Emil C. Ganske Jr.
Emil C. Ganske Jr. died in Bluebonnet Hills Nursing Home in Brenham on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003. Born March 12, 1905 at Artesian Park in Washington County, Emil was the son of Emil Sr. and Johanna (Zibilski) Ganske. He was baptized April 30, 1905 in Zion Lutheran Church at Zionsville by Pastor M. Haag. He was later confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Burton by Pastor Schulz. Emil received his formal education in the Hohenwalde School. Mr. Ganske engaged in farming for many years. On Sept. 19, 1968, Emil and Edna Fuchs were married in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham by Pastor Thomas H. Swygert. Edna preceded Emil in death on August 31, 1990. Survivors include his step-daughter and her husband, Verdene and Thomas Brinkmeyer of Brenham; step-son, Leroy Koch of Brenham; his step-grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Bonnie Brinkmeyer, Sharon and David Spence, Sandra and Randy Willoughby and Bobby and Linda Koch; as well as nine step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Erwin Ganske, Berry Ganske. Leroy Ganske, Evelyn Plueckhahn, Bernice Foehr, Milroy Ganske, Joyce Marburger, James Ganske, Maxine Ruether and Diane Ganske along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. With his wife, Mr. Ganske is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; a step-daughter, Erlene Koch; and a step-son, Edward Ganske. Memorial gifts to either Hospice of Brenham or to St. John United Church Of Christ in Burton, where Emil has been a longtime member, would be considered appropriate by his family. Mr. Ganske's family will receive callers in Memorial Oaks Chapel today between 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. 2003 in St. John United Church of Christ in Burton, with Pastor Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chester Ruether, Marvin Marburger, Milroy Ganske, James Ganske, Berry Ganske and Michael Brinkmeyer. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham.

Clarence W. Lohmeyer
Clarence W. Lohmeyer, 75, of Washington, Texas, and the husband of Rose Lee Loesch Lohmeyer, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 at Methodist Diagnostic Hospital in Houston. Mr. Lohmeyer was born Oct. 29, 1927 in Washington, Texas to Henry and Ida Renn Lohmeyer. He was baptized and confirmed in the Friedens United Church of Washington. He attended Washington schools, Navasota High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Mr. Lohmeyer was a member of the United Church of Washington and served on the church council several times. He was a member of the VFW Post #4006, the Sons of Herman Lodge #178, served as a director of the A.S.C.S. Board for a number of years and was presently serving on the board of directors of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Group. On Oct. 2, 1949, Mr. Lohmeyer was married to Rose Lee Loesch in the Friedens United Church of Washington. They were engaged in farming and ranching in the Washington community. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rose Lee Loesch Lohmeyer; son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Cindy Lohmeyer of Pasadena, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Lugene and Willie Dell Lohmeyer of Navasota; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Elsie Tegeler of Brenham, Alma Kenjura of Brenham, Edna Schroeder of Brenham, Lydia Loesch of Brenham, Bonnie Loesch of Cleveland, Hilda and Ray Lorenz of Brenham, Selma and Robert Wellmann of Brenham and Ella and Truman Flynt of Iola. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Lohmeyer was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harris Lohmeyer; and infant sister. The funeral service for Clarence W. Lohmeyer will be at 10:30 a.m., today at Friedens United Church, Washington with Pastor Ron Trimmer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, with a Devotional service at 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be Harris Lohmeyer Jr., Charlie Canatella, Robert Bond, Albert Smith III, David Wellmann, Atwood Kenjura, Glen Dallmeyer, Bob Lossow, Lonnie Tegeler and Melvin Loesch Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Wallace Bosse, Albert Hartstack Jr., Harold Kolkhorst, Gilbert Lauter, Joe E. Renn, Walter Schroeder Jr., Stanley Sommer, William Wellmann and Wallace Armatys. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Friedens United Church of Washington. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham, Texas.

