Funeral Services Are Held Wednesday For Mrs. Mary Brod

Funeral services were held June 29 for Mrs. Mary Brod of Blessing. Mrs. Brod was 76.

Rosary was said at 5 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and funeral services were Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock in the Blessing Catholic Church. Burial was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Arthur Foster of Blessing, Mrs. Joe Trojcak of LaWard, Mrs. Tony Johs of Pinehurst, and Mrs. A. C. Spies of Houston; two sons, Willie of El Campo and Bennie of Irving; one sister, Mrs. Annie Knezek of Schulenburg, and one brothers, Louis Breska of Moravia, Texas.

Matagorda County Tribune, July 7, 1955
 

Clyde Ludwig Cavallin

Funeral services for Clyde Ludwig Cavallin, 80, of Palacios will be held 2 p. m. Tuesday at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel  with the Rev. Hollie Briscoe officiating. Burial will be in Deutschburg Cemetery, Deutschburg Community.

Mr. Cavallin was born Nov. 7, 1907, in Texas to John and Annie Marie Cavallin and died Sept. 10, 1988, at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home, Palacios.

A resident of Palacios for 50 years, he was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include his wife, Freida Schmidt Cavallin of Palacios; four sisters, Rosa Lee Johs of Deutschburg Community, Frances Newsom of Port Arthur, Ellen Tubbs of San Antonio and Laura Dillard of Nederland; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Henry Day, David Day, Arvid Loff, Murel Dillard, Oswald Kubecka and Larry Dillard.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, September 12, 1988
 

Freida Cavallin

Freida Cavallin of Palacios passed away December 12, 1995 at Memorial Medical Center in Port Lavaca. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p. m. Thursday, December 14, 1995 at the Palacios Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Daily Tribune, December 13, 1995
 

Clifford Paul Cooper
(February 13, 1932 - June 7, 2013)

PALACIOS - Clifford Paul Cooper was born on February 14, 1932 in Nixon, Texas to George and Ima Ivy Cooper. He passed peacefully on June 7, 2013 surrounded by his family.

Paul moved to Palacios, Texas in the early 40's. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and served in the Korean War as a Master Sergeant. He married the love of his life, Frankie Faye Stallard on June 11, 1955. To this union, sons, Stephen and Rodney Cooper were born. He worked in the oil industry and retired from Neumin Production Company as Production Supervisor. After retirement, he spent 9 years as a professional guide at the King Ranch. His passion was hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He worked with kids in 4-H and also helped popularize Team Roping. Farming and ranching were also a very big part of his life. He lived a very active lifestyle in the Deutschburg Community from 1958 until his passing. He attended the First Baptist Church.

He is survived by wife, Frankie Faye Stallard Cooper of Deutschburg; sons, Steve and Kim Cooper of El Campo, Rodney and Kathy Cooper of LaWard; grandchildren, Courtney Cooper, Alexis Cooper, Shelby Cooper, Ryan and Kara Howard and Lindsay Howard; great grandchildren, Karys and Drew Howard and Kinlea Cooper; sisters, Margie Johs of Palacios, Dorothy and Claude Collins of Palacios, Shirley Rogers of Ewing, Kentucky, sisters and brothers-in-law, Novella and Raymond Bales of Marble Falls and Fannie Raye and Bill Ivy of San Antonio and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathleen Peerbolte, and brother, Felton Cooper.

Pallbearers are Hensley Weaver, Larry Dillard, Eddie Vavra, Ronnie Kubecka, Van Crittendon, and Dick Kubecka.

Honorary Pallbearers are Cody Adams, Scott Arbuckle, Dean Blackwell, Robert Cornett, Billy Hamlin, A.J. Hebert, Bruce Kay, Craig Radley, Bill Scurlock, Brian Streams, Lonnie Williams and Bill Yeager.

The family will receive visitors from 5-7pm Monday, June 10, 2013 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Interment will be 9am, Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at the Deutschburg Community Cemetery and a Memorial Service will follow at 11am at First Baptist Church in Palacios.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Palacios or the Deutschburg Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, 361-972-2012.

Published in Victoria Advocate on June 10, 2013
 

Miss Linda Dillard Dies From Injuries Received In Accident

Funeral services for Linda Elaine Dillard were held Thursday, July 22, at 3 p. m. in the First Methodist Church with Rev. John Berkley officiating. Interment was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Miss Dillard, the third person to die after suffering injuries in a Saturday night traffic accident near Bay City, died in the John Sealy Hospital in Galveston Tuesday night, where she was being treated for injuries suffered in the collision which claimed the life of her mother, Mrs. Louisa Dillard, and Jesse Baugh, and injured her sister, Mary Dillard.

Born January 2, 1945 in Palacios, she attended school here and was a member of the 1963 graduating class. That year she was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens award.

She is survived by her father, Murle W. Dillard, brothers Larry and Robert and her sister Mary.

Palacios Beacon, July 29, 1965
 

Lottie Marie Lynn Dillard

Funeral services for Lottie Marie Lynn Dillard, 80, of Deutschburg, are scheduled for 2 p. m. Friday, Nov. 4, 1994, at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with the Rev. Ralph Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Deutschburg Cemetery.

