Vernell Joyce Oehlke, 84, of Kenedy, TX passed away on July 18, 2021. She was born on May 23, 1937 in Goliad County, TX to the late William and Erna Volkmer. She married Ruben Paul Oehlke on December 30, 1955 in Schroeder,TX. Vernell stayed busy working in the home and upon Ruben’s passing she maintained the ranch and her cattle.

In addition to her husband Ruben, she is preceded in death by her parents: William and Erna Volkmer; brother: William Volkmer; In-Laws: Gus and Ella Oehlke; brothers-in-law: Darwin Oehlke, Alton Oehlke and sister–in-law: Laverda Oehlke.

She is survived by her daughters: Glenda Arnold (Jeffrey) of Sugarland, TX, and Shirley Bleidt (Barry) of Seguin, TX; son: Vernon Oehlke (Tammy) of La Grange,TX; grandchildren: Brooke Oehlke, Ryan Ermis (Leah), Cody Arnold, Justin Oehlke (Amber), Courtney Garrett (Van), Jackie Gilley (Tommy) and Brittany Bleidt; great grandchildren: Emma Bleidt, Carlie Pochron, Weston Oehlke, Caleb Gilley, Colton Oehlke; brother-in-law: Gaylon Oehlke (Kathy) and sisters-in-law: Barbara Volkmer and Sarah Oehlke.

Public visitation will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Randy Bruno officiating. Interment to follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Ryan Ermis, Cody Arnold,  Justin Oehlke, Tommy Gilley, Van Garrett, and Brad Volkmer.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice of South Texas.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 409 N. Wilbern St., Runge, TX 78151 or the Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave., Victoria, TX 77901.

ALL THOSE ATTENDING MUST WEAR THEIR MASKS INTO ECKOLS FUNERAL HOME AND INTO ECKOLS CHAPEL .

WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION.

Genovevo Buentello, of Kenedy, TX was born on January 31, 1931 in Runge, TX passed away on July 15, 2021 at the age of 90. Mr. Buentello is survived by cousins in Runge, TX and his family at the Kenedy Health and Rehabiliation Center.  His Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 10:00a.m.at the Kenedy Cemetery  led by his cousin, Priscilla Sanchez and her mother. Those that knew Genovevo are invited to attend. Memorials may be made to the Kenedy Cemetery Association.

Wesley Lee Doreck of Kenedy, Texas was born on July 25, 1939 in Choate, Texas to Walter Doreck and Alice Atkinson Doreck passed away on July 14, 2021 at the age of 81. Mr. Doreck was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Faye Stockton, brother: Ray Doreck, niece: Jo Ann Lieke, nephew: Troy Doreck. Survivors include his wife of 61 years who he married on June 25, 1960 : Katherine Marie Krueger Doreck of Kenedy, TX; daughters: Cheryl (Jeffrey) Fudge of Mineral, TX, Susan (David Miller) Doreck of Choate, TX and D’ Ann Doreck of San Antonio, TX; sons: William (JoAnn) Doreck of Choate, TX and Jesse (Kris) Doreck of Coy City, TX; 8 grandchildren: Darryl Fudge, Kristi Rodgers, Mandy Doreck, Morgan Rollins, Dylan Doreck, Kelsey Pullin, Hali Pawelek and Luke Doreck; 6 grandchildren: Retha Rodgers, Briley Fudge, Kooper Rollins, Kasen Rollins, Wyatt Collier, Braxton Pullin; sisters: LaVerne Simmons, of Kenedy, TX, Ida Ruth O’Niell of Ingleside, TX and Bea Ramsey of Cotulla, TX; brother: Joe B. Doreck of Mineral, TX;   numerous nieces nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 17 , 2021 from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 Noon with Funeral Services beginning promptly at 12:00 Noon at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Pax Traxler  officiating. Interment to follow in Choate Cemetery, Choate, TX. Pallbearers: Dylan Doreck, Luke Doreck, Craig Doreck, Darryl Fudge, Zack Pawelek, Derek Pullin, Thomas Kalinowski, Matthew Rollins. Honorary Pallbearers: Kooper Rollins, Kasen Rollins, Wyatt Collier, Braxton Pullin, Ryan Rodgers, Wayne Stockton, Leslie Doreck and Clint Collier. Memorials may be made to the Choate Cemetery Association, c/0 David Morgan, 181 PVT RD 8200, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Maria Alaniz Salinas, of Kenedy, Texas was born on March 9, 1933 in Karnes County, Texas to Rosa Garza Alaniz and Cecilio Alaniz passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at the age of 88 surrounded by family.

Mrs. Salinas was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She married Benito P. Salinas on July 5, 1950.

