James Ganske

James Henry Ganske, 69, of Brenham, passed away April 8, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville, with Pastor Virgil Pecht officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. James was born November 19, 1942 in Burton to Louis and Lizzie Streich Ganske. He was baptized January 10, 1943 by Pastor Fred Mgbroff and confirmed April 14, 1957 by Pastor R. J. Weber, all at Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville. He attended Harrisburg School and Brenham High School. On June 27, 1964, James was married to Shirley Ann Spiess at Salem Lutheran Church of Welcome. He was employed at Brenham Wholesale Grocery for over 42 years. Survivors include his wife and special caregiver, Shirley Ann Spiess Ganske; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cammie Ganske, and daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Matt Zibilski, all of Brenham; grandchildren: Robin Lanae Ganske and Laura Kate Zibilski. James was extremely proud of his two granddaughters, Robin and Laura. Also surviving is sister-in-law Betty Ganske of Baytown, sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Marvin Marburger of Brenham, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and David Lange of Brenham. Preceding him in death were his parents, Louis and Lizzie Ganske, a brother, Milroy Ganske, and parents-in-law, John and Leona Spiess. James'' niece and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Named as honorary pallbearers are Charles and Pat Heller, Michael and Sara Pohl, and Jonie Kloesel. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville or Hospice Brazos Valley. Funeral arrangements for James Henry Ganske are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.