Immanuel Messenger
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
300 N. Grimes
Giddings, Texas 78942
JANUARY 2015
NEWSLETTER
OUR MISSION
TO BRING CHRIST TO ALL PEOPLE BY PREACHING,
TEACHING, SERVING AND SHARING AS
WE CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE.
GOD WITH US… BRINGING HIM TO OTHERS
The Good ol’ Days
Have you replaced your 2014 calendars yet? As we replace the old ones we often consider the
events of the past. Often we look back fondly and wish we could return to the “good ol’ days.” Many
of us would love to return to the days of yesterday. Weren’t things simpler then? Weren’t people
kinder? Weren’t we happier? Wasn’t it just better back then?
Let us consider what Scripture has to say about the passage of time. The writer to the Ecclesiastes
expresses it very directly “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to
ask such questions.” (7: 10)
That is a mighty strong statement and this instruction goes against
what most of us believe. So what did the writer mean and how can we use it in 2015? If you are
familiar with the book of Ecclesiastes you know that it is often considered a depressing book of
Scripture because in the writer’s attempt to find meaning in life he often concludes with the statement
“Everything is meaningless” or “Everything is useless.” The writer expresses his frustration because
he can’t understand why bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people.
How can you make sense of it all?
Yet in a more thorough study of the book you see that this book
is actually a strong statement of faith in almighty God. You see, while the author may not be able to
come to a satisfactory explanation for why things happen the way they do, he leaves no doubt as to
Who is in control of life. God, Himself, is in control. He has set this world in motion, He keeps it
running, He gave us life, He gave us new life, and He gives our life purpose. While we may not
understand the reason behind the events of this life, we confidently know Who does. So the writer
presents us with practical guidelines for life: “There is nothing better for men than to be happy and do
good while they live, and find satisfaction in all their work – this is a gift of God.” (3.12, 13) And
because of all the blessings that God showers us with each day, “man seldom reflects on the days of
his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.” (5:20)
So why in the middle of his book does the author tell us to not ask questions about why the good ol’
days were better than today? He knows that a wishing to return to former times indicates that we are
not happy with today. We don’t like the way things are today and are certain that if we could just go
back some years we would find a better world. Maybe God is no longer in control; that He has lost
touch. Maybe He doesn’t know what is best for us right now. Yet we know that Scripture defiantly
defeats that notion. Consider the numerous passages that deal with God’s desire for a relationship
with each of us; and His desire to see us enjoy life and be happy. Just look at these two beautiful
passages about God’s involvement with and intentions for our lives.
Jer 29.11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Prov 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
(Consider these encouraging passages, as well: Job 8:7, Ps 40:5, Ps 138:8, Prov 16:9, Prov 23:18.)
So what does this say about how we, in 2015, are to view the “good ol’ days?” The past is there to
teach us – we are to learn from both our successes and our failures. The past is there to provide us
with enjoyment – recall the happy memories, think often of the family and friends who now enjoy the
blessings of heaven. The past is there to be a constant reminder of the incredible blessings of
Almighty God throughout our lives. Looking back we can see His presence and guidance along the
way. Always standing with us. Occasionally carrying us. What an awesome God! And we move
into the future with the full confidence that this same God won’t ever leave us. His presence and
guidance will stay with us forever.
A wise individual once said, “Learn to appreciate what you have, before time makes you appreciate
what you had.” That’s what the writer to the Ecclesiastes meant when he encourages us to enjoy the
life we have today, gratefully acknowledging the One who gives us life. Live each day with a grateful
heart to a kind and generous God who loves you and cares for your every need. And if you ever think
He’s done everything for you that He can, consider Eph 3:20 “To Him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we can ask or imagine . . . to Him be glory.”
God bless you,
Phil Appel
2 Cor 5:7
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES
Please join us at one of the following locations for adult Bible class.
Coffee and refreshments are available in the fellowship hall.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS
John Pastor Tiner in the fellowship hall as he leads the class through the Ten Commandments.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
At 9:30 AM all Pre-K (three- & four-year olds) meet in Room 141 and
Kindergarten through 6th grade join together for opening in Mrs. Zoch’s classroom (Room 122).
The children will then go to their appropriate classrooms for Sunday School lessons:
Kindergarten & 1st grade ~ Room 122
2nd & 3rd grades ~ Room 121
4th, 5th & 6th grades ~ Room 120
Sunday School dismisses at 10:15 AM; pick up in the school lobby.