Mrs. Salinas was preceded in death by her husband: Benito (1997); her daughter: Rachel Salinas; son: Bennie Salinas; daughter: Maria Cecelia Salinas; sisters: Manuela Botello and Virgina Ponce and brother: Joe Alaniz Sr.

She is survived by her daughters and sons: Cynthia (Jimmy) Solis Jr. of Kenedy, TX; Baldomero “Bo” Salinas of Kenedy, TX;  Clara Rosa “Katy” Salinas and husband Felix Barrera of Falfurrias, TX and Robert Salinas; sister: Sylvia Ortiz of Lubbock, TX;  19 Grandchildren; 29 Great grandchildren; 7 Great Great Grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Rosary to be recited on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 9:30a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Pallbearers: Daren Cruz, Nathan Cantu, Sean Sutton, Bodie Salinas Jr. Colton Salinas, Michael Salinas, Dillon Cruz and Larry Villarreal.

Christopher Lee Martinez, Age 50 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in San Antonio, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Christopher was born on January 19, 1971 in Karnes City, TX to Domingo Martinez, Jr. and Lydia Garza Cruz.  He was a cook for Barth’s Restaurant, a loving father, grandfather, son, uncle, friend to many and a member of Calvary Family Praise Church.

Christopher is survived by his parents, Lydia & Ernest Cruz of Kenedy and Domingo Martinez, Jr. of Pearsall; sons, Christopher Martinez, Jr. of San Antonio, Jared Martinez of Kenedy, Patrick Martinez of West, TX; sisters, Samantha Moczygemba of Seguin, Nicole Rene Garcia of San Antonio, Dominique Martinez of Pearsall; brothers, Calistro “Kelly” Ray Martinez of Seguin, Justin Martinez of San Antonio, T.J. Gonzales of Corpus Christi, 1 granddaughter and a host of family and friends.

Family Visitation will be held Monday, June 28, 2021 from 6PM to 8PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Loving husband, great father, and wonderful PaPa, Joe Mauch, Jr. of Kenedy, TX went home to The Lord on June 19, 2021 at the age of 85.   Born in Taft, TX on August 25, 1935 to Joe and Anna Schilling Mauch, there was always a little rebel spirit in Joe.  While he graduated from Taft High School in 1953, he also attended school in Gregory and Fashing.   In October 1966, he went on a blind date with Peggy Ferguson who was residing in Sinton at the time.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  When you know you’ve met the love of your life, you know, and after a brief engagement, they were married March 11, 1967 at the First Presbyterian Church in Taft.  They shared 54 years of marriage with a whole lot of love, support, communication, and patience.  They both were the best thing for each other.  Together, they raised three daughters, and the values of honesty, hard work, and keeping a strong moral compass was how he lived his life and raised his family.  Throughout the years, Joe proudly attended many sporting events to watch and support his girls and granddaughters play basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer.  And then there were dance recitals, band competitions, gymnastics, and cheerleading in between as well.  Joe loved it all, always supporting his girls in whatever they were doing.  Hard work was no stranger to Joe.  Having farmed and ranched his whole life, he saw the early morning sunrise and late evening sunset on many a day.  He loved being outdoors, his cattle, hunting and fishing.  Joe and Peggy lived in Fashing after getting married and bought their home place in Kenedy in 1972.  Together, with many blood, sweat and tears, they made it their home.  Never one to sit still for very long, he was always finding something to do outside and Peggy was always close, whether it be building fence or working cattle.  Joe’s spiritual walk with God was very important to him, and he was always so thankful for the Lord’s blessings.  Having attended and being confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Sinton growing up, he joined the Methodist Church in Kenedy in 1969.  During this time, he was an active member serving in a variety of capacities including youth leader and Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Building Committee when the Methodist Youth Building was built.  He was later a member at Community Bible Church and then Pawnee Methodist Church, always serving in leadership roles.  Joe was also an Associate Member of The Church at Horseshoe Bay. Besides farming and ranching, Joe also worked in the oil and gas pipeline business as a Right of Way agent and drilling superintendent starting in 1968.  He took early retirement in 1994 while working for Mitchell Energy as the Manager of the Right of Way Department in the Bryan-College Station area.   Not quite ready to be just be a full time rancher, he went to work for Carroll Lake and Associates for 10 years as a Petroleum Landman.  After this, he was finally ready to retire; however, having land and cattle means you’re never really retired.  Joe and Peggy always enjoyed time with their daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters whether it be at the ranch, their place in Horseshoe Bay, family vacations, UT football games, or anywhere in between.  Besides his love for Tabasco, his friends were also very important to him, and he was loved by many.  Always a fighter, Joe overcame several serious health conditions through the years and was in ongoing cancer treatment for the past five years.  He was tired and ready to see His Lord.  After being in the hospital in San Antonio for 10 days, with Peggy by his side every day and night, he felt at peace and ready for his eternal home once he was back in Kenedy.  The reception following the service will be held at the St. Mathews HOPE Hall, formerly known as the Methodist Youth Building.  Very fitting for a gathering in Joe’s honor to be at a place he was so proud to have helped build for the community.  Joe is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughters, Kerri (Joey) Kirby of Bastrop, Kimmi (Craig) Cantwell of Kenedy, Kristi (Jason) Shryock of Bryan, and Debra (Rick) Vasquez of Kenedy, granddaughters Jordan Kirby, Meagan Kirby, Kayla Cantwell, Kyla Cantwell, Kelsea Cantwell and Eastyn Shryock, sister Dorthy Foushee, brother Jimmy (Connie) Mauch, nieces, nephew and numerous cousins.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Mauch, Sr. and Anna Mauch, sister Marlene Mauch Varvares, brothers-in-law Tony Varveres and Fred Foushee, granddaughter Kendra Grace Cantwell and grandson Jett Shryock.   If you knew Joe, you know the below motto is a testament to his life:   Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, Praising God, thanking Him for all His blessings, with chocolate in one hand, great memories in the other, and a body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and saying “Wow, what a ride… Thank you God!”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services on Wednesday, june 23, 2021 at Eckols Chapel with Pastor Larry Mayo officiating. Interment to follow in the Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Larry Mixon,  Marvin Crutchfield, Kirk Mixon, Mark Mixon, Bradley Taylor, John Foster and Joe Foster. Honorary Pallbearers: Billy Welkener,  Gordon Benham, Elton Lieke and Jackie Arnold.

