers were Allen and Leonard Poenitzsch, Robert Lancon, Paul Blunck III and Douglas Kubricht.

Henneke Funeral Home, Columbus, director.

The Banner Press Newspaper, November 30, 2006
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

 

Poenitzsch, Paul A.

Paul A. POENITZSCH  19 Feb 1884 - 19 Feb 1958

"Shaw's Bend Native, Is Buried Saturday"

"Paul Poenitzsch, 74, died in his Shaw's Bend home Feb. 19 after a lingering heart-ailment.  Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Columbus Funeral home with Rev. Raymond W. Durst officiating.  Burial was in Brune cemetery at Shaw's Bend.

"Born at New Ulm, he came to Shaw's Bend with his parents as a small child and spent his entire life there.  In about 1910 he was married to Annie Horndt, who died in 1913.  One child, Lloyd, survives this marriage.  He later married Elizabeth Horndt, his first wife's sister.

"Survivors are his widow of Shaw's Bend; 5 sons, Lloyd, Edwin, Gilbert and Calvin Poenitzsch of Shaw's Bend, and Lawrence Poenitzsch of Sealy; 2 daughters, Mrs. A. D. (Lurline) Wilbern of Lockhart and Mrs. Harry (Laurie) Heintschel of Shaw's Bend: two brothers, Henry Poenitzsch of Houston and Otto Poenitzsch of Cuero; and 26 grandchildren. Two other sons, Paul Perry and Aubrey were drowned in the Colorado River in 1955, while they were together in a motor boat, which capsized.

"Pallbearers were Clarence and Edgar Horndt, H. C. and Clarence Fowler, Oswald Schobel and Homer Sommerlatte.

Colorado County Citizen, February 27, 1958, page 10

 

 

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