Mazell Chesser Otto, passed away at her home is Choate, Texas, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the age of 63 years, 6 months and 3 days. Mazell was born on July 21, 1948, the daughter of Hubbard Smith Chesser and Rovilla Hooper Chesser.

Mazell is preceded in death by her parents and her one sister, Mary Elane Waltersdorff. She is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Arthur John Otto of Runge; her daughter, Jacqueline Rovilla Lewis Slayden and husband Randy Baker of Victoria; her sons, Hubbard Chesser Lewis and wife Emily Long of Victoria, Franklin Dwayne Lewis of  Victoria, Marcus Lane Lewis and wife Denise Lopez Lewis of Falls City and Christopher Keith Lewis and wife Linda Lewis of Karnes City; her three step-children, Deanna Hydner, Daren John Otto and Thaddeus Otto; her 2 sisters Linda Marie Hunger and Molly Skoruppa and husband Robert; 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

Mazell was “MeMaw” to her beautiful 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren as well as 6 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

Mazell was a supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was very proud of her family as they were of her…until they meet again.

Serving as pallbearers were her sons, Hubbard, Frank, Mark and Chris; her nephews Jay Dee Hunger and Marion Martin Skoruppa. Mazell always said her sisters were going to “carry” her; so along with her grandson, Laramie Lewis and daughter Jackie- they served as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was held from 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, January 2, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held on, Friday, January 27, 2012, beginning at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Mazell’s childhood home at 582 CR 148, Kenedy, Texas.

The family celebrated her life with family and friends at the Community Hall on Highway 239 in Choate, Texas after the interment. Mazell loved a party!!

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to, Scott and White Hospital; 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, Texas 76508.

Candelario Mendez, Jr., a lifelong resident of Karnes County, entered eternal rest at 1:34 A.M., on January 23, 2012 at the Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Texas at the age of 67.

Candelario was born to Candelario Mendez, Sr., and Francisca Reyes Mendez, on June 28, 1944 in Choate, Texas.

Candelario is survived by his son, Reynato Mendez of Kenedy; his daughters; Dalia Rodriguez and husband Antonio of Kenedy, Delia Beltran of Sweetwater and Adelita Solano of Sweetwater; his sisters Oralia Amaya, Martha DeLuna and Juanita Gonzales; his brother Raul Mendez; his companion, Guadalupe Escobedo; his 18 grandchildren and his 1 great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Mendez; and his wife, Petra Flores Mendez.

Visitation began, Wednesday, January 25, 2012, and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Reyes, Tavares Hines, Antonio Rodriguez, Martin Perez, Elliott Beltran and Juan Solano.

Bessie Gee Tenberg, 95, of Waco, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Regent Care Center.

Bess was born July 1, 1916, in Rogers, Texas, to Anderson Welcome Walker and Mattie Johnson Walker.  After graduating from Granger High School in 1933 she married the love of her life, Curtis Tenberg.  Together they had eight children and enjoyed life on their farm in Kenedy, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, son Curtis “Buddy” Tenberg, two daughters, Bobby Gayle Tenberg and June Tenberg.  She is survived by her son David Tenberg and wife Gaylen; daughters Darla Tenberg Bunch and husband Larry; Carol Tenberg Hopkins and husband Paul; Jewel Tenberg Kelly; Betty Tenberg McCain and husband Larry; and daughter-in-law,  Ann Tenberg.  She was the proud “Maw Maw” of 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services began at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 25,2012, in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Tenberg, David Tenberg, Jr., Larry McCain, John McCain, Cary Kelly, Aaron Kelly and Travis Tenberg.

Manuel “Hito” Martinez, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, at the age of 56 years, 3 months, 11 days.

“Hito” as he was affectionately called by those that knew him, was born on October 7, 1955, the son of Manuel Martinez, Jr., and Francisca Villarreal Martinez. Hito grew up in Kenedy and graduated from Kenedy High School.

Mr. Martinez is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Martinez; and his sisters, Mariana Cano and Guadalupe Martinez.

Hito is survived by his wife, Eloisa Ochoa Martinez; his daughter, Amy Martinez of Gonzales, TX.; his sons, Chris Pena and Jeon Martinez, both of Kenedy; his sisters, Magdalena Martinez, Matrina Wright and husband Larry, Maria Rosales and husband Elias, Matilda Martinez, Margarita Garcia and Mary Jane Martinez; his brothers, Martin Martinez and wife Esperanza, Elias Martinez and wife Nina, Domingo Martinez and Mark Martinez and wife Debra. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass began at 2:00 P.M., Saturday January 21, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Jose “Joe” M. Canales, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the age of 63. Joe was born on July 25, 1948 the son of Armando Canales, Sr. and Herminia “Minnie” Horton.

