Patricia Ann Ahrens Kanak passed away, Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 2:32 A.M., in Victoria, Texas at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 28 days. She was born, January 31, 1939, in Alice, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Herminia (Minnie) Haisher Ahrens.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Kanak of Victoria, Texas; her sons, Roger Herschap and wife Donna of Pleasanton, Texas and Gary Kanak and wife Stacey of Sandia, Texas. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Jessica and Hayley Herschap and Logan Kanak; her sister, Marie Lowry of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed dancing, playing dominoes, being with her family and her many friends.

Visitation was held, Monday, April 1, 2013, from 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 Noon, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services began at 2:00 P.M., Monday, in the Eckols Chapel with Rev. Wally Schievelbein officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The Alexander Memorial Library; 201 Center Street, Cotulla, TX 78014.

Donald “Don” William Wallace, of Kenedy, Texas, died, Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 74 years, 10 months and 26 days.

Don was born, April 18, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, the only child of William F. Wallace and Evelyn Lee Schott Wallace. As a child, Don grew up in South America and attended numerous boarding schools around the United States. He graduated high school and attended Ole’ Miss University where he obtained an engineering degree in mining. After graduating college, Don joined the United States Navy; there he spent four years and worked as a navigator. After a very rewarding career in the US Navy, Don began to put his college degree to use and started work as an International Oil Consultant. On January 28, 1960, Don married Lynne Higinbotham in Memphis, Tennessee.

Don and Lynne traveled the world together and spent countless hours on planes and in distant lands. Don’s job took him too many different places, sometimes Lynne went along for the ride and others she stayed home. Don worked in places such as, Mexico, China, Argentina, California, Brazil, Scotland, Florida, Venezuela, and Peru.  The two of them shared a love like no other. They enjoyed their many visits to different countries, but always knew that Texas was home. When he wasn’t working, one of Don’s biggest joys came from spoiling his grandchildren and simply petting his dogs.

In 2001 Don was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, the doctors gave him two months to live; Don did not accept this death sentence and together with the love and support of his beautiful wife, Lynne they fought the fight and proved that miracles really do happen. Over the next few years, Don would have fought the cancer on and off; it came back two more times and two more times again Don fought and won with Lynne by his side every step of the way. Lynne preceded Don in death just shy of two months prior to his death, January 20, 2013.

Don is survived by his daughter, Dixie Remy and husband Jackie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his son, William “Bill” Wallace and wife Tanya of Muldoon, Texas; his grandchildren whom he cherished very much, Michelle Orsak, Rachel Collier and husband Robert, Olivia Poole, Crystal Remy, Lana Hart and husband Cody and Amy and Elizabeth Wallace. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Sommer Skye, Titus and June Marie; his brother-in-law, Ret. Ltc. Col. Lewis Higinbotham and wife Fran of Missoula, Montana; his niece and nephews and a host of many special friends he and Lynne made along their journey. Mr. Wallace is preceded in death by her parents, William F. and Evelyn Lee Wallace.                                                                                                                                  

A memorial service was held, Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral home Chapel with Rev. Sue Huntsman officiating.

The Wallace Family suggests memorial contributions be sent to, CTRC Health Science Center-San Antonio, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

Walter Remmers, Jr., a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Frank Tejeda Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 23 days.

Walter; or “Jr.” as he was affectionately known by the family, was born, August 10, 1932, in Nordheim, Texas, the son of Walter, Sr. and Iva Mae Miller Remmers. On December 18, 1953, Walter married Ruth Irene Hooper in Robstown, Texas. He was a a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Karnes City, Texas

Walter is survived by his beloved wife of over 53 years, Ruth Irene Remmers; his daughter, Barbara Brown and husband Randy of Leander; his son, Gary Lee Remmers of Three Rivers; his 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Alma Pullin and Norma Atkinson and husband Bailey and his brothers, Elvin R. Remmers and wife Thersa, Frank Remmers and wife Wanda, and Tommy Remmers and wife Barbara; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Remmers is preceded in death by
his parents and his brothers, Corporal Kenneth Remmers and Bobby Remmers.

Visitation was held from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon, Friday, March 8, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services began the same day at 3:00 P.M., in the chapel, with W.B. Howard officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery with Scott Atkinson, Ryan Wilson, Davin Wilson, Sammy Simmons, Joey Remmers and Jarrett Remmers serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090; or the American Cancer Society, 4101 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411.

Juan Monsivais, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away suddenly, Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 8:50 P.M., in his residence at the age of 50 years.

Juan was born, June 10, 1962, in Kenedy, Texas, the son of Juan Monsivais, Jr., and Diana Caballero Monsivais. He grew up in Kenedy, and on July 11, 1987, Juan married Rosie Carrillo in Alice, Texas. Juan was an active member of Our lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy where he was a member of A.C.T.S.

