Herman Birkelbach

Herman “H. E.” Birkelbach, age 94 of Brenham and formerly of Round Top, passed away Monday, March 21, 2011 in Scott & White Hospital-Brenham.

H.E. was born September 9, 1916 in the Nassau Community of Fayette County to Herman and Laura (Warnash) Birkelbach. He was baptized in Warrenton on June 17, 1917 and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top on October 2, 1932. He attended Nassau and Round Top Schools. On July 4, 1943 he was united in marriage to Lucyel Sacks at Bethlehem Lutheran. H.E. began working July 1, 1941 at R.H. Richter’s Store. In 1952 he began operating Birkelbach Café. He also enjoyed working with his cattle. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top. He loved to meet people. His favorite hobbies included singing, dancing, playing cards and dominoes. After retirement, H.E. enjoyed participating in the Round Top 4th of July parades and loved to listen to the Round Top Brass Band.

His parents, wife Lucyel, brothers Harry, Olaf, Lester, Dennis, Roy; sisters Leona Reuter, Pearlie Kraus, Evelyn Conine, Bernice Grant and two infant siblings preceded him in death.

Survivors include: daughter Judy Van Zandt and husband Gene of Brenham; son Larry Birkelbach and wife Abby of Brenham; grandchildren Dayna and Rick Davenport, Holly Bramlett and fiancé Terrance Johnson, Shane Birkelbach, Vicky and Mike DiMego, Tiffany Walker; step-grandchilden Wayne and Amanda Meyer, Samantha Meyer; great-grandchildren Kori and Jason Conaway, Nicole Davenport, Callie Davenport, Kaden Birkelbach and his mother Lauren Bockhorn, Jonathan and Emily DiMego, Zane Walker; step-great-grandchildren Kerstynn and Kaleb Meyer; sister Inez Gebhard of Houston; sister-in-law Ora Nell Sacks of Round Top; special friend and caregiver Joyce McFarland.

Visitation is from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Viewing will begin at noon Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top with funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. with Rev. John David Nedbalek officiating. Interment will follow in Florida Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ronny Sacks, Shane Birkelbach, Roy Dale Birkelbach, Darren Birkelbach, Mark Birkelbach, Morgan Birkelbach, Rick Davenport, Mike DiMego and Rick Gebhard. Honorary pallbearers are Bill “Sleepy” Starnes, Wayne Seilheimer, Raymond Kipp, Conway Waak, Wilburn “Gabby” Neutzler and Douglas Knutzen.

Memorials may be given to Hospice, Festival Hill or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com