Laura Rietz

Laura Aurelia Rietz, 83, of Brenham, died on Mother''s Day, May 10, 2015, at her residence, following a long and challenging illness. She was surrounded by her loving husband and family. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A Prayer Service will be held from 6:30 until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1212 W. Jefferson in Brenham with Pastors Matthew Jacobs and William Holzer officiating. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Salem Memorial Cemetery, 3920 Salem-Freyburg Rd., Schulenburg, Tx. 78956. Pastor Jon Brandenburg will officiate. Mrs. Rietz was born Dec. 7, 1931, in La Grange, TX, to Alfred P. and Aurelia Ohnheiser Kaase. She was baptized Dec. 20, 1931 by Pastor A. E. Moebus, and confirmed April 28, 1946 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange by Pastor H. A. Traugott. On Feb. 7, 1950, she was married to Harold G. Rietz at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange by Pastor H. A. Traugott. Mrs. Rietz was an interior decorator for Montgomery Ward and later was employed at Hermann Furniture in Brenham. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham. Laura was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was always quick to smile with her rosy cheeks and share a laugh. Never once did she complain about her health, placing all of her cares in the hands of God. She was eternally optimistic and an inspiration to everyone she touched. Her husband of 65 beautiful years, Harold Rietz, who lovingly cared for her every need, was always by her side. She will be truly missed. Survivors include her husband, Harold Rietz of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law Patty and Bud Barter, and Brenda and Stan Purser; son and daughter-in-law Larry and Camille Rietz; grandchildren: Briana Purser, Forrest Purser, Travis Barter, Lauren Rietz, Jeanie Derdeyn, and Nicholas Gayle; sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Ben Bohac, and sister-in-law Josie Kaase. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Martin Kaase. Serving as pallbearers are Travis Barter, Dwayne Bohac, Greg Bohac, Marty Kaase, Shawn Neuman and Forrest Purser. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, Hospice Brazos Valley, or to Salem Memorial Cemetery Assoc., 110 Rose Mayer Loop, LaGrange, TX 78945. Funeral arrangements for Laura Rietz are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham. 979-836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.