JR. & SR. HIGH BIBLE CLASSES
First-year confirmation & seventh grade students: small meeting room (fellowship hall)
Second-year confirmation & eighth grade students: school art room (top of stairs, first door on the right)
Senior High: youth room (upstairs from the school gym)
Church Nursery – A loving, staffed nursery for children three years old and younger is
available during worship services and Bible Class on Sunday morning. Pagers are
provided to parents when a child is left in the nursery. The nursery is also available
during special worship services and events at the church. To learn more about our
nursery or to volunteer to help our staff care for the little ones, contact Annette Menzel
(542-9480). Come to the north end of the fellowship hall to see our wonderful nursery.
ADDITIONAL BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
The following Bible study groups gather weekly or biweekly in Christ’s name to minister to one another
through fellowship and God’s Word. Small groups build and strengthen lives, families, relationships and
grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. We encourage everyone to join a small group!
ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS - Please contact the church office (979)542-2918, if you or someone you
know has questions about being confirmed in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
JUNIOR CONFIRMATION CLASS – Classes for 2014-2015 meet in the Youth Room at 9:15 am each
Sunday. The next seminar is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2015, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY - This group meets at 10:00 AM in the small meeting room.
WEDNESDAY NURSING HOME BIBLE STUDIES
9:30 AM – Giddings Residence & Rehabilitation
10:15 AM – Oakland Manor Nursing Center
JR. & SR. HIGH YOUTH
JR. HIGH YOUTH – 6th thru 8th graders meet Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15 PM in the Youth Room.
Immanuel Day School students may come to the Youth Room at the close of the school day. This is
supervised time to do homework, study, rest or just hang out with friends. Please watch Sunday bulletin
announcements for upcoming special events.
SR. HIGH YOUTH – This group meets from 6 - 9 PM on Wednesday evenings in the Youth Room. Please
come join us for a meal, devotion & prayer time with discussion.
If you would like information on Immanuel Youth Groups, please contact Carl Repp, Minister of
Youth & Family Life, at the church office or by phone at (512) 619-9366.
A Taste of Heaven
Immanuel Lutheran Church Cookbook
Great recipes and makes a great gift! ($10)
Stuffed Mushrooms
By Susan Schaefer
8 ounces fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons finely chopped onions
1/3 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 Tablespoons margarine
¼ Tablespoon salt
One Tablespoon parsley
3 ounces sausage
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Clean mushrooms. Remove & chop stems. Place
stems, sausage & margarine in small glass bowl &
microwave on high 3 minutes or until sausage is
thoroughly browned. Drain on paper towel. Return
to bowl & mix all ingredients together except
mushroom caps. Fill caps with mixture. Arrange
caps on plate covered with a paper towel &
microwave 2-3 minutes on high. Serve immediately.
Many Thanks!
Thank you to Lorene Hoffman for helping to clean
and prepare the shelves to be stocked in the
Immanuel food pantry.
Thank you also to Mrs. Amanda Hankemeier’s 2nd
Grade class for organizing and caring for our food
pantry as a class project!
SENIOR SINGLES FOR JESUS
SENIOR SINGLES FOR JESUS met at the
church on December 14, 2014 and car-pooled to
ELM CREEK INN for their Christmas party. Each
member brought a wrapped children’s toy for the
Crisis Center; and they all enjoyed good food and
fellowship.
The next regular meeting is at 3:00 PM on
Sunday, January 11, 2015. You are encouraged to
contact Virginia McKamie at 542-2021 if you have
any questions or want additional information.
The 2015 Altar Flower Calendar is now
up in the entrance of the church. Please
sign up for flowers in memory or in honor
of someone special, or to the Glory of God,
on a date that is special to you and your
family.
Dear Immanuel Congregation,
We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for the love and care you have shown to us. It is so
wonderful to be part of a church where the love of Christ is so evident and shown among each other and the
community. May God richly bless each of you as you continue to serve Him each day.
Franklin & Lorene Hoffman
TWO LWR QUILT-A-THONS IN JANUARY, 2015
Two Lutheran World Relief Quilt-a-thons will be held in January, which gives more people an opportunity
to help assemble quilts to be shipped on April 6th:
Tuesday, January 20th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (fellowship hall)
Tuesday, January 27th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (fellowship hall)
Many hands are needed to help reach the goal of 500,000 quilts to be sent to disaster areas and hospitals for
the very poor throughout the world by Lutheran World Relief.
