Howard Kiecke

Howard Louis Kiecke, 85, died May 22, 2012 at Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center. Howard was born October 3, 1926 in the Knoop home on Germania Street in Brenham to Albert F. and Bernadine (Knoop) Kiecke. He was the oldest of three sons whose father passed away on October 28, 1929. To ease the burden on this young family, Howard, at the age of 6, went to live with his uncle and aunt, Will and Annie Kiecke, on their farm in the Salem community where he resided the rest of his life. He was a life long member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was baptized on February 6, 1927, and confirmed on March 17, 1940. He was married there on February 12, 1950, to Elverda Draehn. He was educated at Salem school and graduated from Brenham High School in 1943, Blinn College in 1945, Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1950, and did post-graduate work at the University of Houston. He was a school teacher in the Washington County school district serving several rural schools and Brenham High School. After teaching for several years, he was self-employed; then managed the shipping and warehouse division of the Cotton Processing Co. Prior to retiring, he worked for Chappell Hill Construction Company. He retired in 1989 and enjoyed traveling with his wife. Their trips included Europe, England, Hawaii, Canada and most of the continental United States. He was active in the Salem Luther League and Brotherhood. Twice he served as a national delegate to the Brotherhood of the American Lutheran Church attending national conventions in Seattle, Washington and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Howard served his church in many capacities. On two occasions he was elected and served as Chairman of the Congregation. He served two terms on the Washington County School Board. He was a charter member of the Salem Shooting Club and the Brenham Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association.

He served twice as church council chairman and numerous terms on various committees, including the building, memorial and parish education committees. He served as a Boy Scout “Scoutmaster”, Little League Coach, and was the last chairman of the Washington County School Board. He helped organize the Salem Shooting club and served many times as an officer. He was treasurer and vice-president of the Brenham Chapter of GCAA. Howard enjoyed fishing and was an “avid conversationalist”. He was a loyal Brenham Cub fan and was very supportive of the Baseball Alumni association. He was always ready to assist in the local tournaments.

Survivors include: his wife of 62 years, Elverda Kiecke; brother and sister-in-law, Elroy and Jeanette Kiecke of Bellville; daughters and sons-in-law Marilyn (Susie) and Randy Ullrich of Brenham, and Sharion and Robert Tanner of Pflugerville; and son and daughter-in-law Val and Libby Kiecke of Brenham. Grandchildren: Bethny and Matt Klepac, Brice and J.J. Olivier, Adam and Lauren Kiecke, Aaron Kiecke, Rachel Kiecke, Abby and Jeriad Wood, Jeremy and Amanda Ullrich, and Remy Clay. Great-grandson: Alex Olivier. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Albert H. and Leona Kiecke; and granddaughter, Olivia Kiecke.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law.

Memorials may be given to the Salem Lutheran Church Seminary Fund or a favorite charity.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX. 979.836.3611 To leave tributes visit www.brenhammemorialchapel.com