Mr. Canales proudly served his country in the United States Army during The Vietnam War and was a highly decorated Veteran.

He is survived by his mother; his sons, Joseph, Andrew and Brian Canales; his sister, Darleen DeDear Hartsfield; brothers, Armando Canales,  Jr., Dennis DeDear; and 4 grandchildren. Joe is proceeded in death by his father; and his son, James Canales.

Visitation began Monday, January 16, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Burial followed at the Runge Cemetery.

Gladys Irene Tenberg, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 83. She was born July 5, 1928, in Gillette to Arthur and Winnie Irene Riedel Radicke.

On January 13, 1956, Gladys married Willis “Bill” Artis Tenberg. She was a homemaker and was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by daughters, Jerry Radicke of Knippa, Texas, Jodi Angell of Edna, Texas and Jennifer Barkley of Knippa, Texas; her 2 sons, Tim Tenberg of Yoakum, Texas and Paul Tenberg of Hewitt, Texas; step-son, Bill Tenberg; her sister, Sybil Atkinson; and brother, Cecil Radicke. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 daughters, Irene Cooksey and Amy Tenberg; stepdaughter, Patricia Brand and her sons, Mark and Daniel Tenberg.

A memorial service began at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Eckols Chapel, with Rev. John Wheat officiating.

Paul W. Wernli, 68, of San Antonio formerly of Kenedy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. He was born Jan. 14, 1943, in Kenedy to Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
He is survived by his wife Joan Smith Wernli of San Antonio; his daughters, Kimberly Feltner and husband Bobby of San Antonio, and Jennifer Rosales and husband Javier of San Antonio; his son Paul Wernli Jr, and wife Laura of La Vernia; his grandchildren, Allyson, Robert and Lauren; and his sisters, Sharon Wernli and Karon Wernli both of San Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
Visitation was held 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Chapel. Funeral service was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy.
Memorials can be made to South Texas Christian Center; P.O. Box 740, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

PAWNEE – Antonio Gonzales, 75, of Pawnee, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 in San Antonio. He was born Jan. 13, 1936, in Pleasanton to the late Jose Fabian and Francisca Coronado Gonzales. He belonged to Primera Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in Pawnee, and was a retired farm rancher.
He is survived by daughter, Francis and husband Bernardino Morales of Pawnee; son, Rudy and wife Juana Gonzales of Pawnee; sisters, Andrea Martinez of Lubbuck and Lydia Salinas of Three Rivers; and 3 grandchildren, Yolanda Gonzales, Bernardino Morales Jr., and Jesseca Morales, all of San Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucia Velasquez Gonzales; 4 sisters; and 1 brother.
Prayer service was held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at Eckols Chapel. Funeral service will begin 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at Eckols Chapel, with Rev. Leonardo Cantu officiating. Burial will follow at De Ntra Sra De Guadalupe, Pawnee.
Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy 78119, 830-583-2533, P.O. Box 356.

Margaret Benke Esse, 85, died December 22, 2011 at her home in the Peggy Community in Atascosa County.  She was born April 30, 1926 to Albert and Laura Benke and was raised in the El Oso

Community in Karnes County.  She attended Cadillac School and graduated from Kenedy High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College.  She was a  bookkeeping teacher at Three Rivers High School for 25 years and was also the office manager, accountant and secretary for the Three Rivers Independent School District Superintendent. 

In 1947, she married Willie H. Esse, Jr. and they made their home in the Fashing/Peggy community.  He preceded her in death August 11, 2010.

Mrs. Esse was a member of the Fashing United Methodist Church and served in the choir, participated in many church programs and fundraisers, and served as church secretary/ treasurer for many years.  She was also a member of the Little Acorn Study Club, Fashing Cemetery Association, South Texas Cattlewomens, Live Oak County Retired Teachers and she enjoyed playing bridge.

Mrs. Esse was a devoted wife and mother and cherished her family.  The family wishes to acknowledge her devout love and support that she gave others throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, and one brother.  She is survived by her son, Dr. Ivan Lyn Esse and wife, Robin, and five nieces.

Services are under the direction of Eckols Funeral Home and will be conducted on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10:00am at the Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fashing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Nurses in Touch Hospice, 491 N. Sunset, Kenedy, TX 78119; Kenedy Public Library, 303 W. Main, Kenedy, TX 78119; or the Fashing United Methodist Church, 7272 FM 99, Campbellton, TX 78008.