Bellville Times

Harry Louis Luedecke passed away after a long and courageous battle with
heart and kidney disease, in his home in Sealy with his family at his
bedside on July 28, 2006.
    Services were held July 31, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. from the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church in Sealy with Rev. Octavio Muguerza celebrating
the Funeral Mass and Rite of Commital. Concelebrating were Msgr. Boli
Zientek, Rev. Leon Strider and Deacon Jerome Losack and Robert Kent
assisting in the service.
    The 4th Degree KC stood Honor Gaurd at the Vigil service, the mass and
at the graveside service. Interment was at the Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church.
    Harry was born in the Rexville community, the son of Alfred and Lizzie
(Garling) Luedecke on January 14, 1934. He attended Rexville and Sealy High
School and finished with a GED.
    Mr. Luedecke was united in marriage to Cecilia Ann Henneke on January 3,
1959 at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz and to this union they were
blessed with three children.
    He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Elsie Hinze
Luedecke, brother Raymond Luedecke, nephew Mark Luedecke, beother-in-law
Eugene Gajewski and Leslie Pavelka.
    Survivors included his wife of 47 years, son Todd Luedecke and wife Kay
of Sealy, two daughtrers and sons-in-law, Tammy Smith and husband David of
Katy and Tricia Sowa and husband Steven of Sealy, brother Wilfred Luedecke
and wife Shirley of Eagle Lake, sisters Mary Lou Gajewski of Sealy and
Gladys Pavelka of Alvin and sister-in-law Vernell Luedecke of Frydek,
grandchildren Bridget Tarvin and husband Ron, Lindsey Fisher and Kaley
Fisher all of Katy, Blake and Toree Luedecke, Katelyn and Zachary Sowa all
of Sealy, great-grandchildren, Ashley Fletcher, Brandon Fryer, Haley Rojas
and Elissa Tarvin all of Katy.
    Pallbearers were Al Henneke, Robert Henneke, Bennie Ondruch, Joe Ray
Krenek, Joey Schmidt and Leroy Zapalac, all Knights of Columbus. The
Honorary pallbearers were 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus.
    The Vigil was held at Knesek Chapel and the Rosary was led by the 3rd
Degree Knights of Columbus.
    Harry loved life and people of all races, he never met a stranger. If he
did not know you, it did not take long for him to make your acquaintance. He
was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he served
as an usher and greeter for many years. He was very active in the Knights of
Columbus for 39 years, and the 4th Degree for 32 years and held various
offices in both degrees. He was a member of the KC Degree team for many
years until his health declined and also the 4th Degree Drill Team in
Competition.
    In his younger years he was a member of the Austin County Sheriff¹s
Posse, Square Dance Team and Emergency Unit, after that he served in the
U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 in which he spent eight months in Germany,
followed by 4 years of National Guard Summer Camp served at Ft. Hood, Texas.
    Harry worked for 19 years for Schier Feed and Supply and spent many
enjoyable hours working cattle on the Schier Ranch. Then he worked and
retired after 21 years for the City of Sealy. He was also a member of the
Sealy Fire Department for 20 years and a member of he KJT and the Supper
Club.
    Besides his family he dearly loved cattle, baling hay and most anything
that could be done with his tractor.
    Luedecke umpired for many years for the Sealy Little League.
    His favorite passtimes were playing dominoes, deer hunting and camping.
He was also known for picking up hitchhikers and taking them to their
destinations for help and sometimes to further destinations and was generous
with giving them money for a meal.
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception
Renovation Fun, P O Box 337, Sealy, Texas 77474 or Hospice Brenham, 302 E
Blue Bell Rd., Brenham, Texas 77833.
    Funeral arrangements under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapel
of Sealy.

Posted by Joy Neely