Melvin Dannhaus

Melvin H. Dannhaus, 88, of Brenham, passed away December 20, 2006, at Brenham Rest Home. Mr. Dannhaus was born January 27, 1918, in the New Wehdem community of Washington County, Texas, to Theodore and Emma Koester Dannhaus. He was baptized March 31, 1918, in St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem and was confirmed on April 9, 1933, in the same church. Melvin attended Pleasant Hill School. On March 3, 1940, he was married to Manola Papke at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg by Rev. Haskall. Mr. Dannhaus and his wife remained members of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg until 1984, when they transferred their membership to Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham. Melvin was a farmer and a carpenter. He also worked at Brenham Broom and Mop for 20 years. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Manola Dannhaus of Brenham; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Ronnie Swoboda of Waller; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Janet Dannhaus of Houston; three grandchildren, Scott Lehde of Houston, Tiffany Dannhaus Zbranek of Katy and Debra Rodgers of Bloomington, MN; six great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, Clinton Swoboda and Tiffany Swoboda of Katy; two sisters and their husbands, Erna and Bennie Pieper and Norma and Alfred Pieper, all of Brenham. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Arthur Dannhaus. The family will receive visitors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at Grace Lutheran Church of Brenham with Pastor Matthew Jacobs and Pastor William Holzer officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Pallbearers will be Bobby Pieper, Lloyd Pieper, Larry Pieper, David Pieper, Steven Higgins and Clinton Swoboda. Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or Hospice.