Emil Kiel

Emil Gustav Kiel, 87, of Washington passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2010 in Grimes St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center.

Emil Gustav Kiel was born on December 4, 1922 in Deanville, Texas, the son of August and Christina (Dworsky) Kiel. He was baptized Dec. 25, 1922 by a pastor that traveled from town to town. He was confirmed April 17, 1938 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Deanville by Rev. H.T. Flachmeier.

Emil attended school in Deanville until the 9th grade, when he was needed to work on the family farm. In December 1945, he was drafted into military. In January 1946, he reenlisted serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force until February 1949. It was in the military that he continued to further his education. He greatly appreciated the education and experiences he had as he traveled to Canada, Hawaii, Montana, and Kwajalein/ Pacific Islands.

After being introduced by a mutual friend, Emil began corresponding with EddieLow Lohmeyer while he was in the military. They were united in marriage May 28, 1950 at Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Washington by Rev. Paul Piepenbrock.

Emil farmed and ranched on the family farm. He worked as an auto mechanic at Ollie Miller Chevrolet. Emil was also employed at Brenham ISD as a bus driver and later as a maintenance worker from 1969 until his retirement August 1985. There was always variety in working for BISD and he enjoyed helping teachers and school staff.

He was committed to his wife of over 59 years, EddieLow, and cherished time spent with his children and grandsons. He loved teaching and playing with his grandsons. Fishing, especially in the Brazos River, was his favorite passion. Other pastimes included woodworking, sports and accepting the challenge to fix anything.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; parents-in-law, Willie and Esther Lohmeyer, brothers, Melvin Keil, Elvin Kiel, Leedel Kiel; brothers-in-law, Johnnie Stefka and Leslie Lohmeyer.

He is survived by: his wife, EddieLow Kiel; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Terry Humphreys of Garland, LaBeth and Robert Snyder of Katy, Sue and Dale Schwartz of Burton; grandsons, Kielan Snyder, Allen Schwartz; sister, Shirley Stefka of Caldwell; brother, Glenn Kiel and wife Pat of Anaheim, CA; sister-in-law, Margie Keil of Waco; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, February 26th from 6-8 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral service will be Saturday, February 27th at 2 p.m. in Friedens Church of Washington UCC with Rev. Dr. George Klett and Rev. Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kielan Snyder, Donald Keil, Ken Keil, Stuart Keil, John Stefka, Mark Stefka, Marion Busa, Don Hinze, and honorary pallbearer Allen Schwartz.

Memorials may be given to Friedens Church of Washington UCC, P.O. Box 306, Washington, TX 77880 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284-1125

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