Vance Charles Ottmer
Vance Charles Ottmer, 86, of Brenham, formerly of Houston, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003 in Trinity Medical Center. Vance was born June 22,1916 to Ben H. and Ethel (Moseley) Ottmer in Ben Arnold, Texas. Vance served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Staff Sgt. in the South Pacific Arena. He was the owner of Automotive Equipment Company of Dallas and Houston. He also owned Expert Tire Distributors of Austin, Georgetown and Cedar Park. Vance Charles Ottmer was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Van Ottmer; two brothers, James H. Ottmer and Ernest L. Ottmer; and two sisters, Betty J. Daughtry and Barbara A. Berg. Survivors include his wife, Paula J. Ottmer of Brenham; sons, Arn C. Ottmer and P. David Ottmer and his wife, Kristene of Brenham; and stepson Carl D. Lee and his wife Jan of Fredericksburg, Va.; daughter, Rhys W. Ford and her husband Frank of Dallas; grandchildren, Karis and Caitlyn Ford of Dallas, Kristina Ottmer of Brenham and Deanna L. Landon of Houston; as well as one sister, Bennye M. Laffere of Temple. A memorial service for Vance will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Melvin H. "Fritzie" Ehlert Sr.
Melvin H. "Fritzie" Ehlert Sr., 75, of Brenham, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003. Fritzie was born Feb. 7, 1928 to Melvin Henry and Hazel Irene (Jenkins) Ehlert in Brenham. On Aug. 26, 1928 he was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by Rev. Arthur E. Hartmann and on April 16, 1943 he was confirmed by the Rev. Theo R. Streng. He graduated from Brenham High School, attended Blinn College and was a graduate of Texas A&M University. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. On April 4, 1953 he was married to Gloria Schroeder at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by the Rev. T. R. Streng. Fritzie was employed by Humble Oil Exploration Company of Houston. In 1955, he returned to Brenham and worked in real estate. Later he joined his father-in-law at Schroeder Insurance which became Schroeder and Ehlert Insurance. After his father-in-law's retirement, he owned Ehlert Insurance Inc. until his retirement in January 2000. Fritzie was a life long member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served as chairman of the board of St. Jude Hospital for many years and was instrumental in the consolidation of St. Jude and Bohne Hospitals. He served on the board of Trinity Medical Center and was chairman of the Board at Trinity Care Center. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Elk's Lodge and Washington County A&M Club. He was a board member of the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas and was instrumental in their merger with Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. He cherished time with his family. He enjoyed fishing, gardening. cooking and attending Aggie ball games with his sons and grandsons and shrimping with his sons, brother, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, two infant and W.J. Ehlert; sister-in-law, Mary Ehlert; and father-in-law, Otto Schroeder. His survivors include wife, Gloria Ehlert of Brenham; sons, Melvin H. Ehlert Jr. and wife Pat and Jeffrey Ehlert, all of Brenham and Scott Ehlert and wife Rebecca of Pflugerville; grandchildren, Anna Ehlert, Melvin H. "Chip" Ehlert Ill, Andy Ehlert and Lillie Ehlert; mother-in-law, Lillie Schroeder; sister-in-law, Hildy Ehlert; nephews and their wives, Bill and Cassandra Ehlert, Paul and Rhonda Ehlert and John and Becky Ehlert; four great nephews; two great nieces and numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation with family will be from 6-8 p.m. today in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham. The Rev. Lawrence Bade and the Rev. Kim Little-Brooks will officiate and be assisted by Heidi Youngquist, Director of Youth and Family Ministries. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers are Luther Utesch, Paul LaRoche, M.E. Trostle, Ed Duckworth, A.C. Miller, Thomas Mann, Gene Latham, David Dilger, Carl Schomburg and Jack Appel. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trinity Medical Center Foundation or Hospice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Ella Mae Hoefelmeyer