Mrs. Dillard was born Dec. 27, 1913, in Bay City to Charles and Vivian Bandy Linn and died Nov. 1, 1994, at her residence.

She was a member of the First Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Murel Dillard of Deutschburg; a step-daughter, Mary Elizabeth Dingwall of El Paso; two stepsons, Larry Dillard of Deutschburg and Robert Allen Dillard of El Campo; a sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Sam Adams of Beaumont; a brother and sister-in-law, Lerot and Dorothy Linn of Marble Falls; two nieces and two nephews, Wilma Rae Pickett, Jerry Pickett, Kay Adams and Charles Adams and five grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home of Palacios.

Daily Tribune, November 3, 1944
 

Mrs. M. W. Dillard Killed Instantly In Car Crash Saturday.

Funeral services for Mrs. Louisa M. Schmidt Dillard were held at 3 p. m. Tuesday, July 20, at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. John Berkley officiating. Interment was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Mrs. Dillard was one of two persons killed in a head on auto collision four miles west of Bay City Saturday evening.

Mrs. Dillard's two daughters, Mary and Linda, were critically injured in the accident and are in John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. Jesse Baugh, of Markham, alone in the other car died at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City shortly after arrival.

Louisa Schmidt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Schmidt, was born January 13, 1910 in Johnson, Nebraska. After the death of her mother, she went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schutte, and in October 1913 accompanied the Schuttes to Deutschburg. After the death of Mr. Schutte in 1920, she and Mrs. Schutte lived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gerhard.

She graduated from Palacios High School in May, 1928, and attended the Texas Business Institute of Houston. In August 1933, she returned to Deutschburg, where until her death she was an ardent supporter of all community projects. She married Murel W. Dillard on June 14, 1941 and to this union four children were born.

Besides her husband and two daughters, she is survived by two sons, Robert and Larry; five sisters, Freda Cavallin of Palacios; Dora Frisch, Vancouver, Washington; Ann Schmidt and Margaret Schroeder, Hood River, Oregon and Marie Hoag, Scappoose, Oregon and one brother, Fredrick Schmidt of Hood River, Oregon.

Palacios Beacon, July 22, 1965
 

Murel William Dillard

Funeral services were held for Murel William Dillard, 80, of the Deutschburg Community, on May 18, 1998 at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with Rev. Charlie Parker officiating. Interment followed at Deutschburg Cemetery in the Community of Deutschburg.

Mr. Dillard was born March 2, 1918, to the late Mark and Lillie Taylor Dillard. He passed away May 16, 1998.

Mr. Dillard was a retired Alcoa employee and farmer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, the Deutschburg Community Club, and an active member of the Palacios Food Pantry.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Morrison Dillard; daughters, Mary Dingwall, Mary Morrison and Martha Jacks; son, Robert Dillard and Larry Dillard; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Schmidt Dillard; one daughter, Linda Dillard; and wife, Lottie Linn Dillard.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Palacios or donor's choice.

Palacios Beacon, May 20, 1998
 

Anna Marie Gerhard

Funeral services for Anna Marie Gerhard, 91, of Palacios were scheduled for 10:30 a. m. today at First United Methodist Church of Palacios with the Rev. Bernard Richea officiating. Burial will be in Deutschburg Cemetery, Deutschburg.

Mrs. Gerhard was born Dec. 5, 1895, in Otoe County, Neb., to Henry and Marie Schmidt Eloge and died Sept. 26, 1987, in Palacios.

Survivors include six daughters, Martha Kubecka of Palacios, Emma Williams of Spring, Adele Mutchler of Alvin, Bertha Stewart of Palacios, Anna Sells of Olivia, and Irene Gordon of Los Angeles, Calif., a son, Paul Gerhard of Houston; 29 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Dick Kubecka, Don Tardy, Allen Mutchler, Scott Stewart, Norval Sells Jr. and Larry Dillard.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Gerhard, in 1961.

In lieu of the usual contributions, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Palacios Memorial Fund, Deutschburg Community Cemetery or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Palacios.

Daily Tribune, September, 1987
 

Erwin Gerhard

A message received by Paul J. Gerhard last week informed him of the death of his brother, Erwin Gerhard, in St. Louis, February 17, 1949.

Erwin was the oldest son of Dr. Herman Gerhard who founded the Deutschburg settlement in 1911. His marriage to Miss Emma Schmidt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schmidt in November 1915, was the first wedding in that community and to them on October 19, 1916, was born a son, Herman, who is one of the survivors. Mrs. Gerhard passed away January 30, 1920.

Palacios Beacon, February 24, 1949
 

Storm Delayed Services Held Friday, Sept. 15 For Paul John Gerhard

Funeral services for Paul John Gerhard were held at 10 a. m. Friday, September 15, at the Palacios Funeral Home with the Rev. Clinton R. Harris officiating. Burial was in the Deutschburg Community Cemetery with graveside services conducted by the V. F. W.

