Erwin E. (Skipper) Ganske

Erwin “Skipper” Ganske, 91, of Brenham passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012 at his residence.

He was born April 24, 1921 to parents Theodore and Martha (Hardan) Ganske in the Zionsville Community and attended Hohenwalde School.

Erwin served two years in the Brenham Calvary prior to being drafted. He served the U.S. Army from June 19, 1944 to February 10, 1946 in the 204th Quarter Master Car Co. where he was a truck driver light 345, driving staff cars, transporting officers. He drove a tank and served as an unofficial interpreter for his officers. He qualified as a Rifle Sharpshooter on July 27, 1944. His awards include EAME Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and 2 Overseas Service Bars.

Erwin was employed with the National Biscuit Company in Houston before working for Brenham Wholesale Company for 37 years.

On April 23, 1939 he was married to Aline Dallmeyer. They were married for 59 years. To this union, two children were born. He then was married to Ollie Mae Eckert, until she too passed away. Then he married his present wife Ruth Lorenz-Ganske, who survives. Other survivors include children, Geraldine Buck and Jerry (Peggy) Ganske; grandchildren, Lisa (Larry) Grebe, Tresa Ganske, Karen (Rich) Nelson, Gina (Jerry) Cross, Christian Buck, Greg (Sara) Ganske, Kim (Sam) Rooker; step-children, Janet (Arthur) Daniel, Eunice (James) Schulz, Beatrice “BB” (Johnnie) Kmiec; step-grandchildren, Patrick (Brooke) Koronka, Kate Koronka-Quinn, Matthew Daniel, Zane (Misty) Schulz, Justin (Emilie) Kmiec, Travis (Cori) Kmiec; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Barry Ganske and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents, 2 wives, brothers LeRoy Ganske and Theo Ganske, Jr., sisters-in-law Mettie and Sue Ganske preceded him in death.

Erwin was a member of the American Legion, Berlin-Mill Creek V.F.D., past member of the 290 Dance Club, Lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville, where he served on several committees. He loved farming, dancing, travel, music and his dog Mattie.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012 in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012 in Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville. Rev. Alan Kethan will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Greg Ganske, Larry Grebe, Danny Schultz, Zane Schulz, Christian Buck, Billy Dallmeyer, Patrick Koronka, Justin Kmiec and David Ganske.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill, Hospice Brazos Valley or charity of choice.

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