Stech, Alfred K. J.

YOUNG MAN KILLED ON HIGHWAY

ALFRED STECH VICTIM OF HORRIBLE ACCIDENT

FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY EVENING--INTERMENT MADE IN MASONIC CEMETERY

Last Saturday afternoon one of the most tragic deaths we have ever been called upon to report was enacted just a short distance this side of Glidden, when young Alfred Stech, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Stech, well known residents of our community, a young man about 21 years of age, fell from a truck in such manner that his head went beneath the rear wheel, and the rear portion of his skull was crushed to a pulp, causing instant death.

The young man, in company with his father, an uncle and a couple of friends, were en route to the Colorado river to spend a few hours fishing. Young Alfred was seated in the rear of the truck, while his father and Mr. Nitschmann of the Oakland section occupied the seat. Just what caused him to lose his balance and fall will perhaps never be known. Many think he had a fainting spell and fell to the roadway. The other occupants of the car noted that the car gave a slight bump and looking back saw that Alfred had fallen off and was lying in the road. They quickly ran the car to where the body lay and found the poor boy dead. The grief and horror of the devoted father can better be imagined than described.

The body was quickly brought back to the undertaking parlors of R. E. Klockmann at Weimar, where same was prepared for burial. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock, with interment in the Masonic cmetery[sic], Rev. Paul Piepenbrok, his late pastor, delivering one of the most impressive funeral orations we ever listened to.

The pall bearers for the occasion were young friends of the deceased--Messrs. John Janak, Jr., Edmund Dreitner, Alfred Koehler, Emil Wendt, Henry Koehler and Alvin Ranft.

The funeral procession was one of the longest and the crowd in attendance at the funeral of this popular young man one of the largest ever witnessed in Weimar. The floral offerings at the grave were many and beautiful.

Alfred Stech was a model young man, one whose uprightness of character, industry and excellent habits had often caused comment. He was a brick mason by trade, following in the footsteps of his father, and was classed as among the best in his profession, despite his youth. Of pleasant disposition, industrious to a fault, a young man who wanted to get on in the world and realized that it took hard work to accomplish this, he never faltered,and was a steady, hard worker. He was the idol of his devoted father and mother, and ever a welcomed associate among a large circle of friends. His tragic death has caused an aching viod[sic] in the family circle that can never be filled.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his bereaved ones in the saddest and most trying hour of their lives. May God comfort them as He alone can.

Weimar Mercury, September 17, 1926, page 1

Stech, Charles William Herman

Funeral Services For Charlie Stech, 86, Held Monday

Funeral services for 86-year-old Charlie Stech, retired brick mason, were held Monday afternoon, July 29, at Hubbard Funeral Home, with interment in the Masonic Cemetery. Pastor Frank Dietz officiated.

Mr. Stech died at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, July 27, in a Schulenburg Nursing home, after six years of illness.

Born July 23, 1877, in Ferbetz, Province Brandenburg, Germany, he was a son of Joachim and Maria Stech. The family came to America when he was 13, settling in the New Bielau community. He married Miss Emilie Boeer in 1903 and they moved to Houston. They returned to Weimar in 1913 and spent the rest of their lives here. Both were members of Weimar United Church of Christ. Mrs. Stech died in August of last year.

Mr. Stech was a brick mason for 55 years, and his skill was widely known.

Surviving him are his daughter, Mrs. Alfonse Svrcula of San Antonio, two granddaughters and three great-granddaughters. Two sons preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were Herbert Stech, Gilbert Stech, Leonard Stech, Werner Boeer, Alvin Stech and Emil Christ.

Weimar Mercury, August 1, 1963, page 1

Stech, Emilie (Boeer)

Funeral Services For Mrs. Stech, 80, Held Sunday

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles Stech 80, who died Friday in the Colonial Nursing Home at Schulenburg, were held Sunday afternoon at Hubbard Funeral Home.

Burial was in Masonic Cemetery, Rev. Howard MacAllister officiated.

Mrs. Stech, who had lived here all but 10 years of her life, had been ill four months.

The former Emilie Boeer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Boeer, she was born near Weimar May 16, 1882. She was married to Mr. Stech in 1903, and they settled first at Houston, then moved back here in 1913. She was a member of the Weimar United Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Stech, who also is a patient at Colonial Nursing Home; a daughter, Mrs. Vera Lee Svrcula of San Antonio; 2 granddaughters; 2 sons[brothers], Henry Boeer of San Antonio and Wm. Boeer of Weimar; and a number of nieces and nephews. Two sons preceded her in death; Hugo as an infant and Alfred in 1926 at the age of 20.