Keep making 60”x80” quilt tops & 64”x84” quilt backs to be assembled at the quilt-a-thons. Sheets may
also be donated for quilt backs. Twin flat sheets will work & larger flat sheets will be cut to fit. Used sheets
in good condition can be used. Mark your calendar to come help. You can sit while you tack the quilts.
Encouragement for YOU!
Use them for yourself or to give to someone who may need encouragement.
Four new booklets (listed below) are now available on the Project Connect rack from Lutheran Hour
Ministries located at the entrance to the fellowship hall:
“Your Place in God’s Plan”
“What is Christmas”
“PRAYER - When you Don’t Know What to Say”
“No Need to Fear - Dealing With Anxiety”
You may also download additional booklets from www.lhm.org/projectconnect/booklets.asp.
Leadership and Church Officer Training
Leadership Training – All Church officers, Elders, Ministry Team Leaders and the Immanuel Staff
Leadership Team will have leadership training and orientation on Saturday, January 10, 2015 from
8:30 – 11:30 AM in the fellowship hall. Casual attire, breakfast will be served.
Church Officer Installation – All of our Church Council Officers and Elders will be installed on
Sunday, January 11, 2015 in both services. We recognize these men and woman with a thankful
heart and pray God’s many blessings over their time of service to our congregation.
2015 Church Officers: Vice President/President Elect: Ray Walther, Council-at-Large: Tim Glass and
Gene Bartels, Treasurer: Virginia Hernandez, Trustee: Steve Janda, Board of Christian Day School
Chairman: Brian Fischer, Board of Christian Day School: Karen Hester, Jeff Cowen, Clark Strickland,
Faydra Grimm and Tim Walther, Elder Chairman: Gene Medack, Board of Elders: Dwight Hoffman,
Glenn Kurio, Jeff Mutscher, Tom Shugart, Glenn Wachsmann, Ken Weese, and Eugene Fritsche.
YOUTH
NEW S
Youth Quake
Feb 27th – Mar 1st 2015
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center
7050 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75247
Cost: Early Bird: $144
A transformational weekend for grades 6-9 where lives will be renewed and faith will become real!
High School grades 10-12 can attend as Jr. Leaders.
The weekend comprises of a mix of large group seminars with praise and worship time, several
break-out sessions that the youth can pick which ones to attend. Along with fun and game activities
and a dance on Saturday evenings. Each night will be closed out with family time (each church
group) spending time to process the day’s activities and messages.
The Youth also plan to return to Camp Restore again during Spring Break 2015 as well as attend
Glorybound in July 2015. These trips would not be possible without the support of the congregation,
Thank you!
Dorcas Circle, LWML - "The Dorcas Circle took an evening off from their busy
year to enjoy the Christmas season and to share good stories and some good food.
Thanks, Barbara Wuneburger, for opening your home to us."
Join us December 31, 2015 at
7 PM for a Special Service with
Communion!
A sincere thank you to everyone who donated toward the
Immanuel Staff Christmas Gift!
These men and women work hard throughout the year to
fulfill our mission here at Immanuel:
To bring Christ to all people by preaching, teaching,
serving and sharing as we celebrate God’s love.
We feel blessed to serve Him here at Immanuel and
appreciate your generosity and love. May God bless you in
this New Year!
Welcome 2015! May God bless
your New Year!
CONTINUED PRAYER LIST
Please keep these individuals in your prayers throughout the month.
