OBITUARIES Holy Ghost sets Maypole memorial event

Celebration returns as COVID-19 restrictions lessen

Holy Ghost Lutheran Church will host a Maypole celebration at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, for all the community of people who have lost their spouse during the course of life.

“The last two years, we have had to cancel our Heart of a Valentine’s dinner celebration due to COVID-19 restrictions,” said the Rev. Bobby Vitek.

“There will be a great home-cooked meal and opportunity to fellowship

Crabapple Club meeting postpones May meeting

Crabapple Community Club will not hold its monthly meeting in May. The gathering has been postponed until 2:30 p.m. June 5. For more, contact Ginger Holzscheiter at ginger1977@me.com.

Robert Louis Walter

November 17, 1936 — April 17, 2022 and share with others. The holidays still hold some meaning after losing a life mate, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t time for joy or celebration.”

Robert Louis Walter passed away on April 17, 2022 at the age of 85, he was born November 17, 1936 to parents Robert Clark Walter and Otelia Bertha Leist Walter in Fredericksburg TX Gillespie County.

He is survived by his wife Bambie Marie Pehl Walter of Fredericksburg, daughters; Barbara Segner and husband Thomas, Sandra Ahrens and husband Douglas all of Fredericksburg; Sisters Ellen and Dr. Womack of Scottsdale AZ, Vernell Crow of Stephenville TX; and 5 grandchildren .

A graveside service took place on Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery Family Chapel. The family received friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church Building Fund, Willow City VFD or the charity of your choice.

This is free of charge and open to all who have expe-

Douglas G. Daniell

October 29, 1940 — April 16, 2022 rienced the sadness of not dancing around the maypole with their beloved, he added.

Those planning to attend should RSVP to the church at 830-997-2288 by April 25.

Helen D. Bingham

May 23, 1922 — April 23, 2022

Helen D. Bingham passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Fredericksburg, Texas at the age of 99. She was born May 23, 1922 in East Gansel, Texas to David B. Peel and Mildred (Cowan). Helen was a resident of Tow, Texas for 30 years since coming from Midland, Texas.

Helen was of the Baptist faith and attended the First Baptist Church of Tow. She was also a member of the Red Hats, a senior citizens club.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, David and Mildred Peel; husband, H.R. Bingham Sr.; son, H.R. Bingham Jr.; brother, Jack Peel and wife, Louise; sister, Jessie Burgin and husband, Troy. She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Swindle of Kingsland, Texas, and Jackie Pehl and husband, Leroy, of Fredericksburg, Texas; daughter-in-law, Sue Bingham; sons, Dana C. Bingham of San Angelo, Texas, and Mike Bingham of Fredericksburg, Texas; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, 8140 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 106, Dallas, TX 75231. Funeral arrangements made under the direction of Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Homes, Inc. Llano, Texas. E-mail condolences may be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net.

Maxine Molberg Birkelbach

January 15, 1921 — April 15, 2022

Maxine Molberg Birkelbach of Fredericksburg died peacefully on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, at the age of 101.

She was born near the rural community of Iredell, Bosque County, Texas, on January 15, 1921, the eldest of Truman James and Eula Sursa Houston’s six children. She married Henry (Heinie) Molberg, an immigrant from Germany to Texas with his family in 1898, on February 24, 1941, and he died October 18, 1989. Thereafter, she married Stanley Birkelbach on Oct. 20, 2001, and he survives her. Although she completed no formal schooling, Maxine worked in retail sales and later — after Henry was disabled in a construction accident near Kerrville — became a well-known small business owner in Fredericksburg, most notably as the longtime proprietor of Mode O’Day Dress Shop on Main Street.

To be a full-fledged businesswoman or “free trader,” as her types were called at the time, she had to go to state district court to have her “disabilities of coverture” removed, which prevented married women from owning property in their own names and transacting certain business. Judge Marvin Blackburn, Jr. signed the order granting her that right in August 1962. Upon learning of her death, longtime area lawyer Chris Wallendorf, who knew her for decades, said, “She was a wonderful person and accomplished much in Fredericksburg that no woman had ever attempted.”