Paul Gerhard, a son of the late Dr. Herman Gerhard and Marie Schmidt Gerhard, was born at Winchester, Wisconsin, on March 9, 1895. He died at the VA Hospital in Houston, Friday, September 8.

A resident of the Deutschburg community since 1911, which was settled and named by his father, he was a loyal supporter of the community, the church and the school.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Gerhard; six daughters, Martha Kubecka of Palacios; Emma Williams, Houston; Adele Mutchler, Fort Worth; Bertha Stewart, Palacios; Anna Sells, Cypress and Irene Thompson, Los Angeles, Calif. and one son, Paul Jr. of Tampa, Fla., also two sisters, Mrs. Adele McCarrick, Chicago and Mrs. Vilma Lacka, Civil Service, Germany.

Palacios Beacon, September 21, 1961
 

HOWARD HURTA

PORT LAVACA - Howard Hurta, 77, of Port Lavaca passed away Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010. He was born April 20, 1933 in Midfield to the late John Joseph and Dora Mae Hart Hurta. He grew up in the Deutschberg Community near Palacios. He is the grandson of Joseph and Kathryn Musial Hurta and J.W. and Ella Hart.

Howard graduated from Tidehaven High School. On May 10, 1953 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and after basic training in El Paso, he was assigned to Lake Athea, England as air craft security for the rest of his time in service. Howard retired from Alcoa in 1985 after 35 years of service, and he was a member of the VFW.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Debra Hebert and her husband Todd of Vermont; two sons, Glenn Hurta and wife Tanya, of Humble, and Vernon Hurta and wife Margaret, of Olivia; three sisters, Kathy Trumpy of Crosby, Georgia Mikosh and Dora Jean Smith, both of Port Lavaca; two brothers, Leroy Hurta of Clute and Billy Joe Hurta of Ingleside; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service with full military honors under the auspices of Calhoun County Combined Honor Guard will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 at Grace Funeral Chapel, 1604 W. Austin in Port Lavaca.

Grace Funeral Chapel Port Lavaca in charge of arrangements.

Published in Victoria Advocate on October 16, 2010
 

Doris L. Johs

Palacios - Doris L. Johs, age 75 passed away Monday, November 13, 2017. She was born January 26, 1942 in Blessing. Visitation Friday, November 17, 2017 at 5pm with a rosary at 7pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing. Funeral mass Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10am at the church. Burial at Deutschburg Cemetery.

Victoria Advocate, November 16, 2017

Doris L. Johs
January 26, 1942 - November 13, 2017

Doris L. Johs, age 75 of Palacios passed away Monday, November 13, 2017. She was born January 26, 1942 in Blessing to the late John Swinky and Emily Escerak Swinky. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dearly loved friend will be greatly missed but shall always remain in our hearts. She is survived by her husband, Joe Johs, Jr., of Palacios; daughter, Penny (Russell) Bloom of Blessing; son, Kenneth Johs of Blessing; sisters, Wilma Vavra of El Maton, Frances Dusek of East Bernard and Margaret Fehmel of Bay City. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Joe Johs III (Jet) ; sisters, Emily Herin, Geraldean Strelec, Patsy Scott, Anne Mae Huerta and Louise Bohing; brothers, Benny, Johnny and Edward Swinky. Visitation will begin Friday, November 17, 2017 at 5pm with a rosary to be recited at 7pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing. Funeral mass to be celebrated Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10am at the church. Burial to follow at Deutschburg Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alton Vavra, Mike Mondrick, Marvin Hurta, Robert Johs, Eddie McCauley and Jerome Hick. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lupe Nevarez and Doug Kubecka. Under the direction of Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home in Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home, Port Lavaca, Texas
 

Pauline Kopnicky

Mrs. Pauline Kopnicky, age 70 years, 1 month and 6 days, passed away at the family home in Deutschburg, Friday, February 20, 1942. She is survived by the two sons, Lewis and Stanley Kopnicky, of Deutschburg, and other children who live in Cleveland, Ohio.

Funeral services were held Monday at 11 a. m. in the Blessing Catholic Church, and burial was made in the Deutschburg cemetery with the Palacios Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Palacios Beacon, February 26, 1942
 

Services Held Sunday For Drowning Victim, Bruce Erwin Kubecka

Funeral services for Bruce Erwin Kubecka, 18-month-old drowning victim, were held Sunday afternoon at the Deutschburg School House.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Kubecka of the Star Route, he was accidently drowned last Friday morning at about 9:30 in a water trough.

Funeral services were conducted by the Reverends M. S. Frueh and Wesley N. Schulze.

Survivors include the parents and five brothers, Dick, Don, Dan, Douglas and Billie Kubecka. Burial was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Palacios Beacon, June 28, 1951
 

Martha Marie Gerhard Kubecka, 84, of Palacios died Friday, October 8, 2004.

She was born August 10, 1920, in the Deutschburg Community to the late Paul and Anna Gerhard. She graduated from Palacios High School in 1937 as salutatorian. She then attended Texas Women's University and received her teaching certificate. She was teaching school in the Cordele community when she met her husband, Oswald Kubecka.

