Edwin (Zeke) Zieschang

Edwin “Zeke” Zieschang, 78, died Thursday, November 25, 2010 at Scott and White Hospital in Brenham, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Zieschang was born on February 12, 1932 in Taylor, Texas to Edwin and Lina Zieschang. He had one sister, Margaret. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church of Noack, Texas.

Throughout his life, he was a member and leader of organizations devoted to agriculture, including Future Farmers of America and the Young Farmers. In 1948 he received the Lone Star Farmer Degree at the state convention of the Future Farmers. In 1949 he showed the Champion Angus Steer at the Houston Fat Stock Show. Mr. Zieschang graduated with a Bachelor of Science in animal husbandry from Texas A&M University in 1953. After graduating, he served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, and was stationed for 18 months in Germany with an artillery unit.

After serving his country, he returned to the United States and on March 2, 1957 married Lenora Kobs of Brenham, Texas. Mr. Zieschang was a farmer and rancher in the Thrall, Bartlett and Chappell Hill, Texas areas. He chose agriculture for a livelihood simply because he liked farming/ranching. The vocation presented many significant opportunities. One of “Zeke’s” most noteworthy contributions to his profession was the development of an automatic hay loader that was patented by the U.S. Patent Office in 1970.

He and his wife, Lenora, enjoyed numerous summer trips to the Pacific Northwest, including such areas as California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. The highlights of many of these journeys included visits to America’s national parks and also his favorite spot in Ouray, Colorado.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastors Lawrence Bade and Phil Fenton officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim McCarn, Keith McCarn, Carl McCarn, Nelson Kobs, Jonathon Wells, Joseph Wells, Phillip Lehmann, Mike Whittaker, John Murphy, Rick Robinson, Ron Mills, Don Chandler, Jerry Stratton and Don Silvey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Zieschang is survived by his wife, Lenora (Mrs. Z) of Brenham, Texas; two daughters, Gail Chester and husband Timothy of Westlake Village, California, and Jill Martin and husband Brad of The Woodlands, Texas; a sister, Margaret McCarn and husband J.C. of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Duane and Amy Whittaker, Luke and Lindsey Martin and special family friend, Cathy Fritz. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews along with his friends from the Texas A&M Class of 1953 “A” AAA Battery Unit.

Memorials may be given to Hospice, Brenham or St. Paul’s Christian Day School.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com