Maxine served as president of the Fredericksburg Zonta Club in 1995-96 and received the club’s Woman of Achievement Award for 1999. She previously received the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Chamber Woman Award in 1986. Maxine was president of the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Hospice Volunteers in 1998 and 1999, a group she helped organize.

She was a three-term member of the City of Fredericksburg Planning & Zoning Commission, an organizer and leader of the St. Mary’s chapter of the Catholic Daughters, a president and vice president of the St. Mary’s Parent-Teacher Club, and a leader and volunteer in various other civic and religious endeavors.

Maxine was also politically active. She served for many years as the chair of the Gillespie County Democratic Party and as an elected member of the State Democratic Executive Committee for the state senate district of which Gillespie County was then a part. During that time, she became the first member of the SDEC to serve concurrently with her son, Kenneth, who represented a senatorial district in the Dallas area. She served six years as vice-chair of the Texas Democratic Chairs Association.

She was an elected delegate to the 1984 and 1988 Democratic National Conventions on behalf of former Vice President Walter Mondale and Sen. Al Gore, respectively. In 1991, Gov. Ann Richards appointed Maxine to the Health Coordinating Council of Texas. She was often an active and vocal supporter of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Although her declining health prevented her further activities, she was exceptionally fond of now-President Joe Biden, whom she had met several times previously. Bob Slagle, former and longest-serving Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, said Saturday that Maxine was one of the greatest Democrats he had ever worked with in his more than six-decade career in politics.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Maxine was preceded in death by her five younger siblings: (William W. Houston, Virginia Houston Haynie, T.J. (Jack) Houston, Jr., Floyd F. Houston and Roy Joe Houston) and various aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley, her son, Fifth District Court of Appeals Justice Kenneth Molberg and his wife, Linda, of Dallas, and her two step-sons, Randy Birkelbach and wife Karen of Mico, and Ronny Birkelbach of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She also is survived by grandchildren Collin (Carolyn) Molberg of Portland, Ore., Cameron Molberg of Austin, Rachel (Koda) Chovanetz of Houston, Travis Molberg of Houston, Kevin Birkelbach of San Antonio, Eric Birkelbach of San Antonio, and Christian Birkelbach of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren Elliott Molberg, Oliver Molberg and Marion Chovanetz; one sister-in-law, Pansy Houston of Hearne; and several nephews, nieces, and other relatives.

Maxine had a warm spot in her heart for those younger relatives who kept up with her throughout her many years, including Wesley and Mary Houston, Mike Houston, Don Houston, and Melissa Knopp Henke, and for her close friend of many years, Bonnie Burg.

A funeral service was held at Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredericksburg on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, with public visitation at 1 p.m., followed by a short service at 2 p.m., with Deacon Patrick Klein officiating. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Maxine’s life was characterized by hard work, faith, participatory politics, and a determination to do things right and make things better. And she had an opinion-one forged on and tempered by considerable experience. She was born a few years following the end of World War I, just as the 1918 Flu pandemic ran its course. She drew her first breath as Woodrow Wilson was ending his second term as President, and Warren G. Harding was within weeks of being sworn in as his successor. She struggled through the Great Depression, World War II and the Cuban Missile Crisis, cried and prayed when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, saw the Beatles come to America via the Ed Sullivan Show, viewed the civil rights movement of the 60s and the multiple tragedies of 1968, watched the moon landing, became a part of our computer age, and weathered the Covid-19 pandemic — a virus she contracted and conquered at the age of 100.

Throughout her life, she laughed, danced, and traveled. She loved her husbands, children, grandchildren, their children, all of her family, and her many friends.

If you are able, please remember Maxine by making a contribution to Hill Country Memorial Hospice, the St. Mary’s School Endowment Fund, a charity of choice, or, if you are so inclined, the Gillespie County Democratic Party.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home

Douglas George Daniell passed away April 16, 2022, in Fredericksburg, Texas at the age of 81. He was married to Margaret Kitchens Daniell. He was born on Oct. 29, 1940, in Brownwood, Texas to George and Wanda Daniell.

