Bridgett Bea Gonzales

Bridgett Bea Gonzales, Age 51,  passed away on February 17, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Bridgett was born on October 23, 1971 in Karnes City, TX to the Robert Diaz Gonzales and Beatrice Soliz Villafranca. She graduated high school from Kenedy, TX where she grew up and completed her undergraduate Degree from Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, TX.  Bridgett was an adventurous soul who loved to travel and make memories with friends and family. Some of her favorite pastimes included attending concerts from country artist such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark and so many more. She loved to attend various rodeos such as the San Antonio, Houston, and even the National Rodeo finals in Las Vegas. 

Bridgett is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Diaz Gonzales and Beatrice Soliz Villafranca; grandparents, Tomasa Diaz, Eugenio Gonzales, Beatrice Soliz and Eusebio Soliz.

Bridgett is survived by her brother Robert Gonzales; nephews Robert Gonzales III and Justin Gonzales; sister Roseann Villafranca; Step-father Raul Villafranca  and many dear family members and friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Robert Ploch. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. In honor of her love of horses, country music, and rodeos western attire is appropriate for Saturday’s funeral.

Serving as Pallbearers: Robert Gonzales III, George Soliz, Mike R Casarez Sr., Michael Waymire, Ruben Martinez, Rudy DeLaCruz, and Randy

Bridgett Beatrice Gonzales

Services for Bridgett Beatrice Gonzales

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Robert Ploch. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.

A full and complete obit will be posted shortly.

Manuel Nunez, Jr.

Manuel Nunez, Jr., Age 72 of Nordheim, TX passed away on February 21, 2023 in Victoria, TX.  Manuel was born on May 10, 1950 in Kenedy, TX to the late Manuel, Sr. and Olivia Farias Nunez.  Manuel married Adelia Garcia Nunez on Oct. 20, 1970 in Nordheim, was a loader operator for Brannon Paving Company before retirement to enjoy his grandchildren and living life to his fullest and was of the Catholic Faith.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel, Sr. and Olivia Farias Nunez; sisters, Flora Segura, Susana Salinas, and Rosa Salinas.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife Adelia Garcia Nunez of Nordheim; children, Cynthia Perez and husband Andrew of Victoria; son, Johnny Nunez of Nordheim; sisters, Maria Nunez of Kenedy, Manuela Herrera of Runge; brother, Joe Nunez of Kenedy; grandchildren Isaac Perez and Jason Perez of Victoria and many dear family members and friends.

A Holy Rosary will recited Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated March 1, 2023 at 10:00 A.M at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Isaac Perez, Jason Perez, Danny Segura, Oscar Segura, Jr., Michael Byler, and Mario Rodriguez.

Erna Hilda Boerm Borgfeld

Erna Hilda Boerm Borgfeld went to heaven on February 15, 2023. She was born April 25, 1926 in the country, near Nordheim, Texas. She went to school through the third grade in a local country school, following which she stayed home to help her mother and grandfather on the farm.  She married her best friend, Alton Borgfeld on August 1, 1944 prior to his leaving for World War II military service.  They lived on Erna’s mother farm between Nordheim and Runge.   In 1964, they moved to Karnes County to their own farm, raising chickens, cows, pigs and sheep.   She was an awesome cook and seamstress.  She loved to crochet and sew, often making many gifts for family and friends.  She was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran church.  Erna has missed Alton terribly since his death in 2017, ending 73 years of marriage.  In 2018, due to health issues, Erna moved to Round Rock, Texas, to be near her only son, Curt and his family.

Erna was the last surviving member of her family.  She is predeceased by her husband Alton; her grandson, Kyle Borgfeld; her parents and her 6 siblings.  She is survived by her son, Curt Borgfeld, his wife, Lynette; her grandchildren Sawyer Borgfeld, Kelly Borgfeld Woods (spouse Ryan Woods), and Kevin Borgfeld. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and their families.

Many thanks to the people that have helped care for Erna, during these last few years, including Mary Patrick, an independent caregiver.  Also thanks to the Round Rock Brookdale staff and caregivers, as well as, St. David’s hospice nurses, caregivers, musical therapy, and chaplain services.

Visitation will be on February 26th of 2023, from 2 pm. until 5 pm.  Funeral services to held at 2 pm on February 27th of 2023.  All services will be at Echols Funeral Home, 420 West Liveoak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119.  Interment will follow in the Nordheim Cemetery, Nordheim, TX.

