Emil Schwarze

Emil John E. J. Schwarze, 89, widower of Kathryn Lueckemeyer Schwarze, died November 5, 2009 at his residence in Brenham. Mr. Schwarze was born April 2, 1920 in Sandy Hill, Texas to John and Minnie Becker Schwarze. He was baptized June 20, 1920 in St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Sandy Hill, and later confirmed there April 28, 1935. On May 12, 1943, he was married to Kathryn Lueckemeyer in St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He was a cotton farmer and owned and operated a cotton gin in Clay, Texas. Along with Kathryn, he then took ownership of the Lueckemeyer Grocery in Independence and operated Schwarze Grocery. In 1982 he became the butcher for his daughter and son-in-law at Center Drive In, working there until his retirement. He served his country in the U. S. Army Troop E-124th Calvary during World War II, in conflicts in China, Central Burma and India Burma. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal, American Theatre Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Survivors include sons Doug Kathy Schwarze, and David Bessie Schwarze; daughters Suzanne Roger Hannath, and Mary Ann J.T. Grounds, all of Brenham, and Cindy Pete Gedraitis of San Antonio; nine grandchildren: Walt Hannath, Rebecca Eddie Marshall, Aimee Eric Schobel, Shala Stephenson, Emilee Schwarze, Molly Schwarze, Jamie Joseph, Jackie Andy Brooks, and Kayla Schwarze; great-grandchildren: Zachary, Kathryn, and Logan Marshall, Brooke and Hunter Schobel, Kinley Stephenson, Mack Schwarze, and Caden and Carson Brooks. Other relatives surviving are a sister-in-law, Gladys Schwarze, ten step-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Schwarze; parents, John and Minnie Schwarze; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Alvina Lueckemeyer; brother John W. Schwarze, sister Norma Gaskamp, son-in-law Allen Conklin, and sisters-in-law Florence Wood and Bernice Lueckemeyer. Mr. Schwarze was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, the VFW Post #7104, and American Legion Post #48. He was an avid fan of the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Aggies, and enjoyed listening to WCLL ball games and Brenham Cubs baseball on his transistor radios. Funeral services for Emil John E.J. Schwarze will be held Monday, November 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John s Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill with Pastor David Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Sunday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers are Walt Hannath, Eddie Marshall, Eric Schoebel, Andy Brooks, Zachary Marshall, Don Studhalter, Matt Moehlmann, Joey Walker and Darrell Murski. Memorials may be directed to St. John s Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, Hospice Brazos Valley, Texas Home Health Hospice, or to a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. 979 836-4564. To view the obituary online or post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.