Ella Mae Hoefelmeyer, 81, of Brenham, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003 in Bluebonnet Hills Care Center in Brenham. Mrs. Hoefelmeyer was born April 26,1921 in the Meyersville community of Washington County to Fritz and Martha Newman Schroeder. She was baptized June 12, 1921 in St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sandy Hill by Pastor G. Czerkus and was confirmed in 1939 in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wiedeville by Pastor Kurt Hartmann. She attended Wiedeville School. On Dec. 24, 1940, she married Herman Hoefelmeyer. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Clara and Wallace Tomczak of Brenham, Caroline and Roy Bethel, Ella Mae Dallmeyer of Brenham, Edwin and Mary Jane Hoefelmeyer of Brenham, James Ray Hoefelmeyer of Brenham and Tammie Sue Hoefelmeyer of Brenham; brother, Wilford Schroeder of Brenham; sisters, Amanda Denton of Freeport, Hildegard Lucas of Brenham and Esther Herrmann of Brenham; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Hoefelmeyer, on Jan. 3, 1983; and her parents. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 in Memorial Oaks Chapel with Dr. Sue Beall officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb., 19, 2003 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Duane Fox, Stephen Johnson, Carl Kasparek, Jerry Gurka, Christopher Hoefelmeyer, Billy Joe Hoefelmeyer, Cody Hoefelmeyer and Ernest Wellmann. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Gurka and Dennis Schulz. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Carol Helen McDonald
Memorial services for Carol Helen McDonald, 77, of Seminole, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Seminole, with the Rev. Derrel Evins officiating and under the direction of Ratliff Funeral Home. She died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003 in Seminole. Carol was born Aug. 8, 1925 in Ashland, Wis. to Einer and Helen Thompson. She married Homer Hamilton McDonald, Feb. 17, 1949 in Hawaii. He preceded her in death in 1986 and her sister, Marion Thompson, preceded her in death in 1989. She was a resident of Victoria for many years before moving to Seminole five years ago. She was formerly a volunteer with the Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and attended the First United Methodist Church and was a homemaker. She is survived by two sons, Scott McDonald of Nacogdoches and Shaun McDonald of Seminole; one daughter, Sindet Hallman of Orange; one brother, Curtis Thompson; two sisters, Jane McCracken and Jean Ely; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 811 Central, Odessa, Texas, 79761-4200. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Ratliff Funeral Home, Seminole, Texas, (915) 758-2431.

Lawrence John Nowicki Sr.
Lawrence John Nowicki Sr., 77, of Brenham died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003 in Trinity Medical Center. On Nov. 11, 1925 he was born to Frank John and Laura Ann (Mueller) Nowicki in Brenham, where he also attended school. Lawrence served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class from 1943-1947. He was married to Mary Belle Klatt on June 30, 1951. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, American Legion, VFW and Sons of Hermann for 55 years. Lawrence was the owner of Savitall Market and butcher by trade. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Frank Jr., Alfred "Stopper" and Melvin; sister, Martha Ann Nowicki; mother-in-law; father-in-law; and a great-nephew. His survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary Belle Nowicki; sons, David Nowicki and wife Helen, Lawrence Nowicki Jr. and wife Myra, all of Brenham; six grandchildren, Marcus Nowicki, Joni Leonard and husband Blake of Plantersville, Crystal Nowicki, David Martin "Marty" Nowicki II and wife Amanda, Dustin Nowicki and Dathan Nowicki, all of Brenham; three great-grandchildren, Kaylee Madison Leonard, David Martin "Trey" Nowicki III and Caroline Grace Nowicki; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Doris Klatt of Brenham; nephews, Thomas and Terry Nowicki; nieces, Sylvia Scruggs, Carolyn Martin and Lisa Nowicki; and numerous great nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., today by Father Richard Tijerina. Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Richard Tijerina as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Parkinson's Foundation or Alzheimers Association. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Waldo Smith
Waldo Smith, 66, of Brenham, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003 in a Houston hospital. Mr. Smith was born Sept. 17, 1936 in Brenham, the son of Travis and Ivy Gummelt Smith. He attended Klump and Wesley Elementary schools and graduated from Brenham High School. In high school, he was active in FFA, serving as president of the local chapter as well as in area and state offices. He attained the FFA Lone Star Degree. Mr. Smith enjoyed participating in local and state dairy and beef cattle shows. Due to his grand champion animal and showmanship qualities at the Houston Stock Show, Mr. Smith was awarded the Cowling Scholarship on which he attended Texas A&M University. He returned to the family farm where he