Juan is survived by his beloved wife of over 25 years, Rosie Carrillo Monsivais; his daughter, Maria Lucinda Monsivais of Corpus Christi; his mother, Diana Monsivais; his sisters, Leticia Morin Garza and husband Ovidio of Kenedy and Vivian Carranza and husband Ambrosia of Houston; his brothers, Stephen Monsivais and wife Sheryll of Kenedy, Israel Monsivais and wife Charlee of San Antonio and Tony Monsivais of Floresville. Juan is also survived by his uncle, Domingo Monsivais; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Mr. Monsivais is preceded in death by his father, Juan Monsivais, Jr.

A rosary was recited, Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at 7:00 P.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:30 A.M., Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, Texas with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Serving as pallbearers were, Eric John Monsivais, Michael Anthony Maldonado, Ralph Morin, Jr., Joshua Monsivais, Chris Lyssy and Eloy Nunez. Serving as honorary pallbearers were, Domingo Monsivais, Roland Nunez, Carlos Reyes, Jr., Ramon Diaz, Sr., Scott Richards, Robert Riojas and Sammy Riojas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church; P.O. Box 89, Kenedy, Texas 78119. 

Manuela Salas, resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 1:11 A.M., at Pecan Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 93.

Manuela was born, August 20, 1919, in Karnes County, Texas, the daughter of Simon Alvarez and Adelia Nuniez Alvarez. She grew up in Kenedy and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Manuela is survived by her sisters, Ester Casanova and Minnie Horton, both of Kenedy; her brother, Ted Alvarez of Kenedy and numerous nieces and nephews. Ms. Salas is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Salas; her sister, Teresa Lara and her brother, Ernestimo Alvarez.

A rosary was recited, Monday, March 4, 2013, at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Following the rosary, Mr. Salas was cremated.

Gayleia “Gay” June Hahn passed away surrounded by her family, February 25, 2013, at 11:07 P.M., at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 74 years, 10 months and 27 days.

Gay was born, March 27, 1938, in Choate, Texas, the daughter of Erwin Gisler and Bertha Lee Bingham Gisler. On August 29, 1987, Gay married August “Sonny” Hahn, in Leesville, Texas. Gay was an active member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy.

Gay is survived by her daughters, Laura Gordon and husband Dale of Pandora, Nancy Everett and husband Michael of Converse, Susan Wilkerson and husband John of Gonzales and Mary Jane Allen of Palestine; her son, Russell Schnitz of Kenedy; her sisters, Janet Rossen of Duncanville and Connie Buesing of Nordheim; her brothers, Richard Gisler of Runge and John Gisler of Pettus; her beloved grandchildren, Wesley and Justin Gordon, Jason and Jeremiah Bertling, Ryan and D’Laine Wilkerson and Jasmine and Chelsea Allen.  Gay is also survived by Sonny’s children. Ms. Hahn is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Sonny of over 25 years; her sister, Pansy Doreck and her brothers, Jerry, Erwin and Ronnie Gisler.

Visitation was held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, February 28, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held, Friday, March 1, 2013, at 2:00 P.M., in the First Baptist Church, Kenedy, with Pastor T.J. Burris officiating. Interment followed in the Karnes City Cemetery, Karnes City, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church Kenedy, 209 E. School Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119; or The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284.

Betty Ann Gustafson, 71, of Kenedy, Texas, peacefully passed onto her eternal reward, February 24, 2013. She was born, October 1, 1941; the youngest child of Fred Andrews and Emelie Tieman of Karnes City, Texas. She was a member of First Baptist Church until she was baptized and became a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy. Betty and Louis C. Gustafson were married in Green, Texas on March 11, 1961.

Betty is survived by her husband Louis; two sons, Johnny and wife Lezli Gustafson of Stockdale and Tommy and wife Georgia Ruth Gustafson of Louise; one daughter, Kathy Stewart and husband David of Kenedy; six grandchildren, Jason Ethridge and Lori de la Rosa and Jena Frnka and husband Kyle, Valerie Harvey and husband Tom, Jeffrey Stewart and wife Elizabeth and Katie and Allie Lewis; twelve great grandchildren, including newborn Aubrey Elaine Frnka, and sister, Bernice Custer of Karnes City. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Mary Wood and her brothers, Charlie and Ben Andrews.

Visitation was held, Tuesday, February 26, 2013, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 27, 2013, in the Eckols Chapel officiated by Rev. Vernon Andrews and Rev. Wally Schievelbein.  Interment followed in the Karnes City Cemetery, Karnes City, Texas.

Betty’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to our Lord and Savior for her steadfast love and time here on earth; the remarkable staff of Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital; Nurses in Touch and all her family and friends who offered their love and support during her journey Home. All those who knew Betty were blessed by her faith, strength and love. She was much loved and will be keenly missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; P.O. Box 32, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Josephine V. Hernandez, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away surrounded by her loving family, in her residence, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the age of 77.

