Nelda Steinkamp

Funeral services for Nelda Greinert Steinkamp, of Brenham, are scheduled for 1 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2012 in St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kindlee Lund officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Nelda passed away Monday, September 17, 2012 in Scott and White Hospital, at the age of 90. Nelda Steinkamp was born December 26, 1921 in Williamson County, Texas to Fred and Anna Beyer Greinert. Her mother died soon after her birth. Unable to care for a baby and tend the family farm, her father took her to live with his sister and her husband, Emma and William Henze. Nelda remained in their care several years until her father married Esther Czimeskey. Nelda was baptized January 17, 1922 and later confirmed April 5, 1936 at St. Peter''s Evangelical Church in Coupland, Texas. She attended school in Elgin, Texas through the 11th grade. Nelda then moved to Brenham to work in her cousin''s store. While working in that store, she met her husband, Melvin Steinkamp. They married October 26, 1941 in her home church, St. Peter''s Evangelical Church in Coupland, Texas. They first lived in the Gay Hill community, and later moved to Brenham. Nelda was a member of St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham and was also a member of the Ladies Aid there. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, always wanting to make sure she made every family member''s favorite dish. Nelda resided at a local nursing home for many years where she enjoyed church services, bingo games, and other activities. She especially enjoyed visits from her family and friends. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly, and always looked forward to seeing them. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Jerry Kohring of Brenham, and her son, Dennis Steinkamp of Navasota. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Michele and Jimmy Kwiatkowski, Deborah and Robert Hodde, Michael and Lela Kohring, and Melanie and Chad Benker, her granddaughters Melissa Steinkamp and Bobbie Jo Steinkamp. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren: Mason and Lauren Kwiatkowski, Bailey, Ashley, Colby, and Maggie Hodde, Marshall and Wyatt Kohring, Hunter Avila, Brock Benker, Ryan and Samantha Thomas, and Ian Hankinson. She is also survived by a sister, Aline Kautz. Nelda Steinkamp was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother-in-law Gilbert Kautz, and brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Joyce Greinert. Pallbearers are Arthur Edward Henze, Robert Hodde, David Kautz, Michael Kohring, Jimmy Kwiatkowski, and Mason Kwiatkowski. Honorary pallbearers are her neighbors and friends. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church or to Hospice Brazos Valley. Funeral arrangements for Nelda Steinkamp are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.