Ben Schroeder

Bernhard Ben Christian Schroeder was born in Phillipsburg, Texas on June 9, 1910. He went home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2008, in Franklin, Texas. He lived 97 years, 7 months, and 14 days. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7. Ben grew up and attended public school in the Phillipsburg Community of Washington County, Texas, where he was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church. He married Lorine Engelbrecht of Burton, Texas, on October 16, 1937, and they made their home in Brenham. Ben owned and operated a cleaning establishment, MODERN CLEANERS, until he sold it upon retirement in January of 1976. He and Lorine were blessed with two daughters Barbara and Susie. They were active members of St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham where he was very involved in the worship and works of the congregation. His special interest was working with childrens and youth activities while his daughters were growing up. Ben served four terms on the Church Council, five years on the Advisory Board, on many of the Congregational and Council Committees, as President of the Brotherhood, and organized and chaired a group of tellers for seven years. He was frequently a delegate to Church Conventions. While Bens primary focus in life was always faith in God and devotion to family, he also served his community in many capacities. Through the years he was active in the state organization of dry cleaners, in the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and in the Brenham Industrial Foundation. He served the City of Brenham for ten years as a Councilman and was a Director of the Brenham Credit Corporation. Bens hallmark in his service and in all that he did was integrity. Honesty was highly valued by him, and his family will always remember his penchant for the truth! In addition his family was greatly blessed by his work ethic. He took great pride in providing well for his family as he worked tirelessly at his dry cleaning establishment where his customers were always treated with respect and appreciation. Upon retirement Ben and Lorine relocated to San Antonio, Texas, in order to be near their daughters and their families. He was pre-deceased in death by Lorine on February 14, 1988, and his son-in-law G. Eldon Winship of San Antonio in 1995. Once again in 1997 Ben followed his family and relocated to College Station where Susie and her husband Ben lived. It was in College Station at the age of 90 where he met Glenda Ross Bush. Glenda is a godly woman with a gracious heart. It is no wonder that Ben desired to spend his remaining years with her. They married on November 19, 2000, and eventually made their home in Franklin, Texas. Ben and Glenda have attended Grace Bible Church in College Station and now First Baptist Church of Franklin. Together they have spent these last years taking numerous trips and cruises, participating in church activities, and enjoying family and friends. Glenda has been a most faithful and loving caretaker of Ben the last couple of years and for that his family is eternally grateful. She has indeed been a blessing to us all!! Ben is survived by his wife Glenda; daughters Barbara Winship of San Antonio, Susie Swank, and husband Benjamin F. Swank, III of Navasota, and two step children, Sherri Sanford and husband Jeff, and John Bush and wife Amanda all of Spring. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kimberly Brienzi and husband Frank of Plano; Michelle Edwards and husband Brian; and Glenn Winship and wife Tiffany, all of San Antonio; Benjamin F. Swank IV and wife Kelley; Suzanne Porter and husband Blake all of The Woodlands and Christian Swank and wife Laura of Spring; and four step grandchildren, Jonathan and Robin Sanford and Marijke and Teaghan Bush all of Spring. He was blessed with eleven great grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, and Luke Brienzi of Plano; Gage and Garrett Edwards, Logan and Alexis Winship of San Antonio; Madison and Hailey Swank of Spring; Benjamin F. Swank V, and Cash Porter due in March of The Woodlands. Ben is also survived by one sister, Louise Wrobleski of Brenham, Texas. Bens life was a reflection of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He especially exhibited a grateful heart and thankful spirit even through the last day of his life. Bens family thanks God for his life and for the godly legacy that he has left his descendants. Deuteronomy 6: 6 through 9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on you children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Visitation will be held at the Memorial Oaks Chapel on Sunday, January 27 from 5:30 to 7:30. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 28 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham. Interment will be at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers are Benjamin F. Swank, III, Benjamin F. Swank, IV, Christian Swank, Glenn Winship, Blake Porter, Brian Edwards, Frank Brienzi, John Bush, and Jeff Sanford. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be made to Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 or on line at https://giving.family.org. or SouthernCare Hospice of College Station, Texas at 3206 Longmire Drive.