Fred Kieke

Fred Andrew Kieke, 96, passed away peacefully in Brenham Rest Home on Sunday, February 10, 2013. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who celebrated nearly a century of life with his family before completing his journey here on earth. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 at Eben Ezer Lutheran Church of Berlin with Kenneth Weiss officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 14, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Fred was born December 13, 1916 in the Zionsville community of Washington County to Otto F. and Meta Neinast Kieke and was the youngest son of eight children. He was baptized March 6, 1917 by Pastor Karl Mueller at Zion Lutheran Church in Zionsville and confirmed his faith there on March 20, 1932, also by Pastor Karl Mueller. On September 7, 1940, he married Ernestine Jahnke at the Methodist Church in Giddings, Texas. They were blessed with over 72 years of marriage, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Fred was educated at the Harrisburg School where he excelled in math. If he had been able to continue his education, he thought he would have enjoyed being a math teacher. While a student at Harrisburg, he played all sports with baseball being his favorite. In his many years, he always tried to never miss listening to or watching the World Series games. Growing up on a farm, hard work and long days were deeply instilled in him, and followed him into his 80''s. Leaving home at age 16, he landed his first job at Koehn Market in Burton where he learned the fine art of meat cutting. Ironically, his last job held in his 80''s was also as a meat cutter at Food Pantry. In the 60 years between those jobs, he worked as a salesman, carpenter, business owner, including Kieke Bros. Market in 1941 with his brother V. C. Kieke. However, he was best known for "The Kieke''s" hamburger place on Market Street in Brenham. He dearly loved his customers, especially the school children who would patronize the establishment at lunch time and after school. Fred discovered a love of traveling in his 60''s. He and Ernestine, along with other family members, enjoyed many road trips; his favorites including California and Las Vegas. Wherever he went, he was a great ambassador for Blue Bell Creameries and Aledo football, as he loved wearing their caps. Being a social creature, those caps usually initiated conversations with strangers which often followed by his pulling out his wallet and showing pictures of his great-grandchildren. His hobbies included fishing at the Brazos River, dancing taught his daughters to dance with their feet atop his, playing cards especially pitch, gardening, and garage sales was always on the hunt for a good bargain. Those who will miss him most are his wife, daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Edgar Schwartz and Sharon and Donald Winkelmann. Paw Paw will also be missed by his grandchildren: Rebecca and Tim Buchanan of Aledo, Tina and Ron Ahasan of Spring Branch, Robert and Brandi Schwartz of Gay Hill, Adrienne and Jerremy Guthrie of Seabrook, Chris and Tina Winkelmann of Boyertown, Pa, and Tara and Lamar White of The Woodlands. His great-grandchildren, Madeline and Caleb Buchanan, Joshua and Aliyah Ahasan, Emma and Andrew Schwartz, Lydia, Jackson, and Brody Guthrie, William, Eric Andrew, Alysse, Jordan, Tomas and Tristan Winkelmann, and Kayleigh White will also truly miss him. Fred is survived by his sister, Viola Giese; brother-in-law Harper Muery, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded him in death by his parents; brother, V. C. Kieke; sister, Esther Kieke; brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Frieda Kieke; sisters and brothers-in-law, Matilda and Bill Borchardt, Lillian and Ralston Newsom, Elda and Jim Burch; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Annie Mae and Bill Engelage, Louise and L. D. Akin; and sister-in-law, Barbara Muery. Because our Dad spent his last years at Brenham Rest Home, we thank them not only for their loving kindness and care given him, but the continued care and love showered on our Mom. Thanks are also extended to the Hospice caregivers. Prior to living at Brenham Rest Home, Dad received wonderful care at home under AMA. We will never forget the many acts of kindness given by all his caregivers. The monthly visits by their Lay Minister, Ken Weiss, brought Mom and Dad joy and peace and gave them a connection to their church. We are so grateful for his ministery. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, along with his special neighbors, John and Susie Bilski. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Eben Ezer Lutheran Church or Hospice Brazos Valley. Fred was a strong German man, who endured much, gave generously, loved deeply and derived great joy from his family. One of his lasting legacies will be his strong marriage to his wife. Fred and Ernestine were a true team and met life''s obstacles together with a common purpose. In his final years, Fred sadly lost his ability to do all the things he loved. Now God in His grace has freed him from the grips of dementia and old age. While as a family we mourn our earthly loss, we greatly rejoice that Our Father has made him whole again and he is now at peace in His Heavenly Home. Funeral arrangements for Fred Andrew Kieke are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.