They made their home in the Deutschburg Community for 63 years where they farmed and ranched. A dedicated homemaker, businesswoman, and member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, she was extremely active in her church and her community. She took extreme pride in her sons, their wives, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their accomplishments were her accomplishments.

Martha was a member of the Jackson Extension Education Association for 63 years, having held all offices at both the county and local levels during her membership. She served as District Director of the organization in 1984 and was named Outstanding Club Member in 1988. She was a member of Alapha Club for 40 years. During this time she held all offices in the organization and was named as their first honorary member. In 1979, Texas A&M University honored Martha and Oswald as Aggie Parents of the Year. In addition to their honor from the university, she was also a founding member of the Matagorda County A&M Mother's Club.

In the community, the Palacios Chamber of Commerce named Martha as Woman of the Year in 1978, the second person to receive this honor. Martha and her husband were among the originators of the Round Up 4-H Club in the Deutschburg community and were active members of the Deutschburg Community Club. She served as Chairman of the Deutschburg Community Seafood Supper for numerous years. Martha had been honored as a past FFA Sweetheart, an Outstanding Adult Leader for Matagorda County 4-H and as a Friend of 4-H in Matagorda County. She was an avid supporter of the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Association. In 2000, Martha and her husband were honored as the Matagorda County Outstanding Cattleman of the Year and received Recognition of Leadership and Service to the Rice Industry of Jackson County in 2001. She and Oswald danced many miles both socially and as members of Mustang Squares.

She is survived by: her husband, Oswald R. Kubecka Sr. of Palacios; her sons, O. R."Dick" Kubecka Jr. and wife Shirley of Palacios, Don Kubecka and wife Shirley of Seminole, Dan Kubecka and wife Wanda of Edna, Douglas Kubecka and wife Jody of Palacios, Bill Kubecka and wife Maxine of Palacios, Ronnie Kubecka and wife Carolyn of Palacios, Gerald Kubecka and wife Jackie of Edna, Gene Kubecka and wife Nancy of Bay City, Dean Kubecka and wife Barbara of Palacios, Erwin Kubecka and wife Cathy of Bay City, and James Kubecka and wife Debbie of Palacios, as well as 31 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Martha was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Erwin Kubecka; and her parents, Paul J. and Anna Eloge Gerhard.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with the Rev. Ray Wells, the Rev. Charlie Parker, and the Rev. Zeke Zirkel officiating. Burial followed at the Deutschburg Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her grandsons: Paul Kubecka, Pete Kubecka, Mark Kubecka, Michael Kubecka, Ryan Kubecka, Dane Kubecka, Robbie Kubecka, Steven Kubecka, Wade Kubecka, Christopher Kubecka, Daniel Kubecka, and Rusty Kubecka. Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters.

The family is requesting memorial donations to First United Methodist Church of Palacios, the Deutschburg Community Cemetery Fund, the Palacios Library, or Hospice.

Arrangements were by Palacios Funeral Home 361-972-2012.

Bay City Tribune, October 13, 2004
 

Oswald Richard Kubecka, Sr.
(May 25, 1920 - December 20, 2006)

Oswald Richard Kubecka, Sr. was born on May 25, 1920, in Breslau, near Hallettsville, to the late Pete F. and Frances Kubecka.

He passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, at the age of 86, in his home near Palacios.

Oswald was an avid outdoorsman, a steward of the land and a generous volunteer in his community. He had great pride in his family and was a devout supporter of all of their activities and endeavors.

After attending Edna High School Oswald was helping on his family's farm near Cordele when he met Martha Marie Gerhard. Many dances and horseback rides later they married and moved to the Deutschburg area to begin farming, ranching and raising their twelve sons. He and Martha were active members of the Deutschburg Community Club their entire lives and helped found the Deutschburg March of Dimes Seafood Supper.  They were also among the originators of the Round-up 4-H Club and were later recognized as Outstanding 4-H Adult Leaders in Matagorda County and received the Friend of 4-H Award.  The FFA chapter in Palacios also honored Oswald as an Honorary Chapter Farmer.  He attended the International Farm Forum in Chicago in 1975 and was featured in their magazine as well as Successful Farming. These articles highlighted Oswald's firm belief in his family and the importance of his work ethic.   In 1979, Texas A&M University recognized the Kubeckas as "Aggie Parents of the Year."  In Palacios, Oswald served on the school board and was honored as the "1983 Farmer of the Year" by the Palacios Chamber of Commerce.  He also served as a director for the Farmer's Home Administration.  Oswald and Martha were regular supporters of the Matagorda County Fair Association.  He was a long time member of Matagorda County Cattleman's Association and was recognized as the county's "Outstanding Cattleman in 2000."   In 2001, he received an award for Recognition of Leadership and Service to the Rice Industry of Jackson County.  The Kubeckas danced many miles both socially and as members of Mustang Squares.

