Ruth Lorenz-Ganske

Ruth Lorenz-Ganske, 88, of Brenham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2023. I was the fourth child of Henry and Lilly (Hodde) Beckermann and was born on October 26, 1934, in Mill Creek, Tx. I was baptized on January 13, 1935 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Greenvine by Pastor Carl Ziehe and confirmed at the same church on October 19, 1947, by Rev. W. Wolf. On June 13, 1953, I was united in marriage with Milton Lorenz this marriage blessed us with three daughters: Janet Daniel, Eunice Schulz and Beatrice (BB) Kmiec. On January, 1 2007 I was united in marriage to Erwin Ganske.

I attended Mill Creek School and graduated from Brenham High School in 1953. I was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill, and also Gay Hill/Mound Hill/ Cedar Hill VFD Ladies Auxiliary.  I started the first girls/ women's softball association in Washington County. I played and managed a girls/ women’s softball team,  which until death I was still in contact with many players and teammates, most of whom called me “Mama Ruth”. My faith, strength and understanding of God and his will was through Bible Study and leadership opportunities. I organized the Women’s Circle at St. Peter’s, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 32 plus years. I served on the Church council for two terms, and was a Junior Lutheran teacher and Luther League sponsor. I helped organize and was Secretary/Treasurer of the Gay Hill Trail Riding Club for some 30 years, and also the Secretary/Treasurer of the 290 Dance Club. My family and I were co-owners of Lorenz’s Catering and spent over 30 years serving BBQ at the Washington County Fair. I worked at Hausmann Grocery until its closing and then went to work for Appel Motors (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep) as the office manager and bookkeeper for 42 years until my retirement in 2009.

I loved dancing, playing cards and dominoes, enjoyed watching my cows and baby calves. I loved to travel and my favorite trip was to Alaska for a cruise.

I am  survived by my Daughters and Son-in-laws: Janet and Arthur Daniel, Eunice and James Schulz, Beatrice (BB) and Johnnie Kmiec; Grandchildren: Patrick and Brooke Koronka, Kate and Todd Chapman, Matthew Daniel and fiancé, Vanessa Sallinen, Zane and Misty Schulz, Justin and Emilie Kmiec, Travis and Cori Kmiec; Great-grandchildren: Cameron Logan and fiancé, Bethanne Gillum, Colton Logan and fiancé, Cheyenne Curry, Kavin & Kaden Quinn, Shelby and Chad Reynolds, Jordan Meyer and friend, Tyler Williams, Makenna, Laramie and Colt Kmiec; Great-great-grandchildren: Braxton and Brylee Reynolds. Sister: Elvera Drews, Sister-in-laws: JoAnn Beckermann and Delores Knipstein; Sister-in-laws and Brother-in-laws: Doris and Newton Williams and Walline and James Grimm. I was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

I was preceded in death by my parents, husbands, brothers & sister-in-law: Fred & Betty Beckermann, Dennis Beckermann, sister: Viola Schultz-Weiss; brother-in-laws: Milton Drews, Willie Knipstein Jr., Walldon Schultz and Herman Weiss, son-in-law: James Koronka and great grandson: Lance Koronka-Quinn.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 10^th with the family present from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 11th, 2023.   Burial will follow the service at St. Peter’s Lutheran  Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Patrick Koronka, Kate Chapman, Matthew Daniel, Zane Schulz, Justin Kmiec, Travis Kmiec, Ricky Adler and Dustin Adler.

Honorary Pallbearers are my Godchildren: Scott Williams, Judy (Lorenz) May, Roy Beckermann, Kim Cmajdalka, and all members & friends of the Gay Hill/Mound Hill/ Cedar Hill VFD, Kelm's Store and and all former Appel Motors employees.

Special thanks to Dr. William Loesch, Dr. Gordon Mitchell,  Kristen Meaders, Beverly Schlabach and her staff and the staff of Kruse Village and Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Gay Hill/Mound Hill/Cedar Hill VFD, Hospice Brazos Valley, or the charity of your choice.