Isabell Emshoff

Isabell Brandt Emshoff, 98, widow of Arnold F. Emshoff, passed away January 26, 2011 in Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center in Brenham. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2011 at St. James Lutheran Church in New Wehdem, with Pastor Jill Vivroux officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Isabell Emshoff was born January 15, 1913, in the Travis Community of Austin County near Kenney, Texas to Herman F. and Elizabeth Mueller Brandt. She was baptized March 25, 1913 in the Lutheran Faith by Pastor August Heinecke, and confirmed January 16, 1927 by Pastor M. C. Hoermann in St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem. She was educated in the Travis School near Kenney. On October 19, 1933, she was married to Arnold F. Emshoff, also at St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem. They made their home in the New Wehdem community, engaging in the farming and ranching business. She was active in the community, and was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the WELCA for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. After her husband''s death, Isabell moved to Brenham in 1968. She was employed at Blinn College in the bookstore, and after retiring from Blinn, she was a volunteer pink lady at Trinity Hospital Scott and White for 20 years. Isabell enjoyed gardening, traveling, taking care of her flowers, and playing cards. She wrote a column for the Bellville Times, reporting on the news and activities of her community. Her famous divinity candy, made in her kitchen around Christmas, was a family favorite. A former member of the Salem Senior Citizens group, she was also a loyal Houston Astros fan. She is survived by her son, Wilfred Emshoff ; daughter Bonnie Pilchiek and husband Travis, all of Brenham; son Billy Emshoff and wife Diane of Kerrville; sisters-in-law, Ruby Emshoff of Houston and Ruth Emshoff of Brenham; grandchildren: Kimberly Williams and husband Paul; John Emshoff and wife Anita, Robbie Emshoff and wife Sarah, Jeff Pilchiek, Shelley Smith and husband Dr. Scott Smith, Steven Emshoff, Patrick Emshoff and wife Ashley, and Michael Emshoff and wife Amanda. Also surviving are 13 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; sisters Nelda Muth and husband John, Hulda Andreas and husband Adolph, Lena Schultz and husband Albert, Margaret Regenbrecht and husband Woodrow, sisters Alma Brandt, Gertrude Brandt, Elizabeth Brandt and Meta Brandt; brothers Arthur Brandt and wife Tommie, Edward Brandt and wife Frieda, Charlie Brandt and wife Sarah, Herbert Brandt and wife Helen, and brothers Walter, Wilhelm, and Ernest Brandt. She was also predeceased by brother-in-law Ed Emshoff and wife Erna, brothers-in-law Willie Emshoff, Herbert Emshoff, and Leroy Emshoff; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Selma and Willie Draehn, Norma and Willie Rosenbaum, and sister-in-law, Alma Emshoff. Serving as pallbearers are her grandchildren: Robbie Emshoff, John Emshoff, Jeff Pilchiek, Steven Emshoff, Patrick Emshoff, Michael Emshoff, Connor Smith, and Dr. Scott Smith. Memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.