Doug lived in Brownwood until 1985 when he and Margaret relocated to Port Aransas, Texas where they owned property and had vacationed for years. He was a prolific entrepreneur, owning many businesses in his lifetime. Doug never passed an empty lot that he did not know the perfect business for that location. Doug wore many hats, among those car dealership owner and Hertz licensee for most of South Texas.

Doug and his wife left Port Aransas one year ago, retiring to their home in Fredericksburg.

Doug had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He was known for his limitless generosity, fighting for what he believed in, treating everyone as an equal and forgiving unconditionally. He was a voracious reader who loved sharing quotes, articles and books with all. He loved fishing, shopping for old cars, new boats and spending time with family and friends. He offered advice often to those who knew him, especially his children who sometimes even listened.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; brother, Barry Daniell of Brownwood; his children, Alan (Glenda) Daniell of San Antonio, Leanna (Danny) Reynolds of Southlake, Jerry (Lisa) Daniell of Fair Oaks Ranch, Michelle Sowers (Rob Maxham) of Port Aransas. He also leaves behind grandchildren Taber (Adam) Crawford of Argyle, Michael (Kristen) Daniell of Rockport, Tara (Tyler) Tate of Southlake, Mathew Daniell of Cibolo, Jordan Stringer of San Antonio, Cole (Shea) Daniell of Aledo, Jessica (Seth) Hankins of Salt Lake City, Nick and Ben Wengrovitz of Fair Oaks Ranch, Nick, Jace and Emily Maxham of Port Aransas, Jacob Daniell of Fort Worth and Cooper Sowers of Port Aransas, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, George and Wanda; his son, Dan Daniell, and grandson, Chad Daniell.

Also left to cherish his memory is daughter-inlaw, Stacy Daniell of Arlington; ex-wife and friend, Ann Hall Schulze of Keller, and many devoted friends.

He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, April 23, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m., at The Edge Winery located at 3567 U.S. 290 East, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg.

Harris Jorgenson

April 9, 1942 — April 18, 2022

Harris “Dean” Jorgenson, 80, of Erhard, Minnesota, died Monday, April 18, 2022, at his residence surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Dean was born April 9, 1942, to Harry and Hazelle (Foster) Jorgenson in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He attended District #161 school in rural Erhard and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1960. Dean started early in life owning businesses involving excavating and road construction. His last venture was a company in Texas.

On June 25, 1960, Dean married Carolyn Herting and they had two children, Renee and Rick. On April 26, 1980, Dean married Delores (Norgren) Baker in Fergus Falls.

He was a member of the Eagles in Fergus Falls since 1967. Dean was a member at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas, Tonseth Lutheran Church rural Erhard, and a member of the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Posse.

Some of his favorite past times were fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening. He was an inventor at heart.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Clayton Holdeman; brother, Dell Jorgenson; nephew, Tim Holdeman; brothers-in-law, David Cusey and Jim Kolle; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Barbara Norgren, and sister-in-law, Janice Moen.

Dean is survived by his wife, Delores; his children, Renee (Kregg) Wheeler, Rick (Lori) Jorgenson, Dean (Nancy) Baker, Cindy (Scott) Rhoades, and Julie Baker Springer; grandchildren, Christopher Wheeler, Joshua Wheeler, Jessi (Derek) Brandt, Derric Anderson, Nathan (Tina) Anderson, Kacey (Grecia) Anderson, Alecia (Erik) LeRoy, Kylie Taylor, and Stephanie (PJ) Jamison; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Becky (Doug Kloss) Cusey and Cyndy J. Kolle; sister-in-law, Ardis Jorgenson, and brothers-in-law, Randy (Diane) Samp, and Norm (Verna) Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Maplewood Lutheran Cemetery, rural Erhard.

Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2022 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Pastor Anna Monke Gervais.

Interment: Maplewood Lutheran Cemetery, rural Erhard, Minnesota.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com