Oswald is survived by his eleven sons, O.R. "Dick" Kubecka, Jr. and wife Shirley of Palacios, Don Kubecka and wife Shirley of Seminole, Dan Kubecka and wife Wanda of Edna, Douglas Kubecka and wife Jody of Palacios, Bill Kubecka and wife Maxine of Palacios, Ronnie Kubecka and wife Carolyn of Palacios, Gerald Kubecka and wife Jackie of Edna, Gene Kubecka and wife Nancy of Bay City, Dean Kubecka of Palacios, Erwin Kubecka and wife Cathy of Bay City, and James Kubecka and wife Debbie of Palacios, as well as 31 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Florence Braden of San Diego, California, Sybil Ruyle of Fort Worth, Dagmar Filip of Houston, Erlene Zavadil of Gonzales, and his brother Pete Kubecka of Edna.

Oswald was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Martha Marie Gerhard Kubecka, his son Bruce Erwin Kubecka, his sister Iola Tylich, brother Leo Kubecka, and his parents Pete F. and Frances Kubecka.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21st at Palacios Funeral Home from 6 to 8pm. Oswald's funeral will be held on Friday, December 22nd at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios at 2 pm. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at the Deutschburg Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deutschburg Community Center, Hospice Support Care, the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, or a charity of the donor's choice

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Guadalupe Nevarez Sr.

PALACIOS -- Guadalupe Nevarez Sr., 68, of Deutschburg Community, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999.

He was born Aug. 24, 1931, in Falfurrias, to the late Geromino and Manuela DeLeon Nevarez. He was retired from Alcoa and was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Survivors: wife, Victoria Nevarez; daughters, Yolanda Muniz of Katy and Lupita Yzaguirre of The Woodlands; son, Lupe Nevarez Jr., of Palacios; sisters, Emily Gutierrez of Elsa, Luz Elia Smith of Culver City, Calif., and Luisa Seanz of Pinedale, Calif.; brothers, Geromino Nevarez Jr., of Pinehurst and Joe Garza of Simi Valley, Calif.; and seven grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: son, Rudolfo Nevarez.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday at Palacios Funeral Home.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating.

Burial will be at Deutschburg Cemetery. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, (361) 972-2012

Victoria Advocate, November 18, 1999
 

Leonardo Pena Nevarez

Funeral services for Leonardo Pena Nevarez, 83, were held Jan. 30 at 10 a. m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Rev. Gerard Cernoch officiating. Interment followed at Deutschburg Cemetery. A rosary was recited Jan. 29 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel.

Nevarez, a resident of Palacios since 1947, was born Nov. 7, 1904 in Zapata and died Jan. 27, 1988 at Wagner General Hospital.

Survivors include his wife, Matiana Nevarez of Palacios; daughters, Leonor Garcia, Leonaides Garcia and Linda Escobeda, all of Palacios; sons, Wally Nevarez, Leonardo Nevarez, Jr., Leondro Nevarez, and Leo Nevarez, all of Port Lavaca, and Leonel Nevarez of Palacios; sister, Jovita Martinez Nevarez of Edcouch; 34 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Palacios Beacon, February 3, 1988
 

Matiana Nevarez

PALACIOS -- Matiana Nevarez, 94, of Palacios, died Monday, March 29, 1999.

She was born Sept. 7, 1904 in Realitos to the late Camillo and Luzgarda Gonzales. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and a homemaker.

Survivors: daughters, Linda Escubedo, Leonides Garcia and Leonora Garcia, all of Palacios; sons, Leo Nevarez of North Carolina, Leon Nevarez, Leonardo Nevarez, both of Port Lavaca, Leonel Nevarez of Palacios and Wally Nevarez of Bay City; sister, Emma Garcia; brothers, Delfina Gonzales and Ernesto Gonzales; 42 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at Palacios Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Rev. Charles Dwomoh.

Burial will be at Deutschburg Cemetery. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 972-2012.

Victoria Advocate, March 30, 1999
 

Rodolfo Nevarez

The body of Rodolfo Nevarez, missing since early Monday morning, January 7, was found floating in Reed's Creek Wednesday night about 75 yards south of where officers had discovered his 1980 Ford pickup earlier submerged under the creek bridge on Hamlin Road.

DPS reports theorize Nevarez was driving north on Hamlin Road early Monday morning when he lost control of his vehicle and ran off the bridge into the creek.

Rosary for Rodolfo Nevarez was recited at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel at 8 p. m. Thursday, January 10.

Funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Friday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. Brian Crookes officiating. Interment was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Born July 13, 1952, in Elsa, Texas, a son of Guadalupe and Victoria Salinas Nevaez, he had been a life long resident of Palacios. A former barber, he had been a labor foreman for Brown & Root at the South Texas Project for the past 2 1/2 years.

He is survived by his parents of Palacios; two sisters, Ramona Ylonda Muniz of Houston and Juanita Lupita Nevarez of Palacios and one brother, Guadalupe Nevarez, Jr., of Palacios, paternal grandmother, Mrs. Manuela de Leon of Los Angeles, Calif. and paternal grandfather, Geronimo Nevarez of Palacios.

Palacios Beacon, January 17, 1980
 

Alvin George Rampmeier

PALACIOS--Alvin George Rampmeier, 67-year-old rancher in the Deutschburg area, died Tuesday in a Palacios hospital. A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Mr. Rampmeier had lived in Deutschburg for 55 years.