raised crops and cattle. In 1958, he married Patricia Stolz in Navasota. They made their home on S Ranch where they reared their two devoted children, Elizabeth Smith Lehrmann and Greg Smith, of whom they are so proud. Mr. Smith continued his agricultural interests by helping organize a local Young Farmers chapter, then serving as its president. Later, he accepted the office of president in the area and state organization. Following in his dad's footsteps, he became active in Soil Conservation Service endeavors. He served on the board of the Washington County SCS for the past 31 years, during which time he was elected to two terms as state president and served on the SCS state board. He treasured the many friendships made during these years and considered these comrades of soil and water conservation some of his dearest friends. Mr. Smith loved people. He enjoyed leadership roles and was honored to chair a meeting, offer a prayer and speak at the funerals of several dear friends. He was extremely loyal, tenacious and even stubborn. He had an opinion on most things and was not afraid to defend a cause he believed in. He volunteered with Washington County Fair, Washington County Little League, Brenham Band Booster Club, Brenham Athletic Booster Club, Maifest Association, Governor's Committee of 100 and several agricultural committees. Mr. Smith was a member of Brenham Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday school, served several terms as elder and pastor nominating committee and served on the building and grounds and long range planning committees. He enjoyed being the "fix-it" man at church, where he built, with the help of youth members, the play yard picket fence. He and friend, Frank Eberle, designed and built the sign in front of the sanctuary. He loved his church. Mr. Smith enjoyed working with his hands. He mastered welding in order to repair his own farm equipment, relaxed with his woodworking tools and designed and built the sizable addition to his home. He loved a challenge, lively debate or telling, in his "Will Rogers manner,0" a joke or story to his coffee buddies or many friends. Mr. Smith was the co-owner of Big 4 Plant Food Co. until the time of his illness and retirement. He valiantly battled heart disease and lung cancer since 1999 and volunteered to participate in experimental cancer treatment (clinical trial) saying even if this research did not help him, perhaps it would be beneficial to future cancer patients. He persevered and remained stable on the experimental drugs longer than any other patient and was known at M.D. Anderson Hospital as "The Miracle Man." He never lost his sense of humor and always had a joke to tell the nurses and doctors. They all knew him. When his heart began to fail, he entered St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital where he underwent numerous treatments since Nov. 1. Mr. Smith's vision of heaven was like going home at the end of a long day of work in the fields, seeing the welcoming lights of home, knowing a hearty meal and a host of loved ones were waiting. By God's grace, the banquet has begun for Waldo. Survivors include his wife, Pat Smith of Brenham; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Hollis Lehrmann of Brenham; son, Greg Smith of College Station; mother, Ivy G. Smith of Brenham; grandchildren, William Lehrmann, Victoria Lehrmann and Alexandria Lehrmann; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki and Tom Gergeni of College Station; nephews, Stephen Gergeni of San Francisco and Timm Gergeni of College Station; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many faithful friends. He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Dr. James Smith; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Victor and Bill Stolz of Navasota. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. in Brenham Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Alan Farquhar and the Rev. Ron Sunderland officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel today with a short devotional service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be John Barnhill, Jimmy Becker, John Dietz, Timm Gergeni, Norman Hodde, Russell Honerkamp, Edward Neumann Jr., Clyde Sommers, Kermit Wahrmund and Wilbur Wood. Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Beard, Frank Eberle, Royce Lehrmann and directors of Washington County Soil Conservation Service. Memorials may be given to Brenham Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Theodore "Ted" Kubeczka