Expectant mothers: Jennifer Frosch, Courtney (Medack) King, and Korin Matthijetz
Struggling with cancer: Mildred Berger, Norman Berger, Dr. Tom Cedel (President of Concordia University
Texas), Mary Deal (mother of Daina Mitschke), Rudy Delgado (friend of James Medack), Lisa Ebner (friend of
Kenny & Debbie Perry); Betty Farrack, Ruth Faske, Charles Gault, Derek Havelka, Mary Havelka & Stan
DeGerolami (friends of Oscar & Texene Placke), Herman Hobratschk, Cindy Hogan (friend of Clyde &
Penny Zoch), Ruth Jatzlau, Gordon Jenke, Mike Joyce (grandson of Anna Joyce), Gilbert Mitschke (brother
of Edward Mitschke), Irene Moerbe, Mary Mutschink, Richard & Arvella Polka (friends of Herbert &
Dorothy Cook), Bill Quarles (brother-in-law of Tom & Connie Jones), Connie Reed (sister of Gerald
Birkelbach), Marilyn Schmidt, Phyllis Simmonds (mother of Cody & Russell Urban), Allison Tangeman
(friend of Josh & Gina Christensen), Karen Taylor (friend of Rebecca Byars), Ted Tonn (brother-in-law of
Elaine Krause), and Andrea Wachsmann
In nursing centers: Ruth Bethke (sister-in-law of Delores Billig), Aileen Blume, Charles Burrier, Ruth
Doering, Dorothy Droemer, Elsie Fischer, Floris Fischer, Rubie Galipp, Bob Hofferek, Larry Jenke (father of
Dawn Faske, Crystal Smith and Amber Hill), Kenneth Kilian, Lorine Kurio, Diane (Mrs. E.J.) Mitschke,
Irene Moerbe, Elvie Jean Mutschink, Betty Pratho, Susie Proske, Gladys Saegert, Reinholdt Urban (Henry
Urban’s brother), Nathan Wachsmann, Frieda Wernecke, and Bernice Winkler
Shut-ins: Leah Faske, Anton Fischer, Evelyn Gersch, Ruth Handrick, and Adelia Zoch
In need of continued prayers: Meta Baker (sister of Frances Etzel), Calvin Berger, Erland & Sandy
Carlson (brother & sister-in-law of Leann & Mark McClain), Josh Christensen, Doug Etzel (son of Frances
Etzel), Pastor Russell and wife, Elizabeth Etzel of Houston (son & daughter-in-law of Frances Etzel), Logan
Faske (grandson of Leroy & Madeline Faske), Frances Gallien (grandmother of Rebecca Byars), George
Goidi (nephew of Josh & Gina Christensen), Mildred Janda (mother of Steve Janda), Lydia Lehmann Haley
(grandmother of Jaime Manning & Casey Smith), Sherri Hendricks (aunt of Gina Mersiovsky & Heather
Mersiovsky), Corbitt Hill, Rosalie Hohle, Tom Jones, Greg Kuhlmann, Michael Lehmann (great-nephew of
Frances Etzel), Billy Machen (step-father of Alan Smith), Joanne Machen (mother of Alan Smith), Buck
Marshall (friend of Tom & Connie Jones), Sylvin Mersiovsky, Katherine Michalk, Edward Pampell, Garret
Pounders (great-nephew of Ken & Lisa Schatte), Joe Raif (brother of Phyllis Greenwood and uncle of Gina
Mersiovsky & Heather Mersiovsky), Travis Rust, Keith Ryder (brother-in-law of Tom & Tammie Shugart),
Thelma Schatte, Ellen Schneider, Cheryle Schroeder (sister-in-law of Alice Unger), Mamie Seeman, Mary
Ann Seidler, Casey Smith, Kim Smith (niece of Dave & Glorianne Schwausch), Rebecca Stone, Joy
Wachsmann, John West (cousin of Josh & Gina Christensen), and Crystal Widener & Roni Perez (friends of
Josh & Gina Christensen)
Military Members and their families: Cynthia Anderson (wife of Ray Proske), Fort Hood-Killeen, TX;
William Aysmith (cousin of Rebecca Byars), Iraq; Taylor Blakney, Okinawa, Japan; JEB Bolen; Shaun
Breckenridge (great-nephew of Frances Etzel); Jacob Derouen (husband of Amanda [Faske] Derouen), MS;
Andrew Fehr (grandson of Mick & Betty McDonald), Fort Bliss-El Paso, TX; Ashley Ford (niece of Tom &
Tammie Shugart), Meridian, MS; John Foster (brother of Molly and Kiley Harville), Wichita Falls, TX;
Kevin Gonzalez (son of Vicente & Nellie Gonzalez), NC; Cory Hankemeier (brother of Kurtis Hankemeier),
Afghanistan; Andrew Hightower (husband of Shella [Schulze] Hightower), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA;
Wilhelmina [Bolen] Jarvis, Afghanistan; Courtney [Medack] King & husband Brandon King, Ocean Spring,
MS; Ryan Marshall (husband of Dawn [Christiansen] Marshall), Germany; Toby Mendoza, Giddings, TX;
Steve Newlund; Daniel B. Pogue, Fort Lee, VA; Chase Polson, Fort Hood, TX; Steve Reitz, Fort Meade,
MD; David Schatte; Ronald Schatte, Landstuhl, Germany; Justin Smith, Waco, TX; Pete Stewart (husband of
Susie [Medack] Stewart), Fairchild AFB, WA; and Shannon Zoch, Monterey, CA.
MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS FOR
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, 2014
CHRIST OUR CORNERSTONE
In memory of Earl Sandoz by Paul & Rachel Meinke Carl & Connie Rost and Hays & Helen Perry
In memory of Milburn Jenke by Annie Jenke
HOME BUDGET
In memory of Earl Sandoz by Raymond & Ann Kipp and Bruce & Violet Engram
CHRISTIAN CARE MINISTRY
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Gertrude Hobratschk, Mr. & Mrs. Tim Jenke & Family, Debra Smith, Lynn &
Bitsy Eichler, Matt & Stephanie Harris, Sheriff Rodney & Melanie Meyer, Billy & Sharon Becker, Dr. David & Jerry Lynn
Varnada, Mitchel & Maurine Hirsch, Calvin & Barbara Vahrenkamp, Douglas & Nancy Alexander, Allan & Eunice
Hendrickson, Alvina B. Schroeder, and the Siegeler Insurance Agency, Inc.
REPAIR & REFURBISH
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Joyce Kuehn
COVERED ENTRYWAY
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Curtis & MaryAnn Frosch
ADULT PRAISE TEAM
In memory of Don Peterson by Paul & Rachel Meinke
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
In memory of Lindsey Richardson by Raymond & Ann Kipp
HANDBELL RESTORATION
In memory of Floyd Urban by Raymond & Ann Kipp
MUSIC MINISTRY
In memory of Louis Gruetzner by Raymond & Ann Kipp
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL (ILS) UNDESIGNATED GIFTS
In honor of Bill Matejcek’s 60th birthday and Barbara Markert’s 65th birthday and Charles Arldt’s 80th birthday by
Sean & Lori Matejcek and Sara & Seth
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Ron, Jaime, Deacon & Mason Manning
ILS SCHOLARSHIPS
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Bruce & Violet Engram, Raymond & Ann Kipp, Lorine Petersen, Larry,
Debbie, Ross & Lauren Lehmann, Leroy & Shirley Lorenz, Vernelle Zoch, Allen Gene & Alice Birnbaum, Richard
& Alice Unger, Darrell & Carol Behrens, Earl & Shirley Neumann, Paul & Jolene Fischer, John & Eunice
Siegmund, Jo Ann Williams, Edward & Joyce Mitschke, Steven & Tammy Lehmann, Gary & Dorothy Gerdes,
Robert & Janice Droemer & Family, and Boykie & Sherry Murphy
ILS MATTHIJETZ CHILDREN TUITION ASSISTANCE
In memory of Floyd Urban by Steven & Tammy Lehmann
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILTING
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Annette Menzel
MISSIONS
In memory of Willie & Amanda Zoch by Leroy & Madeline Faske
JESUS IS LORD MISSION
In memory of Leonard Symmank by Reverend Leo Symmank
IN LOVING MEMORY …
NOAH FRED FISCHER was born on November 28, 1921 in Giddings, Texas to Fred F. &
Adelheid (Berger) Fischer. He was baptized February 12, 1922 at Martin Luther Lutheran
Church in Giddings by Rev. William Miller and confirmed on March 21, 1937 at Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Giddings by Rev. G.W. Fischer. His confirmation verse was John 14:23,
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will
love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him”. He was united in
marriage to Alice Woelfel on September 1, 1946 at St. John Lutheran Church in Lincoln by Rev.
H.A. Strobel. He was an automotive technician and was employed at the local Ford dealerships
for over 30 years. Later he worked for Meuth Implement Company in Giddings for several
years. At home, he would work on buildings, and would always be building, crafting or
repairing things. He enjoyed gardening and growing things. His favorite hobby was grafting
trees. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Adam Fischer; his brothers, Joe
Fischer and Anton Fischer & his wife Louise; his sisters, Effie Matejek & her husband Emil,
Gertrude Faske & her husband Herbert, and Dahlia "Dolly" Koslan & her husband Willie E.