He was born Aug. 13, 1908, in Minneapolis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Friday at Palacios Funeral Home with the Rev. Leslie Webb of Palacios Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Deutschburg Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Rubye Neuszer Rampmeier; two daughters, Norma J. and Janice C. Rampmeier of Deutschburg; two sons, Kenneth of Charleston, W. Va., and Al Rampmeier of Waco; two brothers, Herman E. of Rio Rancho, N. M., and Hans E. Rampmeier of Portland, Ore.; and five grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, March 11, 1976
 

Funeral Services Held Tuesday P. M. For John Rampmeier, 89

Funeral services for John Rampmeier were held at the Palacios Funeral Home, Tuesday, February 7, at 2 p. m. with the Pastor Keith Palmquist officiating. Interment was in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

He was born January 12, 1872 in Schluchtern, Baden, Germany, and died Sunday, February 5, 1961, in the Colonial Rest Home in Schulenburg, Texas.

On April 11, 1904, he came to the United States, settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he worked in a brewery until 1920. He came to Deutschburg in 1913 and bought land and aon September 24, 1920 moved to this community to make his home. Farming was his occupation until his retirement a few years ago.

A member of the Lutheran Church, Mr. Rampmeier was a trustee of the Deutschburg school for several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Johanna Tritt and his daughter, Lena.

Survivors include three sons, Herman of St. Paul, Minnesota; Hans of Portland, Oregon and Alvin of Deutschburg.

Palacios Beacon, February 9, 1961
 

Rubye Neuszer Rampmeier

PALACIOS -- Rubye Neuszer Rampmeier, 91, of Palacios, Deutschburg Community, died Monday, March 20, 2000.

She was born March 1, 1909, in DeWitt County, to the late John and Catherine Hester Neuszer. She was a retired rancher and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Palacios. She was a former member of Deutschburg Community Club and Home Demonstration Club.

Survivors: daughters, Norma Rampmeier and Janice Rampmeier, both of Deutschburg; sons, Ken Rampmeier of High Point, N.C., and AL Rampmeier of Bryan; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Alvin George Rampmeier; parents; brothers, L.P. Neuszer and W.R. Neuszer.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Palacios Funeral Home chapel, the Revs. Andy and Janell Blair officiating.

Burial will be at Deutschburg Cemetery. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, (361) 972-2012.

Memorials: Palacios Special Olympics, Carolyn LaQue, 504 Welch, Palacios, 77465 or Deutschburg Cemetery Association.

Victoria Advocate, March 22, 2000
 

Mrs. Rosa Schliesser

Friends of the Deutschburg community were shocked when news came Monday morning that Mrs. Rosa Schliesser had suddenly passed away at Bayview General Hospital in Palacios that morning at 6:00 o'clock. She had been in failing health for quite some time, but her sudden death was unexpected.

Rosa Schmidt Schliesser was born in Johnson, Nebraska, on February 21, 1904, and died at the age of 44 years, 7 months, and 23 days.

In 1912, she, with her parents, brothers and sisters, moved to the Deutschburg community, where she had lived the greater part of her life. In November, 1922, she was united in marriage to Mr. Samuel Schliesser, who preceded her in death. Also, her mother passed away on November 11, 1934; two sisters, Mary at infancy, and Emma in 1920, and a brother, Frederick, Jr., lost his life aboard a ship during World War II.

Rosa was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, and for the past several years had been a valued member of the Deutschburg Home Demonstration Club.

Before she entered the hospital, she had lived with her father and brother, Harry, and had made a house "home" for them. She will be greatly missed by many, but especially by those two.

Rosa Schleisser is survived by her father, Frederick Schmidt, Sr.; six brothers, Otto and Paul of Lincoln, Nebraska; Carl and Herman of Hood River, Oregon; Renimer [Remmer] of San Antono, and Harry of Deutschburg; and one sister, Selma, of San Antonio.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto Schmidt and Paul Schmidt of Lincoln, Nebraska, were here for the funeral services which were held at the Deutschburg school house on Wednesday, October 21, 1918, at 3:30 p. m. Services were conducted by Rev. M. S. Frueh of the Lutheran Church of Ganado. Interment was made in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

To the bereaved family, the entire community extends its heartfrlt sympathy.

A FRIEND

Palacios Beacon, October 28, 1949
 

Deidrich Schmidt

On last Thursday, April 23, 1942, occurred the death of Deidrich “Dick” Schmidt, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ed Day at Blessing, Texas.

Mr. Schmidt was born in the year of 1872, at Bockhop, Germany. In 1900 he came to the United States and located his family in Nebraska, where his wife died in 1910. In 1913 when the Deutschburg community was being settled by a colony from Nebraska, Mr. Schmidt and his eight children moved to a farm there and made it their home for a number of years. He then went to Hood River, Oregon, where he lived for a time, returning to Texas a few years ago to make his home. He was the father of eight children, all of whom survive. The son, Frederick Schmidt, lives at Hood River, Oregon, as do three of the daughters, Mrs. Karl Schmidt, Miss Dora Schmidt and Mrs. Margaret Schroeder. Mrs. James Hoag lives at Scapoose, Oregon, Mrs. Clyde Cavallin, Palacios, Mrs. Merl Dillard, Deutschburg and Mrs. Ed Day, Blessing.