Memorials can be given to the Nordheim Cemetery or to charities of your choosing.

Emma Martina Walleck

Emma Martina Walleck, age 85

Emma Martina Walleck, 85 of Nell, TX, died February 20, 2023, at her home.  She was born October 7, 1937, in Fashing, TX to Emma (Buegeler) and Martin Lieke

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Walleck, parents, Emma and Martin Lieke, grandson, Latham Walleck.

She is survived by her children, Freddie Walleck (Karen), Saint Hedwig, TX, Cathy Pawelek (Buster), Jourdanton, TX her grandchildren, Garrett Pawelek and Clayton Walleck, her brothers, Elton Lieke (Saundra), Ronnie Lieke and sister, Irene Lieke as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Martina enjoyed all things social, playing cards and dominos regularly with her friends and she enjoyed her cows.

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 6PM- 8PM at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX. 

The Funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, TX.

Ismael Ortiz Serenil

Ismael Ortiz Serenil, born on April 9, 1949, went to be with our Lord on February 19, 2023, at the age or 73. He is preceded in death by his Parents: Isabel & Brigida Ortiz Serenil; Brothers: Jesus, Abel, and Israel Serenil; Sister: Irma Martinez and Son: Christopher Serenil. He is survived by his children Jacqueline and Melissa, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 5 Sisters and 3 brothers as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   Ismael served in the U.S. Army as an Army Specialist (E-4). He was stationed in Germany and received an Honorable Discharge in 1971.  The Committal service will be held on March 1st at 1:45 PM at National Cemetery in Houston, Tx.

Joslyn Marlaney Gomes-Lira

Joslyn Marlaney Gomes-Lira, Age 11 of Seguin, TX formerly of Kenedy, TX passed away on February 7, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Joslyn was born on August 1, 2011 in San Antonio, TX to Hernan Gomez and Susie Lira.  She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and of the Catholic faith.

She is survived by her parents Hernan Gomez and Susie Lira of Seguin, TX, sisters, Caylynn DeLosSantos of Karnes City, TX, Catalina Salas of Kenedy, TX; brothers, Alex Lira and wife Andrea of Seguin, TX, Jairo Gomez of Honduras, Jeffrey Gomes of Seguin, TX and numerous loving family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 from 2PM to 6PM with a Holy Rosary to be Recited at 6PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel located at 420 W.  Live Oak St. in Kenedy, TX.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM with viewing beginning at 9AM to 10:30AM located at St. James Catholic Church 510 Camp St., Seguin, TX 78155. Interment will follow in the Santo Tomas Cemetery in Seguin, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Chris Garcia, Raymond Garcia, III, Elias Garcia, Rudy Garcia, Jr., Ismael Garcia, Donald Garcia and Roman Garcia Cortez.

Anita L. Hinojosa

Anita L. Hinojosa, Age 96 of Kenedy, TX passed away February 16, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Anita was born on July 17, 1926 in San Antonio to the late Santiago and Emilia Ortiz Lira.  She married Reynaldo Benitez Hinojosa on 1952 and worked for Karnes County Step Program, the Cotton Compress in Kenedy babysat many of children in the community of Kenedy including her own grandchildren, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death her husband, Reynaldo Benitez Hinojosa; her parents, Santiago and Emilia Ortiz Lira; a daughter, Shirley Hinojosa; a grandson, Ray Dean Hinojosa 6 sisters and 1 brother.

She is survived by her sons, Eddie Hinojosa and Ray Hinojosa of Kenedy; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren and many dear family and friends.

Family Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A Holy Rosary will be recited at 11:30 P.M. with Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be her grandson and nephews.

Samuel Robert(Bob) Homeyer

Samuel Robert(Bob) Homeyer , born February 10, 1931, passed away peacefully in his sleep February  14, 2023 inKenedy.  Bob’s  parents W.T. (Bill) Homeyer and Annie Paralee (Cowan) Homeyer  preceded him to Heaven as did his sister Lora(Arthur) Madsen, brothers Jim (Sue)Homeyer, Dan (Fay)Homeyer, Joe (Mary)Homeyer, John Franklin Homeyer, and son in law Ben Alexander.