“Bill”; sister-in-law, Emilie Birnbaum & her husband Wilbert “Boots” Birnbaum Sr.; brothers-inlaw, Milton Woelfel, Clarence ”Harry” Woelfel & his wife Doris, and Randolph Woelfel, as well
as by several nieces and nephews and many friends. Noah is survived by his wife of 68 years,
Alice Fischer of Giddings, his son, Curtis Fischer & his wife Rhonda of Giddings; two
grandchildren, Joshua Fischer and Sarah Dill & her husband David Jr., and his great-grandson,
David Dill III – all of Giddings; sisters-in-law, Elsie Fischer of Giddings, Vernie Arldt & her
husband E.A. of Paige, Ruth Wachsmann & her husband Harry ”Pete” of Lincoln, Lorine
"Toddie" Patschke & her husband Monroe of Lincoln, Ellen "Johnnie" Schulze & her husband
Melvin of Giddings, Mildred Woelfel of Manheim and Marilyn Woelfel of Fedor; brother-inlaw, Louis "Sam" Woelfel Jr. & his wife Novalene of Thorndale; as well as numerous nieces and
nephews. Noah is also survived by his daughter-in-law’s parents, Leon & Joan Heintschel of
Fayetteville who he considered family. Noah passed away on November 26, 2014, at 92 years
of age. His funeral was conducted on December 2nd, and burial followed in the Giddings City
Cemetery.
BERTHOLD “FLOYD” URBAN was born on October 8, 1935 in Giddings, Texas to Oscar
Wilhelm Urban and Esther Hedwig (Bigon) Urban. He was baptized on October 13, 1935 at St.
Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin by Rev. Herman Schmidt; and he was confirmed on April 2,
1950 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings by Rev. Max Studtman. He was a machinist
who had worked for H & R Machine in Giddings for many years. Floyd was a faithful member
of the Lutheran church. While living in Houston, he was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran
Church and after moving back to Giddings, he had been a member at St. Paul Lutheran
Church in Serbin and was currently a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings. He
was also a member of the Lee County Wildlife Association and the NRA. Floyd loved being
outdoors and hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed trapping hogs. He also loved music
and played the bass guitar in the Jessie Lee Hernandez Band for several years during the
1950's. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Esther Urban. He is survived by
his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Curtis & Bernice Urban of Giddings and Michael & Mary
Ann Urban of Brenham, as well as several nieces and nephews. Floyd passed away on
November 28, 2014, having reached 79 years of age. His funeral was held on December 1 st,
with
burial
following
immediately
in
the
Giddings
City
Cemetery.
LEONA VELMA (GERSCH) SANDOZ was born on May 12, 1922 in Northrup, Texas to
Theodore and Olga (Steglich) Gersch. She was baptized on May 21, 1933 at St. Paul Lutheran
Church in Serbin by Rev. G.W. Fischer and confirmed on April 5, 1936, also at St. Paul Lutheran
Church, Serbin by Rev. Herman Schmidt. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 23:1-4, "The Lord is
my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me
beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Leona was united in marriage to Earl
Sandoz on July 8, 1940 in Houston. They were married for 74 years when he preceded her in
death on November 3, 2014. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had
worked in the lunchroom at Immanuel Lutheran School for several years. Leona enjoyed
working in her yard, gardening, quilting and crocheting. She did beautiful handwork and
crocheted hundreds of doves and angels for her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore & Olga Gersch; her husband Earl Sandoz;
her two sons, Walter Sandoz and Glenn Sandoz, and her two brothers, Delbert Gersch & his
wife Olga Mae and Walter Gersch & his wife Laverne. Leona is survived by her daughter,
Margaret Mersiovsky & her husband Charles of Giddings; her son Edward Sandoz also of
Giddings; her two granddaughters, Monica Cepress & her husband Jerry of Kyle, and Sandi
Mersiovsky of Giddings; her two great-granddaughters, Paige & Allison Cepress of Kyle; her
daughter-in-law, Linda Sandoz of Houston; her brother, Herman Gersch & his wife, Frances of
Serbin as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leona passed away on December 10, 2014,
having reached 92 years of age. Her funeral was held on December 13 th and burial followed
immediately
in
the
Giddings
City
Cemetery.
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GIDDINGS,TX
PERMIT
NO. 50
Immanuel Lutheran Church
300 N. Grimes St.
Giddings, Texas 78942
Return Service Requested
God With Us…
Bringing Him to Others
CHURCH OFFICE
300 N. Grimes, Giddings, TX 78942
Phone #979-542-2918
Fax #979-542-0348
SCHOOL OFFICE
382 N. Grimes
Phone #979-542-3319
Fax #979-542-9084
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
179 E. Brenham
Phone #979-542-4244
ONLINE:
www.immanuelgiddings.net
EMAIL: immanuel@immanuelgiddings.net
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