Funeral services were held Saturday April 25, at 10:30 a. m., conducted by Rev. M. S. Frueh, pastor of the Ganado Lutheran church and interment made in the Deutschburg cemetery with Taylor Brothers, of Bay City in charge.

Palacios Beacon, April 30, 1942
 

F. H. "Harry" Schmidt
[H. J. "Harry" Schmidt]

Funeral services for F. H. "Harry" Schmidt, 78, were held Oct. 1 at 10 a. m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Boykin officiating. Interment followed at Deutschburg Cemetery.

Schmidt, a retired farmer, was the son of Frederick and Augusta Schmidt. He was born Jan. 30, 1906 in Nebraska and died Sept. 26, 1984 at his residence. He  had lived in the city for 75 years.

Survivors include three nieces, Irma Jean Shemek of Lincoln, NE, Doris Utrich of California and Linda Schmidt of Oregon; two nephews, Marvin Schmidt of Houston and Carl Schmidt of Oregon; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Herman Schmidt McKowan and Mrs. Otto Schmidt Blanchard of Nebraska; 14 great nieces and nephews and five great great nieces and nephews.

Palacios Beacon, October 3, 1984
 

Selma S. Schmidt

Graveside services for Selma A. Schmidt of Houston, formerly of Deutschburg, will be held at 4 p. m. Wednesday, October 31, in the Deutschburg Cemetery with the Rev. Barry Bauerschlag officiating.

Born April 25, 1911 in Johnson, Nebraska, she died Monday, October 29 in the V. A. Hospital in Houston. She was a veteran of World War II having served in the W. A. C. s and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

She is survived by two brothers, Harry Schmidt and Remmer Schmidt of Palacios and numerous nieces and nephews.

Palacios Beacon, November 1, 1979
 

Death of Pioneer Resident of Deutschburg - Maria Schutte

The many friends of Mrs. Henry Schutte were grieved when word came that she had passed away Monday, February 16, at 11:35 a. m. "Grandma," as she was called by many, was 90 years, 3 months and 5 days old when she was called, and she had been ill for the past three months, so her death was not unexpected.

Mrs. Schutte was born November 11, 1857, in Borstel, Nienburg, Germany. She was the oldest of a family of seven, and all but one brother, preceded her in death. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and she remained a faithful member.

On July 15, 1885, she was united in marriage to Mr. Henry Schutte, who preceded her in death exactly 28 years to the day. To this union one son was born, who died at the age of 19 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Schutte and small son came to America in 1892, and settled in the vicinity of Nebraska City, Nebraska. They lived there until 1913 when they moved to the Deutschburg community, Jackson County, Texas. They were among the first settlers of the community and she continued to live there until her death.

Mrs. Schutte reared Mrs. Paul Gerhard of Palacios, whose mother, a sister of Mrs. Schutte, died when she was eleven months old; and Mrs. Murel Dillard of the Deutschburg community, a brother's child, whose mother died when she was 13 days old. She brought these two up as her own children, and to them she was mother.

Besides Mrs. Gerhard and Mrs. Dillard she is survived by a brother, Henry, who resided in Germany, and a host of other relatives.

A large group of friends came to pay their final respects to "Grandma" when Rev. M. S. Frueh conducted funeral services at the Deutschburg school house Wednesday, February 18, at 4:00 p. m., and she was laid to rest in the Deutschburg Cemetery.

The pallbearers were: Messrs. Willie Neuszer, V. J. Brocker, Alvin Rampmeier, Joe Johs, Henry Bentz and Will Thomas.--Contributed

Edna Weekly Herald, February 26, 1948
 

PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Anna Margaret Gerhard Sells was born May 29, 1929 to Paul and Anna Gerhard. She married Norval D. Sells on March 27, 1948. Until the summer of 2006, Anna lived in the Palacios area. In August 2006, Anna moved to Tomball and was a resident at The Heritage. Anna passed away on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007.

Anna lived most of her life in the Palacios area. She was a member of Palacios Methodist United Church. She was a member and past officer of the Deutschburg TEEA Club and a past officer in the Jackson County Extension organization. She was a member of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and Mid-Coast Santa Gertrudis Association. She was active in the Junior Associations of these organizations and was recognized as an Honorary Jr. Member. She was a past director and then selected as an honorary director of the Calhoun County Fair Association. She was a member of the Calhoun County Livestock committee; serving as superintendent of the livestock breeding committee. Because of her active involvement with youth, she was selected as an honorary member to the Louise and Port Lavaca FFA chapters and the Texas State FFA organization. Anna was a member and past president of the Alapha Club in Palacios. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Waller Chapter, and past Worthy Matron of the Edna Chapter.

Preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Norval Sells; parents Paul & Anna Gerhard; and sisters Martha Kubecka and Bertha Stewart.

