Darla Dean Vesper

Darla Dean Vesper, age 91, passed away Monday July 31, 2023 at her home, with family by her side.

Darla was born July 8, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Wilbert George and Velma Marie (Hawkins) Pujol. She was the oldest and only daughter of three children. Darla was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Darla was a cheerleader and graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended college as an art and music major, until she met the love of her life W.H. “Bill” Vesper underneath the mistletoe. They were married March 14, 1952 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellisville, Missouri.

Their first home was in Hampton, Virginia in Air Force housing. Following Bill’s desire to end a military career, they returned to Missouri.

Darla became a homemaker: gardening and canning its harvest, keeping a clean and well organized home. She was often seen journaling and scrapbooking at the kitchen table. She prepared lunches for her family each morning, placing them in brown paper bags. The evening meal was wonderfully home cooked with a fresh pie, cake or cookies for dessert. Bill had to get home from work before eating. When all were gathered, the family bowed their heads and gave thanks to the Lord.

She loved to play the piano and accordion. She could be heard singing and whistling while she did her housework. Darla and Bill loved to dance, watch the St. Louis Cardinals, make wine, and travel abroad.

Darla was a good neighbor, always sharing all kinds of goodies. She loved to entertain. Each party had a theme and her Teddy Bears would be dressed for the occasion.

Darla enjoyed life, making special memories with each grandchild. She especially liked to paint and do arts and crafts with each one of them. She volunteered at Brenham Elementary School, helping children gain confidence with reading.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; godmother Cynthia Corless; twin siblings, Billie Joe and Jackie Lee Pujol; and son-in-law, Billy Ray Winkelmann.

Surviving loving family includes: daughter, Karen Winkelmann; son, Keith Vesper; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael “Mike” Dudich, Rylie, Zoey, Christy and Christina Bosley; Katie “Mouse” and Kyle Yates , Kalvin, Karter; step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shannon and Trey Meyer, Kayegan, Shane and Gabriel Correa, Henry, Adam, Allie.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 4th from 3pm to 4pm with a funeral services to follow at 4pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Darla will be laid to rest peacefully at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ellisville, Missouri.

Honorary pallbearers are: Ronnie Boecker, Michael Dudich, Larry Koehler; nephews Johnnie Pujol, Timothy Pujol, Michael Pujol, Scottie Pujol, Steven Vesper, Jimmy Vesper and Scott Vesper.

Darla’s family would like to send a special thank you for all the loving care given to our wife and mom: Julie Gaskamp, Angela Gentry, Laura Chambers, Doris Lott, Rose Bennett, Darlene Curry, Roslyn Hearne, Lily Web, Quinteria Sweed, Barbara Wilson, April White, Tierra McBride, Jaquel London, Kellie Fitch and Amedisys Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wiedeville.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share tributes at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.