Everett L. “Bill” Baccus, formerly of Kenedy, TX was  born on June 15,1924 to the late Jim and Annie (Newberry)Baccus passed away on December 9, 2020 at the age of 96.  He was born in a tent in Knox County on the Busby family farm during the cotton harvest. In 1932, the family settled in Kenedy, TX where he lived until ww2. He had to wait until he turned 18 to enlist, which he did in Houston, TX on August 24, 1942. He was one of the original crew of the USS Pursuit AM108, which he served on until the end of his service.

He married Mary Atherton on March 2, 1947 and they settled in Corpus Christi,TX where he was working at carpentry through the Carpenter’s Union, until he obtained a sheet metal apprenticeship for the Navy Overhaul and Repair Unit on NAS Corpus Christi. When that facility closed in 1959, he found work at Mooney Aircraft, and moved the family to Kerrville, TX. In 1962, the Army opened an aircraft repair facility at NAS Corpus, so he retuned to work there as a journeyman metal smith. He retired on May 1, 1988, as an Inspector in Quality Control.

Bill and Mary enjoyed traveling and birdwatching throughout the US (the only state he and she did not visit were Main and Vermont). While their eldest daughter was living and working in Europe,  they visited and traveled in Europe. In Germany,they cruised the Rhine River and hiked in the Alps. In Great Britian, they searched for the Loch Ness Monster and explored castles. Bill’s dearest trip was the visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in 2010. He distinctly remembered the placement of every destroyed vessel in the aftermath of the bombing. They also enjoyed their three grown daughters and their husbands, and celebrating the growth and achievements of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by two brothers: Jimmy Baccus and W. F. Baccus and their wives; his late wife’s sister: Louella Syring of Kenedy; his three daughters: Barbara Lou Voss, Rebecca Sue Pullum and Pamela Dru Mote, their husbands; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

A Graveside service was held on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Kenedy Cemetery with Rev. Danielle Knapp of The Kenedy/Karnes City United Methodist officiating. Family and friends participated in celebrating his life and U. S. Navy Honors were rendered. Flag was presented to his oldest daughter, Barbara. Congregational music included the songs: “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Amazing Grace”. His urn was placed for burial with his wife Mary.

Milda Schulenburg, of Kenedy, Texas was born on July 15, 1923 in Karnes City, Texas to Herman Dojahn and Annie Retzloff Dojahn passed away in Beeville, TX on June 17, 2021 at the age of 97 surrounded by family. Milda was a member of Choate Baptist Church.

Milda is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edgar; her son-in-law: Sammy Hill; sisters: Clara Katzer and Eleanora Hackbarth; and brother: George Dojahn.

She is survived by her daughters: Lucille Lehmann (Dan) of San Marcos, TX, Jo Ann Sedgwick (Bill) of San Diego, CA, Dorothy Hill of Austin, TX, Bonnie Rogers (Thomas) of Choate, TX, Shirley Herod (Gery) of  Tuleta, TX, Joyce Schulenburg of Tuleta, TX and Suzanne Brown (Bradley) of Karnes City, TX. She is also survived by 9 Grandchildren; 4 geat grandchildren; sister: Wilma Kutz of Marion, TX; brothers: Melvin Dojahn of Marion,TX and William (Julie) Dojahn of Angleton, TX; and a host of devoted nieces and nephews and friends.