 He is survived by his wife of 72 years Ruth Jeannette (Bucek) Homeyer, son Robert A (Joyce) Homeyer (,  daughter Robbin Alexander, grandchildren Matt (Kelley) Homeyer ,Amy Alexander (Robert Seal, Mallory Homeyer (Blake)Herridge , Gina Alexander (Jim) Sugarek , Ben Ross(Genna) Alexander  and seven great grandchildren who lit up his face at the mention of their names: Kayce Jo Mayes, Hunter Mayes, Brooks Homeyer, Samantha Sugarek, Addison Homeyer, Decker Seal, Maxton Herridge and Meryl Herridge.

Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy all of his life.  He served as a deacon most of his adult life.  He and Eddie Ruhmann avoided actually attending  Sunday School by being greeters and ringing the dismissal bell.  Bob’s family teased him about the large number of “Sunday School Superintendents’ whose various responsibilities were somewhat of a mystery.

  It was at church Training Union (you might have to be a Baptist to know that term) where he and Ruth started their courtship.  Bob told the family that suddenly at a meeting one night, he looked up and “there was Ruth…” and the rest is history.  Bob and Ruth ‘double dated’ with his brother Joe and her brother Alan because Joe owned a car.  Alan would say later that one night  Joe and Bob were picking him up to go to a game… and here came Ruth out of the house, too.  

Bob and Ruth both  attended Kenedy High School and he was a Fighting Kenedy Lion.  One of his first games as a Lion he was able to play with his three older brothers.  

Shortly after he and Ruth married (December 2, 1950) Bob accepted the call of the government and served his country as a Marine in Japan. His children learned the Marine Corps Hymn right along with church hymns.  

It turned out that Bob was in Japan when his first child, Robbin, was born.  It very likely was the last major event he missed that she or Bobby was involved in. Bob would attend many Kenedy sports events over his life time. Of course, he played sports for Kenedy, but his children and grandchildren also wore the maroon and white in every sport…and he and Ruth rarely missed a game.  Fortunately, they were also able to attend many of the great grands’ sports events either in person or via video.

Bob was honored by the Lions recently by being asked to speak at a pep rally.  Bob enjoyed the opportunity to support and ‘advise’ the young men.

Bob chose to stay at the station rather than take other occupations so he could be his own boss and run things the way he felt he should.  He never missed an event that involved his family; he took his family to visit his parents weekly, he remained close to his siblings and their families.  He made certain his children were surrounded with Christian friends and family members.  Family birthdays and holidays  always meant plenty of food, singing hymns around an upright piano or sitting outside under the stars visiting.  Often these gatherings were at Bob’s parents, but many times everyone crowded into his home on Elm street.  No one realized at the time that it was small… it was always large enough for the whole crew. Life was good.

Bob and Ruth always welcomed their children’s friends. He was  a favorite of the neighborhood because when he got home just before dark after standing on the hot cement all day, the  kids would be waiting with a football for him to throw over and over until it got too dark to see.    Bobby and Robbin’s friends  often piled into the small living room to watch tv or just visit (it helped that Ruth might dash off a batch of cookies.)  Giggling and laughter are still melted into the walls.

Bob never put his children into a box. For example, his daughter wanted to hunt, so he taught her to shoot right along with Bobby.    She wanted to play baseball with the boys, that was fine; he taught her to bat and to pitch (she was a pretty good pitcher.)  She loved sports; he put up a basketball goal in the back yard where she and Bobby ruined all the grass by playing hours on hours.   He and Ruth never thought she wanted to be a boy ( even though she repeatedly tried to kiss her elbow at one point because she had heard that would turn you into a boy) ; they just accepted her.  She is so thankful they didn’t tell her she must be identifying herself as a boy because she would have missed out on her real life.  He was a father who discussed football stances with Bobby after a game, who never talked badly about the coaches,  who never gave a curfew, but indicated he knew you knew what time you should be in… and we did. He was a good father.

Bob became Pawpaw in 1980.  He hung tire swings, barbecued hamburgers, developed games that didn’t require him to move, picked kids up, dropped kids off, swam in pools, the ocean and the Frio, counted dogs on numerous car rides, was a human jungle gym on the living room floor, gave orders of “tacos and tea” to little waitresses, baited fishing poles at the coast and at the farm, held sleepovers, built forts, watched “Saved by the Bell,” knew all the words to the songs from “Jungle Book” and almost never missed a sporting event, cattle show, dance recital or band concert.  He was the grandfather that everyone dreams about.  He made EVERYTHING fun and his grandchildren never questioned his unconditional love.