Pallbearers were Albert Boeer, Alfred Schoen, Ervin Boeer, Herbert Stech, Melvin Stech and Edgar Stech.

Weimar Mercury, August 16, 1962

Stech, Emma (Brandes)

Items From the West End of the County

The widow of the late Wilhelm Stech died Sunday morning a the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hugo Ulbricht of the New Bielau community, after a long illness. The remains were laid to rest Monday afternoon [Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery], Rev. R. Uhlhorn, local minister, officiating. She is survived by three sons, Walter, Louis, Norbert Stech, and one daughter, Mrs. Hugo Ulbricht. A splendid good wife and mother has passed from among us.

Colorado County Citizen, February 29, 1940

Stech, Helene (Schoen) Keas

Helene Keas Service Held At New Bielau

A memorial service was held Sunday, June 24, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church, New Bielau, for Mrs. Helen Stech Keas, 82, with Rev. Skip Sirnic officiating. [Interment in Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery]

Mrs. Keas, a former Weimar resident who had live at Sun City Center, Florida, the past two years, died there June 19, at 1 a.m., of heart failure.

Born Dec. 29, 1907, in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of Herman and Minna (Retta) Schoen. She came to Weimar in 1923 and on Nov. 6, 1930, was married here to Louis Stech, who preceded her in death in 1965. She was married to John Keas from June 4, 1975, until August 22, 1977.

Mrs. Keas attended business college in Berlin and Wharton Junior College. She served as a hospital administrator and later as a nursing home administrator before retiring. She taught Sunday School in the New Bielau Church for many years, and taught music in the Weimar area. She had traveled worldwide, including several return trips to Berlin and a trip to Russia.

She is survived by: a daughter, Diane Winters of Riverside, Florida; a son, Gilbert Stech of Weimar; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A brother, Alfred Schoen, preceded her in death.

Weimar Mercury, June 28, 1990
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Stech, Henrietta Marie (Breithaupt)

Henrietta Stech Funeral Services Held May 20

Henrietta Marie (Breithaupt) Stech, 89, of Schulenburg died May 18. Funeral services were held on May 20 under the pavilion at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery with Pastor Jerry Carpenter officiating.

Henrietta was born on Sept 21, 1915 to William and Freida (Weinken)[sic] Breithaupt, in the Wildwood community, near Weimar.

As a child, she attended the Wildwood School and assisted her parents on the farm. She had 11 brothers and sisters.

She was a member of the Weimar United Church of Christ throughout her life, baptized in 1916 and confirmed in 1931.

On Oct 26, 1936, she was united in marriage to Norbert Stech. Norbert and Henrietta lived and raised their family in the Weimar area.

Henrietta loved cooking and baking and sharing her baked goods with others in the church and the community. She loved having company and cooking for them.

Mrs. Stech was member of the UCC Women’s Guild, and a charter member of the Weimar Literary Guild.

She is survived by her sons, Jim Stech and wife Pat of Houston and Otis Stech and wife Elisa of Weimar; a daughter, Donna Tune and husband Tommy of Big Spring; sisters, Hilda Brandt of Weimar, Phala Fuller of Duncan, Okla., Olga Kosler of Weimar, and Viola Zabransky of Houston; five grandsons, and four great grandchildren.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.

Weimar Mercury, June 2, 2005

Stech, Herman H.

DEATH OF FORMER RESIDENT OF THIS SECTION

Mr. Herman H. Stech, former resident of this section, a son of J. Stech of the Content section, died at San Antonio Sunday and the remains were brought here for interment [Odd Fellows Cemetery] Tuesday, Rev. Paul Piepenbrok, Lutheran pastor, officiating. Mr. Stech leaves a widow and three children, besides a large circle of relatives and friends throughout this section, where he was born and raised. He was a steady, upright, good citizen, highly thought of by all who knew him, and his death is sincerely deplored by all. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, March 2, 1923, page 1

Stech, Hertha (Berger)

Final Rites Held Friday for Mrs. H. Stech

Funeral services for Mrs. Hertha Stech, 75, were held Friday, March 18, from Weimar United Church of Christ, with burial in Masonic Cemetery.

Rev. D. L. R. McDougle, the pastor, and Glen Schoeneberg, Mrs. Stech's grandson-in-law, a ministerial student, officiated.