Milda was well known for her love of baking bread and cinnamon rolls. She lovingly donated her baked goods to various church and community events. She was also an excellent seamstress making her daughters dresses and enjoyed crocheting, gardening and dominoes. She was a courteous and kind person, a caring and nurturing mother and was a devoted wife to her husband Edgar for nearly 55 years who passed away 20 years ago.

Milda’s Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 24th, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 25th, at 10:30a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Aaron Corporon officiating. Interment to follow in Choate Cemetery. Reception at the Choate Baptist Church Fellowship Center.

May our hearts go out to the family as Milda’s son-in-law: Sammy Hill, passed one day before her. May God be with Milda’s daughter Dorothy and family at this difficult time.

Pallbearers: Bill Sedgwick, Thomas Rogers, Bradley Brown, Jimmy Herod, Aric Lehmann, Kirk Rogers, Braden Brown, Kash Brown. Honorary Pallbearers: Dan Lehmann, Sammy Hill, Gery Herod, Stephanie, Ray and Grant Winstead, Lisa Hill and Taylor Franklin, Kara Rogers, Donna and Amanda Herod, Kristy, Randy and Josh Denwood. Memorials may be made to the Choate Baptist Church Cemetery Trust.  Attn: David Morgan, 181 PVT RD 8200, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Mary Helen Garcia, of Kenedy, Texas was born on August 9, 1946 in Kenedy, Texas to Domingo Trevino and Eloisa Padron Trevino passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in Seguin, Texas at the age of 74. Mrs. Garcia loved her family , her coca cola, to have her nails polished, proud of her grandkids, brothers and sister and was always very supportive. She enjoyed walking and was known by everyone. She was also known for her white PT cruiser that she drove around in. She was a baby sitter for a local doctor and families in Kenedy for ten years.  She had a big heart and never ever left her home undone. She is survived by her husband: Roberto Garcia of Kenedy,TX; her daughters: Patricia Labrutta, Mary Helen Garcia and Grace (Conrad) Solis, all of San Antonio,TX; her grandchildren: Bradleey Labrutta, Brittany Labrutta, Jeffrey Lanpher and Emily Salazar; her sister: Clara Soliz; brothers: Domingo Tevino Jr., Gilbert Trevino, Abel Trevino and Robert Trevino and Roy Trevino; daughters-in-law: Peggy Trevino, Debbie, Trevino, Gloria Trevino, and Mary Ann Trevino; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Armando Trevino Sr. and her parents.  A Rosary and Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 6:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Brittany Labrutta, family member to speak. Inurnment to take place at a later date.

Joyce Elaine Fransen, age 80 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away in her home on Thursday May 27, 2021. Joyce was born on September 28, 1940 to Edwin and Agnes Haner in Lenz, Texas.  She attended school in Karnes City and graduated from Karnes City High School in 1958 and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Joyce married her sweetheart, John H. Fransen on June 20, 1959 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kenedy and would have celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary later this month. They lived in California and Washington while John was in the Army. After returning to Texas, Joyce joined her husband in his farming and  ranching operation and raising their children. They also owned and operated U-Phill Drive In in Kenedy. Joyce enjoyed all the people she met while in business and continued to work as a merchandiser for area grocery stores. Joyce loved music, especially country and polka music. Wurstfest in New Braunfels was a yearly trip as long as health permitted Also watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys no matter if they won or lost.  She loved playing dominos, and board games. She only wanted the best for you.  She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed.  Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-laws, Ruth J. Jones, Freda Grisham, Ann Fransen, brother-in-law Eric Fransen. She is survived by her husband John Fransen, daughter Sharon (Gary) Wegner of Kenedy, sons Kevin Fransen of Kenedy and Keith (LeeAnn) Fransen of Karnes City, Grandson Jonathan (Becky) Fransen of Kenedy, sister-in-law Linda Fransen of Sweden.  Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank Texas Home Health Hospice Nurses/Staff for their care and support given to our mother and family. Also, to Dr. Dan Dugi, Dr. Joel Saldana, Dr. Nancy Burt and the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital/Staff for the years of care they provided. Our family is eternally grateful to our mother’s caregivers, Grace Martinez, Hope Longoria, Mary Lou Martinez and Sandy Salinas for their support and love.  Visitation will be on Tuesday June 1^st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. The Funeral service will be Wednesday June 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at New Breman Cemetery in Lenz, Texas.

Serving as Pallbearers are Kevin Fransen, Keith Fransen, Jonathan Fransen, Eric Fransen, Jr., Kirby Fransen, Dustin Lambden, Henry Janssen, and Gary Wegner.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy or to the organization of their choice.