In 2002, he became a great grandfather and continued all the traditions and fun with a new generation.  Although sometimes the games were a little slower, he still made every dinner, every Holiday, every random weeknight a time of fun and love. 

Considering Bob’s life, not just his words, but the way he lived, it is evident that he set a path and followed it as well as he could.  He took the words of the Bible seriously.  He studied God’s word by attending church and listening and filling his life with those precepts. He acted on the words of Jesus, not just rattled them off.  His work managing a service station he approached as we all should… with  a whistle and the teachings of Jesus to guide him. He, without even realizing it, witnessed daily with his attitude, fairness and reputation.  Ruth told us that even when he had worked all night, he would come home, clean up and go with his family to church. He didn’t consider being tired an excuse not to gather with God’s people. He didn’t worry about hypocrites or back stabbers as an excuse not to go, he went because Jesus said to. And he took his family.   Ruth inspired him all along the way.   He often said  he thought he never was a witness because he didn’t go to the Thursday night visitations, but the life he led was a witness, certainly to his children, grandchildren and great grands.

     Guillen Berret , a disease which attacks the nerves,  went undiagnosed long enough to totally debilitate him: he couldn’t even hold his torso stable, let alone walk or raise his arms or hold a fork.  He couldn’t speak and developed heart failure before a neurologist treated him for the disease.  It was almost too late; in fact, the treatment was slow taking effect and Bob was sent home from Methodist Hospital on hospice.  He also had a 13 inch , to the bone, bed sore.    God used the  care givers and nurses at John Paul II quite literally to bring him back to life.   it was a long grueling haul with lots of tough times in the nursing home, ot the least of which was overcoming the depression of having to be there, alone.    But with prayer and faith Bob chose one day to accept that he could still be of service by thinking of funny things to tell the care givers.  He said he decided to make their lives a little more interesting.  He began to serve right there in the nursing home.  When Ruth would visit every day, they both enjoyed visiting with the care givers .  COVID  was another attack on his faith, having to face not being able to hear Ruth or his family talk because of his hearing loss and the fact that they had to visit him through the closed window.  But Ruth came every day and sat outside the window with a dry erase board and marker.  Birthdays and holidays were celebrated with him inside waving and his family outside writing messages.  Tough times.  It would have been easy to be angry at God, but one day at a time, praying and praying… and he came through it.  Ruth finally joined him in the home after many months.  They rejoiced that God had brought them back together.

Bob told his children that their happiness was up to them, not to depend on people to make you happy, depend on Jesus and choose joy.  He warned not to sway with what ever is popular thought or whatever will get attention to you; stand on the Bible and its scripture.

    Considering his life as a whole… depending on Jesus works.

The world is better because this man has lived. Be changed by his life.  We are comforted that when he closed his eyes for the last time on Earth, his next sight was of the Lord in Heaven.  We can almost hear the Lord say, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant.”

Family Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. with Services to begin at 1:30 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Matt Homeyer officiating. Interment will follow in the Karnes County Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Ben Ross Alexander, Robert Seal, Blake Herridge, Jim Sugarek, Bil Homeyer, Lee Homeyer, Jim Homeyer and Ty Homeyer.

Memorials may be made to John Paul II Nursing Home, 209 S. 3rd Street, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Ross Alan Keister

Ross Alan Keister, Age 52 of Kenedy, TX passed away on February 6, 2023 in Karnes City, TX.  Ross was born on June 13, 1970 in Kenedy, TX to Dale Keister and the late Beryl Ann Chace Keister.  Ross was a proud graduate of Kenedy High School Class of 1988, was a member of the First Baptist in Kenedy, Tx, was also a  member of the Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward WI, volunteered as a Host Team leader and Vacation Bible school teacher at Hayward Wesleyan Church, served proudly as equipment manager for  K.I.S.D football, basketball, and baseball programs,  was a member of Sawyer Historical Society and volunteered as a docent, also a 19 year member of Hayward Wisconsin freshwater fishing hall of fame hold serving world records and loved to fish and hike in Texas and Wisconsin.

Ross is preceded in death by his mother Beryl Ann Chace Keister.

Ross is survived by his father Dale Alan Keister of Kenedy and many dear family and friends in Kenedy, TX and Hayward, WI.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Hayward County Historical Society P.O. Box 384, Hayward, Wisconsin 5484 or the Hayward Wesleyan Church P.O. Box 507, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843.