Theodore "Ted" Kubeczka, beloved husband, dad, son, brother and grandfather, was surrounded by his wife and children when he went to be with Jesus Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Ted was born July 12, 1925 in Chappell Hill, Texas. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and was a member of the Polish National Alliance. He was employed with National Steel Service Center for 37 years along with farming and raising cattle. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Peggy (Wozniak) Kubeczka; sister, Mary Pawlak; brothers, Steve, Edwin and Billy Kubeczka; son-in-law, Thomas Miles; and father and mother-in-law, Walter and Mary Grabarkievtz. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Pauline Grabarkievtz Kubeczka; son, Joseph Kubeczka and wife Carolyn of Fairchilds, Texas; daughters, Cynthia Miles of Sugar Land, Texas, JoAnn Duckett and husband Bill of Damon, Texas, Mary Lane and husband Jerry of Houston, Peggy Griffin and husband Donnie of Fairchilds, Texas, Paula Janota and husband Donald of Fairchilds, Texas and Veronica Wesneski and husband Mark of Fairchilds, Texas; grandchildren, Christy Hood and husband Calvin III, Matt, Billy and Nicole Miles, Jennifer and Billy Duckett, Melissa Kubeczka and fiancé Kyle Stavinoha, Jill and Joey Kubeczka, Jeff and Laura Lane, Amber and Josh Griffin, Donnie, Samantha and Elliot Janota and Brittany, Taylor and Caitlin Wesneski; great-grandson, Calvin Hodd IV; brothers, Victor and Charlie Kubeczka; and sisters, Katie Meleski, Maggie Jankowski, Gertrude Kubeczka, Valerie Cegielski, Caroline Holub and Blanche Twardowski. Visitation will be held beginning at 5 p.m. today with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, Texas, (281) 341-8800. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Needville, Texas. Interment will follow at West Gethsemane Cemetery in Rosenberg, Texas. Pallbearers will be Matt and Billy Miles, Billy Duckett, Jeff Lane, Josh Griffin, Donnie and Elliot Janota, Joey Kubeczka, Calvin Hood III and Kyle Stavinoha. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's building fund or the charity of your choice.

Annis "Shannon" Lee
Annis "Shannon" Lee passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2003 in Bluebonnet Hills Care Center. She was born Sept. 15, 1945 to James and Lyndal (Reed) McDaniel in Oregon. On March 14, 1992 she married George Washington Lee in Clint, Texas. She was a bookkeeper in the interior design business. Annis "Shannon" is preceded in death by her parents, Lynn and David Jean. Survivors include husband, George Washington Lee; daughters, Leona Moore and husband Joe, Carolyn Blackburn and Cathy Lampe and husband Richard; son, Leonard Lee and wife Tami; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, James McDaniel and Richard McDaniel; and sisters, Jannis Stuckmayer and Sharon Freida. The family will receive friends from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, 2003 in Brenham Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Milton Maly officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Lampe, Joe Moore, Kyle Goodnight, Kenneth Greening, Wayne Freida and Duane Ehnot. Honorary pallbearers are Leonard Lee and Richard Lampe. Memorials may be given to Hospice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Alberta Mable
Funeral services for Alberta Mable, who died in a local hospital, will be held Friday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Washington. The Rev. Pedro Garcia will officiate with burial in the Washington Cemetery. A rosary will be recited Thursday evening at 5 at the Hogan Funeral Chapel. Survivors include several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hogan Funeral Home.

Ralph Burt Clarke
Ralph Burt Clarke, 89, of Brenham, died Feb. 16, 2003 in Canton, Ga. Dr. Clarke was born May 14, 1913 in Birmingham, Mich. to George Burt F. and Zella Viola Heany Clarke. He served his country during World War II (1941-1945) as a time study and methods analyst with the Murray Corporation of Detroit, Mich., which built the wings for B-17 and P-47 bomber planes. Before going to medical school, Dr. Clarke studied art and architecture. He was a gifted artist excelling in pen and ink drawings and watercolors. He was commissioned to do anatomical drawings for the University of Michigan Medical School. He had a number of his works published, including cartoon drawings. Dr. Clarke graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and earned his doctorate from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. On March 20, 1954, he married Carolyn Morton in Highland Park, Mich. Dr. Clarke was a retired family practice physician. He was a past member of AMA, life member of TOMA and member of Gold Medallion Club in recognition of 50 years of dedicated service to the osteopathic profession. He was a huge fan of the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets, rarely missing a game on television or radio. Dr. Clarke was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Clarke of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Salazar of Temple, Nanalee and Steve Wanha of Canton, Ga. and Gaila and Fred Peña of Brenham; 10 grandchildren, Jason and Jamie Robertson of Temple, LaTisha and Corey Salazar of Temple, Kyle Wanha and wife Stacie of Canton, Ga., Erin, Stephanie and Christopher Wanha of Canton, Ga., Sarah Peña of Dallas and Anthony Peña of Brenham; and several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Chad Irwin Robertson. Pallbearers will be Fred Peña, Steve Wanha, Kyle Wanha, Christopher Wanha, Jason Robertson and Jamie Robertson. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Burial will be in Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Lucille Peterson
Lucille Peterson, 95, of 406 Cottonwood St., Brenham, died Feb. 19, 2003, in Brenham Rest Home. Mrs. Peterson was born July 7, 1907 in Maxie, La. to Houston and Rosa Anna McClelland Stakes. She was number seven of 11 children and was raised on large rice farms. She walked or rode a horse-drawn buggy to school in Louisiana and attended nursing school in Texas City. She met and married her first husband and they had one son, John, who died in childhood. She then met and married Walter Geo Peterson and they had one daughter, Frances Gae, who was born on her father's birthday. Mr. Peterson died Dec. 4, 1952. All family members survived the Texas City disaster in 1947, when the Grand Camp ship exploded in dock. Mrs. Peterson worked at Danforth Hospital in Texas City as a medical nurse for many years. She retired and moved to Brenham in 1979. Mrs. Peterson attended Word of Life Church and Grace Community Fellowship a short time before becoming disabled. She loved being with family and friends and watching sports on TV. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Frances and James Carstarphen of Brenham; two grandsons, Donece McBride and wife Vera and John McBride and wife Laurie; one great-granddaughter, Leigh Linden and husband Barry Jr.; one great-great-granddaughter, Brinley Linden; and one sister and brother-in-law, Anna Lee and Jo Mathews of Mount Belview. Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; nine brothers and sisters; one son; and one grandson. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21 in Memorial Oaks Chapel with Mike Rod officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m., today in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Richard Ronald Balensiefer
Richard Ronald Balensiefer, 70, of Burton, died Dec. 12, 2002 at his residence. Mr. Balensiefer was born March 5, 1932 in Fowler, Ind. to Henry T. and Pearl M. Demiere Balensiefer. He was baptized March 11, 1934 in Sacred Heart Church in Fowler and was confirmed in the same church. Mr. Balensiefer was educated at Jefferson High School and served in the U.S. Army. On Nov. 23, 1983 he married Bobbie J. Hoffmaster Arnold. Mr. Balensiefer was a retired rancher. Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Balensiefer of Burton; sons, William "Hank" Balensiefer of Brenham and Richard A. "Rick" Balensiefer Newton and Jeffery "Jeff" Balensiefer Newton, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughters and son-in-law, Shelia Null of Tucson, Ariz., Pam Larsen of San Gabriel, Calif., Susan Tarr of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Angie Edwards of Mesa, Ariz.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Ann Balensiefer of Alta Loma, Calif., Wayne and Mary Ann Ballentine of Tucson, Ariz. and Larry Balensiefer of Tucson, Ariz.; and sisters, Vera "Vee" Phelps of Indiana, Theresa "Toots" Artbuckle of Indiana, Marie J. Vaughan of Tucson, Ariz. and Carol Bryant of Indiana; 20 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Truley Lynn Balensiefer; brother, Joseph F. Balensiefer; and sisters, Sister Roberta Balensiefer and Millie Cook. A graveside service in celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Pallbearers will be Jose Louis Jaramillo, Danny Castaneda, Rick Balensiefer Newton, Jeff Newton, Hank Balensiefer, Arron Moeller, Jake Schaper and Keith Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers will be Weldon Moeller, Ronnie Schaper, Jim Arnold, Billy Davis and Amado Escobar. In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorials may be given to Hospice Brazos Valley, 705 S. Austin St., Brenham, Texas 77833. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Edna Louise Wensel Becker
