Franklin Effenberger

Franklin Clarence Effenberger (87) of Brenham, Texas celebrated his Heavenly homecoming on Monday, January 11, 2016 at home in Brenham, Texas.

Franklin was born in Shiner, Texas on February 28, 1928 to Frank W and Martha Gerum Effenberger. He graduated from Shiner High School in 1945 and passed an exam to continue his education at A&M in College Station where he attended for 3 quarters before the Army requested his services prior to the Korean War conflict. After basic training at Fort Bliss, he shipped out of San Francisco to his first stop in Japan and ended in the Philippines where he was a T-5 working with replacement depo; checking ships and medical records of the men coming in and out of the area. He had some medical issues during his time in the army and spent many months recuperating after surgeries to repair his hip. He enrolled at Texas Lutheran College and received his Bachelor''s degree in Education. He went on to receive his Master''s from Texas A& M.

In 1956, he was a new school teacher for Brenham High school, when he visited at Greenvine Baptist Church one Sunday night and Katie Steen, spying him from the choir, commented, "He wouldn''t be bad to take home!" And on June 8, 1957, she did just that. After a honeymoon at Padre Island, Texas, Franklin and Katie settled in to the life of a school teacher and Quality Control Technician. He was a dedicated member of Greenvine Baptist where he was a Sunday school teacher, in the choir, sponsored kid''s activities, Vacation Bible school teacher/worker and member of the Men''s Fellowship.

He was the perfect match to Katie, who never knew a stranger. Their home was always open for hospitality and he was quietly in the background making sure everything was done. He was known for his tapioca pudding and peanut brittle making. He was an avid reader; especially history related, and loved the daily crossword puzzles.

After both Franklin and Katie retired, it seemed that their life was even busier. They were faithful attenders of the Washington County Prayer Breakfast, Senior Center, Retired Teachers Association and a member of the American Legion for over 60 years as well as their continued service at Greenvine Baptist Church. They enjoyed traveling to many places: this would include 4 trips to Germany to reconnect with the Steen family members that live there.

He is survived by Brother, Donald and Barbara Effenberger of Sequin, Tx., Sister, Marcia Russell of San Antonio, Tx, sister-in-law, Shirlene Steen of Arlington, Tx, ; His nephew''s family that has provided for his care: Nathan and Julie Steen and their children: Kimberly, Ryan and Jillian of Brenham, Tx. Other nieces and nephews include:

Joe and Teresa Steen Corbet of Arlington, Tx,

John and Cathy Herzog Davis of Martindale, Tx,

George and Glenda Steen Gandy of Arlington Tx

Vernon and Sharon Steen Garner of Arlington, Tx

Alan Ray Herzog of Thorndale, Tx

Michael Herzog of Brenham, Tx

Jerry and Lisa Steen McElvoy of Mansfield, Tx

Royce and Kayla Meyer of Lewisville, tx

Blaine Russell of San Antonio, Tx

Deana Russell of San Antonio, Tx

Gary and Misti Steen of Jersey Village, Tx.,

Ricky Steen of Arlington, Tx

Russell and Rhonda Steen of Houston, Tx

Steve and Beverly Meyer Stewart of Graham, Tx

Many great-nieces and nephews. Many friends including Darlene Blondeau of Brenham, Tx, and the many members at Greenvine Baptist Church and AMA Heathcare providers, especially Joyce Pribilski.

Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Katie Steen Effenberger; his parents, Frank W and Martha Gerum Effenberger; his sister, June Effenberger Cochran; His brother/sister-in-laws: Lucille Steen Meyer (and her husband Harold), Glenn Steen, William Steen (and William''s wife, Ruth Steen), Gladys Steen, and Alice Steen Herzog (and her husband, Ted Herzog).

Funeral Services for Franklin will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 10:30 am at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham, Texas. Interment will be at Greenvine Baptist Cemetery located at 5010 FM 2502, Burton, Texas. Visitation will be January 16 at 9:00am - 10:30am at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral arrangements are being made by Memorial Oaks Chapel. Memorial donation can be made to Greenvine Baptist Church or Brenham Children Chorus.

Funeral arrangements for Franklin Effenberger are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.