Survived by her children Norval D. Sells, Jr. and wife Sandy of Bryan, Robbie and Deborah Sells of College Station, Theresa & Mike Miller of Waller, and Marilyn and Gary Rollings of Waller; grandchildren – Jamie and Kristin Sells, Jason Sells, Kerri and Brian Moore, David Sells, James Sells, Krista and Bryan Olson, Brian and Stephanie Rollings and Brett Rollings; great-grandchildren Cody Sells and Kinsey and Ashley Moore; brother Paul Gerhard and sisters Emma Williams, Adele Mutchler, and Irene LaCroix and many nephews, nieces, and relatives.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 at the Palacios Methodist church. Services will be held at the Palacios Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, with Dr. Rodney Bowman officiating.

Burial will follow at the Deutschburg Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Gene Kubecka, Ray Greaves, Ronnie Sells, Glen Mutchler, Mark Kubecka, and Bud Bates. Services under the direction of Canon Funeral Home, Waller, 936-372-3683.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palacios United Methodist Church 3rd & Lucas, Palacios, TX 77465; Mid Coast Santa Gertrudis Association to the Norval Sells Scholarship Fund, 4610 St. Andrews Drive, Baytown, TX 77521, Lighthouse Hospice, 14011 Park Drive, Tomball, TX 77377, or to the Deutschburg Cemetery 4597 FM 1862 Palacios, TX 77465.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on January 3, 2007
 

Norval D. Sells Sr.

Funeral services for Norval D. Sells Sr., 68, of Olivia, are scheduled for 2 p. m. today at First United Methodist Church in Palacios with the Rev. Ralph Smith and Dr. Rodney Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in Deutschburg Community Cemetery in Deutschburg.

Mr. Sells was born Feb. 10, 1926, to Monroe and Beatrice Sells of Olivia and died June 8, 1994, in San Antonio.

A graduate of Palacios High School, he was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Air Force. He was a former member, lay leader and choir director of First United Methodist Church of Hempstead. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Palacios, a member of Masonic Lodge #767 of Edna, a member and past director of Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, a member, past director and officer of Mid-Coast Santa Gertrudis Association, the past president and director of Calhoun County Cattleman's Association, director of the Calhoun Fair Association. He was a recipient of State FFA Honorary Degree and recipient of outstanding leadership and devoted service to Calhoun Soil and Conservation District. He was named honorary member of the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Association and worked extensively with youth and agriculture.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Anna Gerhard Sells of Olivia; two sons and daughters-in-law, Norval Jr. and Sandy Sells of Bryan and Robbie and Deborah Sells of College Station; two daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Mike Miller of Waller and Marilyn and Gary Rollings of Waller; eight grandchildren, Jamie and Jason Sells, Kerri, James and David Sells, Krista Miller, Brian and Brett Rollings; three sisters, and brothers-in-law, Olive Wrenn of Port Lavaca, Libby and Merle Ramsey of Palacios, Katie Gene and Emmott Chiles of Bayou La Batre, Ala.; a brother an sister-in-law, Harold and Patsy Sells of Palacios and Grace Sells of Port Lavaca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Beatrice Sells and a brother, Monroe Sells Jr.

Pallbearers include his nephews, Dick, Bill, Ronnie and Gene Kubecka, Ronnie Sells and Glenn Mutchler.

Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, John Carleston, Carl Critendon and Mike Pfeifer.

Memorials may be made to Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Youth Endowment Fund in Kingsville; First United Methodist Church in Palacios or the Deutschburg Community Cemetery Association in Deutschburg.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Palacios.

Daily Tribune, June 9, 1994
 

Bertha Augusta Stewart
(July 29, 1926 - November 15, 2006)

Bertha Augusta Stewart, 80 of Palacios died Wednesday, November 15,2006 in Bay City. She was born July 29, 1926 in Palacios, Texas to the late Paul J. Gerhard, Sr. And Anna Marie Eloge Gerhard. She was a chartered member of the Alapha Club, member of the Lioness Club, President of the PTA, member of Home Demonstration Club, and a member of the United Methodist Church of Palacios.

She is survived by her husband Frank Stewart of Palacios, Son Scott Stewart and his wife Mona Stewart of El Maton. Daughter Brenda Sliva and her husband John of Blessing. Sisters, Emma Williams of Spring, TX, Adele Mutchler of Alvin, TX., Anna Sells of Tomball, TX., Irene LeCroix of Gardena, CA. Brother, Paul J. Gerhard. Jr. of Edna, TX. Grandchildren, Jamie Sliva, Lisa Sliva, John A. Sliva, Jeff and his wife Terry Stewart, Mandi Stewart, and Brandon Sliva. Great grandchildren, Jenna Langhorne, Sterling Sliva, Lauren Jones, Mason Taylor, and Kendal Greene. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Martha Kubecka.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, November 17, 2006 at Palacios Funeral Home with Dr. Darel Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Deutschburg Cemetery. Pallbearers include Dicky Kubecka, Tommy Beard, Charles Peterson, Johnny Thompson, and grandson, Jeff Stewart and Brandon Sliva. The family will receive visitors at Palacios Funeral Home, Thursday, November 16, 2006 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Frank James Stewart
(September 8, 1923 - August 28, 2014)