Josephine was born in Kenedy, Karnes County, Texas, on July 27, 1935, the daughter of Florentino and Juventina Flores Villanueva. On February 7, 1959, Josephine married Abel R. Hernandez. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Josephine was a lifelong Catholic and an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, Texas.

Josephine is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Abel R. Hernandez; her daughter, Margie Zapata and husband Jimmie of Kenedy; her son David Hernandez and wife Helen of Fresno, California; a grandson, Brando Briones and wife Ruby of Kenedy and three granddaughters, Carylann Delgadillo of Fresno and Alyssa and Aimee Zapata, both of Kenedy. She is also survived by four great-granddaughters, Julianna, Annabell and Audrianna Briones and Isabella Delgadillo; her sister, Criselda Hinojosa; her brother, Elias Villanueva and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Hernandez is preceded in death by her parents; her two sisters, Guadalupe Arenas and Macrina Garcia and her brothers, Manuel and Roberto Villanueva.

Visitation began at 1:00 P.M., Friday, February 22, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., on Friday, in the chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery with, Arturo Garcia, Oscar Garcia, Gabriel Garza, Ruben Garza, Michael Villanueva and Roger Hinojosa, serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends who wish to make memorials contributions may do so to; Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, P.O. Box 89, Kenedy, Texas 78119; The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 26, Kenedy, Texas 78119; or Nurses In Touch Community Hospice-Kenedy Office, 491 N. Sunset Strip, Suite 106, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Anita Guerrero Ramirez, 86 years young, went to eternal life in Heaven, Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Whispering Oaks Nursing Home, in Cuero, Texas. She is now in Heaven with our Lord she loved so much and served so well. Her work here is complete and God took her home. We have the assurance and deep comfort that mom is at home with Our Father in Heaven and walks daily with Jesus.

The emotional and physical pain of missing mom is sometime overwhelming. The emptiness left in our hearts will never be filled until we are together again, never to be separated for all eternity. It was God who chose the exact time, place and means of how and when mom would go home with Him in Heaven.

Anita was born November 17, 1926, in Charco, Texas the daughter of Santiago Guerrero and Agapita DeLuna Guerrero. She worked for many years as a CNA having worked in Goliad, Kenedy and Beeville. On January 28, 1941, Anita married, Jose Ramirez, Jr., in Goliad, Texas. She was also a faithful and devout member of the Pentecostal Temple Monte Horeb Church in Yorktown, Texas.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Beatrice Thompson and husband Harry, Jo Ann Cuellar and husband Ariel, Sylvia Naranjo and husband Larry and Diane Reyes and husband Guadalupe; her beloved grandchildren, Vince and wife Gail Cuellar, Valen and wife Sandy Cuellar, René Cantú and wife Jo Ann; her great-grandchildren, Jeremy Jay Reyes and wife Venessa, Courtney Reneé Cantú and Colton Cuellar and her great-great-grandson, Connor Jeremy Reyes. Ms. Ramirez is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Jose Ramirez, Jr.; her sister Rosa Garcia and her brother Jose DeLuna.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, February, 20, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy and a prayer service was held at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, in the chapel, officiated by Rev. Eliseo Rios and Dr. Honorio Velázquez. Funeral services began at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, February 21, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in the Charco Cemetery, Charco, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were, Vince Cuellar, Valen Cuellar, René Cantú, Jeremy Jay Reyes, Cresencio Rangel, Sr. and Cresencio Rangel, Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Domingo Ramirez, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez.

The family of Anita G. Ramirez would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone for their supportive thoughts and prayers. Also, a special thanks to the staff of Whispering Oaks Nursing Home for being so kind and Pastor Carl Schneider

Bernice Z. Wernli, a resident of Pawnee, Texas, passed away, Saturday, February 16, 2013, in Schertz, Texas, at the age of 83 years.

Bernice was born, March 13, 1929, in Nell, Texas, the daughter of Christian Zaeske and Hilda Zamzow Zaeske. On September 21, 1952, Bernice married Wesley Wernli in Pawnee, Texas. After over 38 years of marriage, Wesley preceded her in death on October 14, 1990. Bernice worked for over thirty years for the Three Rivers Livestock Auction having retired in 2003. Bernice was a devoted member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Bernice is survived by her only son, David Lynn Wernli of Universal City, Texas. Ms. Wernli is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Moore and her brother, Allen Zaeske.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 20, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplin Mike McClung officiating. Interment followed in the Pawnee Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Allen Louviere, Gerald Teague, Wayne Moore, Larry Moore, Bret Moore and Wade Zaeske.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Boysville of Texas, P.O. Box 369, Converse, Texas, 78109.