W. Wilkening

W. W. Woody Wilkening, 86, of Brenham, died September 23, 2006, at the family residence in Brenham. Woody was born March 17, 1920 in Burton, Texas the son of Frank & Ella Regine Wilkening. He was baptized in the First Christian Church of Burton, Texas, and attended the Burton area schools. During WWII, he served his country for four years in the U. S. Army, participating in numerous campaigns in the European theatre including the Normandy invasion on June 7, 1944. He had the honor and privilege of serving under the command of General George S. Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. It was during this battle that Woody personally met and shook hands with General Patton. On September 23, 1942, he was married to Dorothy Mae Schomburg in St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham. Woody was a lifelong member of St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the retired owner of City Auto Parts Supply in Brenham, a member of VFW Post # 7104, and member of American Legion Post # 48. Woody was a devoted and beloved husband, father and grandfather, and had a great sense of humor. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed teaching those hobbies to his son, Mark. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Lorri Wilkening of Brenham; daughter & son-in-law, Marsha & Kevin Lochridge of the Highlands, Texas; sister-in-law, Hazel Wilkening of Burton; Grandchildren, Chad Vogler, Corey Lochridge and Cara Lochridge. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Schomburg Wilkening, his parents, two brothers and four sisters. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 25, at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26 at St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham with Pastor Lawrence Bade officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Harry L. Stark, Bret Stark, Travis Pilchiek, Jeffrey Pilchiek, Ronnie Wilkening, Boone Wilkening, Greg Schomburg, and David Schomburg. Memorials may be given to St. Paul s Radio/TV Ministry or to Hospice, Brenham. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham.