Leroy Sommerlatte

Leroy Sommerlatte, 79, of the Bleiblerville community, died July 17, 2005, in Scott and White Hospital in Temple. Mr. Sommerlatte was born November 15, 1925, in Columbus, Texas, to Lee Joseph and Mary Mahalitc Sommerlatte. He was baptized February 3, 1926, in St. Matheas Church in Columbus and was confirmed February 7, 1945, in Farragut, Idaho. Mr. Sommerlatte attended Columbus public schools. He was honorably discharged as a boatswain mate 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater. On November 20, 1946, he was married to Mathilda Ella Drevojanek in St. Anthony Church in Columbus. At an early age, Mr. Sommerlatte began farming and ranch work, which he continued until his death. After his service in World War II, he worked as a welder in Columbus and Herder Freight Lines driver in Weimar. He moved to the Bleiblerville area, where he worked at cattle auction sales. He retired as foreman after 17 years of employment for the Austin County Road and Bridge Department. He enjoyed retirement by continuing ranching in Bleiblerville and Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Mathilda Sommerlatte of Bleiblerville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Sandra Sommerlatte of Brenham, Dale and Patti Sommerlatte of Bellville and Byron and Lavell Sommerlatte of Caldwell; six grandchildren, Scot, Tracy, Kelley, Lindsey, Kyle and Curtis; brother, Vernon Sommerlatte and wife Nelda of Houston; and sister, Ruby Reinhardt of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, William. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 20 in Nelsonville Brethren Church with Rev. Albert Michalik officiating. Burial will be in National Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Scot Sommerlatte, Kyle Sommerlatte, Curtis Sommerlatte, Herbert Schramm Jr., Delbert Schramm, Wilbert Makowsky Jr., Calvin Makowsky and Kenneth Makowsky. Memorials may be given to Nelsonville Brethren Church Building Fund or the Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.