Carole Hemke Mahnke

Mom,
I still think of you every single day. It is hard to believe it has been 5 years now.

I know you can see that our lives have gone on. You have 2 more grandchildren now, my precious twins (Chase and Taylor). I know we bring a smile to your face when you see how amazing they are. They remind me so much of you and Dad.

I am still so very sad, but I get up each day and keep going. When we travel I think of you, when I see a cardinal I think of you and when I look to the heavens I think of you. I know we will meet again one day since I know where you are is just amazing. But I still wish you were here with us.

You were beautiful inside and out and taught me how to laugh and live life. Ok, so no more tears for now....

Love always,
Your Deaner (Darlene)

To the Mahnke Family:

It has taken me a while to sit down to write this. It was such a shock when we read it in the newspaper. Robert worked with your Dad at SBC when your parents first moved to Brenham. We also knew your family by being at Grace with you all. After your parents moved, we found out that we had all gone on to become members of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries by being on the council together. We enjoyed seeing your parents at the gatherings in La Grange at Camp Lone Star. We have not been able to go to the "Lone Star Weekends" for the past few years due to other committments, so we had not seen your parents in a while. As I drove by their gravesites, I could not help but think that they are helping to prepare a party for all of us when we see them in Heaven.

Our prayer for you the family is that God will be with you and help you with this great loss here on earth.

Dear Doreen and Family,
I, too was shocked to hear about what happened to your parents from my sister, Diane. I'm so sorry for your extremely deep loss.
I remember (way back when) your family to be such a kind, loving, and caring one. And I can see from reading the other condolences that it still remains true today.
Hold on to your faith and be strong in the Lord because no one can ever take that away from you.
You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Lois (Bock) Capek

Dear Denise, Darleen, Doreen and Mike and their families:

It has been quite a few years since we have all been together. After my parents called to tell me the sudden calling of your parent's to their eternal home, my mom(Donna Adrian) shared stories of all of us growing up. You guys came up to our family cottage many times in Eagle River, WI. There was one night we got in a lot of trouble because Mike was sleeping and we were all suppose to be quiet (and of course we weren't). We weren't the only ones up there though, the Pede and Roth families were also up there. Mom also told me of lots of "parent" card parties and nights of playing volleyball at St. Jacobi.

I am sure your hearts will always have a hole that is being filled with memories of your parents. Their traveling days are over, they are now in their final destination. OUr prayers and thoughts go out to each of you.

Pam Hunt, for the Jerry and Dona Adrian family

Dear Carole,

Thank you for being a wonderful Christian wife to my brother. Thanks for raising four beautiful Christian children.

You made great meals, washed clothes, cleaned house, drove the children wherever they needed to be. Thank you for showing Christ’s love in your life. Your Christian faith shone through with kindness and caring for others. You loved your family, sacrificed and did everything for them so they could be happy and healthy. You showed Christ’s love in bedtime prayers and bible stories. You showed this love by bringing them to church and Sunday school, even though at times it was screaming and kicking. You took the time to make them listen and behave. WHY? because you loved them, because you wanted them to have that which is most important, FAITH in our Lord and Savior. You loved being with your children and grandchildren on this earth. But you and Dave made very sure your children would be with you in heaven.

I know your biggest heartache would be, seeing your children sad and hurting. You prepared them well. The Christian training they received taught them the joy you and Dave now have, and we will receive on the last day of our life, when we will be with God and reunited with our loved ones. May the faith that began in their hearts as children, remain in them forever.

We will all miss you and Dave, but with time, we will be rejoicing that you are at home, save with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Love,

Judy & Don

My Sweet Auntie Carole My Sister My Friend: It is so hard that not only did my Big Brother leave us but not you too! You always called me almost instinctively when I needed you. You always were here to help me cook, clean, weed, feed the birds, help with my dogs. You always walked in the door with bags from the grocery store right after getting off the plane. You brought me recipes, you brought me presents, your love, your hugs, your kisses and your smarty pants attitude. Who is going to help me play pranks on people? Your words "Auntie Kay what can I do, I can't just sit here". I never worried when I had 50 or 100 people here because you were here to help. You knew where every pot and pan was. We had so much fun together I can't imagine life without you. Everytime I look at the bed you and Dave slept in I keep thinking I'm going to see you. I keep waiting for you two to walk in the door because we need you. I keep wanting to pick up the phone and call you. You will so very much be missed by me and Uncle Pat, my kids and grandkids, Uncle Pete and Auntie Rhonda. I know how much Dave needed you and you him. My solice is that you two are together in heaven with many who loves you. The only problem is that I'm being selfish I love you and want you. Dave took a piece of my heart as you did. Please put them together and hang on to them for I will see you both again. Thank you for the Cardinals they are beautiful, and for the call you gave me before you left. I know that you two are truely home and happy it's just that my heart is breaking. I so love you and miss you and will desperately try to do as much as I can for the girls and Mike, I promise. I asked Dave for a dream with hugs and kisses please come with him in that dream. Until then all of our stories are getting me through. Wait for me I'll be there some day. All my Love Auntie Kay

Denise and Joel,

My prayers are with you and your family. May the dear Lord bless you, comfort you and give strength.

Love,
Irene and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS.

Darleen & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We both understand your pain and grief that you are going through. Please remember that your mom is up in heaven watching over you and always. If you ever need anything, we are there for you.
Love,
Tammi and Brooks Birkhimer