Edna Louise Wensel Becker, 90, of Brenham, died Dec. 12, 2002 in St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Mrs. Becker was born Oct. 15, 1912 in the New Wehdem community of Austin County, Texas to Otto and Bertha "Betty" Schroeder Wensel. She was baptized Dec. 15, 1912 in St. James Lutheran Church in New Wehdem and confirmed April 10, 1926 in St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Burton. On July 5, 1933 she married Walter Becker in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham. Mrs. Becker worked for Duke and Ayres, J.C. Penney for 27 years and Weiner's for 10 years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Ladies Circle. Her hobbies included cooking and baking and caring for every cat that showed up at her door. Survivors include her son, Donald "Bubba" Becker of Brenham; sister-in-law, Elsie Becker of Brenham; nephews and nieces, Gerald and Mary Wensel of San Antonio, Darlene and Larry Beauvais of Houston, Henry Jr. and Dorothy Becker of Galveston, Kenneth and Mary Lou Becker of Houston and James and Diane Becker of Houston. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Becker; brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Viola Wensel; brother-in-law, Henry Becker; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank and Norma Becker and Alfred and Alma Becker; and nephew, Lonnie Wensel Jr. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 in Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Matthew Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Pallbearers will be Nathan Kvinge, Brian Wensel, Henry Becker Jr., Kenneth Becker, James Becker, Walter Richter, Gerald Wensel and Chris Wensel. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Henry Boehm, Robert Murski, Calvin Janner, Arthur Kochwelp and her many friends, neighbors and associates. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham or a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.

Ivey L. Ham
Ivey L. Ham, 88, of Brenham, died Dec. 11, 2002 in Trinity Medical Center in Brenham. Mr. Ham was born Sept. 23, 1914 in Eagle Lake, Texas one of nine children of Slack Ivey and Ada Jackson Courtney Ham. He was baptized June 20, 1926 in First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake by Pastor Neal Ellis and confirmed May 21, 1961 in St. John Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill by Pastor Lewis Kramer. On Dec. 18, 1938 he was married to Edna Eickenhorst in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn by Pastor Carl Appel. Mr. Ham served in the CB's of the U.S. Navy from February 1942 to October 1945. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked for Shell Oil Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1964. The Hams moved from Pasadena to Brenham in 1959. Mr. Ham was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill, where he served on the council and was a member of the Brotherhood. He was a 50-year Master Mason in the Graham Lodge #20 of the Grand Lodge of Texas, past chairman of the Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department and quarter master of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7104. He was also a member of American Legion Wright Post #48. Mr. Ham was a member of Bluebonnet Beef Association, Washington County Beef Committee, Independent Cattleman's Association, Central Texas Shell Retirees, Mound Hill Shooting Club and T.C. Dance Club and was active in the Washington County Fair. He was active in ranching and Simmental cattle. Mr. Ham loved dances, playing cards and dominoes and being with people. Surviving Ivey are his wife, Edna Ham of Brenham; son, Reeves Ham of Brenham; daughter and son-in-law, Bernice and Bill Gaskamp of Brenham; six grandchildren, Peggie Gaskamp of Washington, D.C., Paige Hankins and husband Clay of Flower Mound, Robin Levatino and husband Steven of Austin, Reeves Ham Jr. and wife Sharon of Austin, Brent Gaskamp and wife Robyn of Austin and Michael Ham and wife Amy of Austin; five great-grandchildren, Sydney and Natalie Hankins and Claire, Samuel and Grace Levatino; brothers and sister-in-law, Ford and Mildred Ham of Elkart and Jack Ham of Beaumont; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cordie and Hubert Wallace of Pledger, Jessie and Robert Brezik of Clear Lake and Robbie Walden of Overton; and sister-in-law, Zera Ham of Jasper. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Milton Ham; sister and brother-in-law, Maudie and Marvin Graham; sister, Pearl Lee Ham; brother-in-law, Eddie Walden; and sister-in-law, Madeline Ham. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 in St. John Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill with Dr. Sue Beall officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews, Michael Ham, Brent Gaskamp, Reeves Ham Jr., Steven Levatino, Clay Hankins, Lester Wallace, Terry Walden and Ford E. Ham Jr. All Central Texas Shell Co. retirees will be considered honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.