Mary Denkeler

On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Mary Ann Denkeler, 83, of Beeville, Texas was called home to Heaven after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born on July 1, 1926, in Beyersville, Texas to Joseph and Julia Svrcek. She met the love of her life, Wilburn "Denk" Denkeler, on a blind date and they were married on October 5, 1947 in Concordia Community, Texas. During her 62 years as a resident of Beeville, she raised three children and was very active in her church and was very well known in the community for her generosity and selflessness. She was a charter member of the Beeville Volunteer Ambulance Auxillary and went on to be an active member of the Bee County Blood Donor Club. She also was a member of the Ladies Auxillary of the Beeville Volunteer Fire Dept for 50 years and was unanimously elected Mother of the Fire Dept in 2009. She devoted her life to her family and to helping others; she was the rock that held our family together and her inspiration will always be in our hearts. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wilburn "Denk" of Beeville; children Carol Rein of San Antonio, TX, Gary Denkeler of McAllen, TX, Debra Barnett and son-in-law Steve Barnett of Mabank, TX and "adopted daughter" Leslie Bowers of San Jose, CA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jenifer Rein (Adrian) of Leander, TX, Heather Rein of Austin, TX; Brandon Denkeler (Kristi) of San Antonio, TX; Garrett Denkeler (Hollie) of San Angelo, TX; Rachel and Stacey Barnett of College Station, TX; and Logan Barnett of Mabank, TX. She also is survived by 6 great-grandchildren and many additional family members to include cousins, nephews and nieces. In addition, she is survived by two brothers-in-law, Mr. Aldo Meiske of Baton Rouge, LA, and Mr. Dennis Denkeler of Diana, TX, and three sisters-in law, Mrs. Bernice Denkeler of Bishop, TX, Mrs. Audrey Denkeler of Portland, TX, and Mrs. Diana Denkeler of Diana, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Milady Zezulka, Vlasta Zezulka and Margaret Meiske. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 1000 at Faith Lutheran Church in Beeville, with Pastor Don Taylor of Beeville, TX and Pastor Richard Bremmer of Burnett, TX officiating. Pallbearers will be Mr. Larry Meiske, Mr. Brandon Denkeler, Mr. Garrett Denkeler, Mr. Logan Barnett, Mr. Russell Denkeler, Mr. Clyde Denkeler, Mr. William McNamara, and Aaron Rein-Caballero. Honorary Pallbearers: Members of the Beeville Volunteer Fire Dept. and Joe and Joe's Anita. Burial will be in Beeville Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home, Beeville, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made in her name to Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, the Lutheran Hour, and the Beeville Volunteer Fire Dept. Special thanks to the caring staff of Exclusive Home Health and Hospice Care, Beeville, Texas as well as all the staff at Woodridge Nursing Home, Beeville, TX. Galloway & Sons Funeral Home P.O. Box 638 Beeville, TX 78104 361-358-2512-ph 361-358-1306-fx