Mrs. Stech suffered a stroke at her home on March 11 and died March 16 at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

She was a lifelong resident of the New Bielau community.

Born January 27, 1902, she was a daughter of Gustav and Selma (Kirsten) Berger. She was married to Walter Stech on Nov. 21, 1922. He preceded her in death in May 1971.

Mrs. Stech is survived by two sons, Leonard of Weimar and Curby of Houston; three daughters, Mrs. Lornette Beken, Mrs. Milton (Ora Nell) Beken and Mrs. Clarence (Vida) Kloesel, all of Weimar; 13 grandchildren; one brother, Oscar Berger of Seguin; and five sisters. Mrs. Elvie Wienken of Corpus Christi, Mrs. Albert (Milda) Kennedy of Edna. Mrs. Alma Oncken of Weimar, Mrs. Alfred (Linda) Brandt of Columbus, and Mrs. Selma Prensner of Pearland. Two sisters, Mrs. Martha Koehn and Mrs. Elsie Dahse, preceded her in death; another sister and a brother died as infants.

Pallbearers were Werner Boeer Jr., Ford Beken, Chad Kloesel. Phil Johnson, Glen Schoeneberg, and Herbert Stech.

Weimar Mercury, March 24, 1977

Stech, Louis Albert

Louis Stech, 57, Heart Victim, Dies in Truck

Louis Stech, 57, well known New Bielau farmer, died of a heart attack about 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23 as he was driving from Weimar to Columbus in his pickup truck.

The truck went into a ditch just west of Columbus and hit a tree, but Mr. Stech’s only injury appeared to be a scratch on his cheek. Justice of the Peace Bonnie Jackson of Columbus ruled that his death was due to a heart attack.

Funeral services were held at Hubbard Funeral Home here Dec. 24, with Rev. F. H. Horak Jr. officiating. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery here.

Louis Albert Stech was born near Borden May 12, 1908, a son of William and Emma Stech. H was 8 years old when his family moved to the New Bielau community, where he lived the rest of his life. He married Miss Helene Schoen Nov. 6, 1930. He was a member of New Bielau Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Surviving in addition to his widow is a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Dianne) Wenske of Columbus; a son, Gilbert Stech of Weimar; six grandchildren, Linda, Janet, Clyde and Judy Stech, Sandra Kay and Don Paul Wenske; two brothers, Walter and Norbert Stech of Weimar and a sister, Mrs. Hugo Ulbricht of Weimar.

Pallbearers were Clifford Wenske of Columbus, Grady Little, Richard Billeck, Arthur Beken, John Heger and Ed Hollek of Weimar.

Weimar Mercury, January 6, 1966, pages 1 and 8

Stech, Maria (Arndt)

Beloved Lady Passes To Her Reward

News was received here Friday night that Mrs. Maria Stech, widow of the late Joachim Stech, who had been making her home for the past year or more with her daughter, Mrs. Chas. Laging of Yorktown, had been claimed by death. The body of this beloved lady was transported here and on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock was laid to rest by the side of her beloved husband. [Inermenrt in New Bielau Cemetery] Rev. Paul Piepenbrok, local Lutheran minister, officiated in a touching service.

Mrs. Maria Stech, nee Arndt, was born Feb. 28, 1848, in Ferbitz, Province of Brandenburg, Germany. She was united in marriage in 1873 to Mr. Joachim Stech. To this union ten children were born, three of whom died in infancy, and one son, Herman, who died in 1924. The couple came to this country in 1890, settling near Weimar. After her husband's death in December. 1929, she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Emma Laging, near Yorktown.

Mrs. Stech's death occurred Feb. 6th at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 6 days. Burial took place at the New Bielau Cemetery Feb. 8, 1931. Surviving children are Mr. Fritz Stech of Houston, Messrs. William and Charles Stech of Weimar, August and John Stech of Orange Grove, and Mrs. Emma Laging of Yorktown: also 31 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Stech was one of the most beloved ladles of the Content community, where she lived for so long a time. A devoted wife and mother, a kind good friend and neighbor at all times, she was popular in every circle of life wherein she moved. Many friends are Indeed grieved at her death, and join us in expressions of condolence for her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, February 13, 1931

Stech, Oscar

A sad accident was reported the day of the storm, but on account of the confusion we failed to learn of same until too late for last issue of paper. Oscar, the 11-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stech, while assisting in the work of hauling in a lot of hay, at the home of his parents near Borden, stepped up to one of the horses to unhook a trace. The animal was evidently asleep, and being startled by the boy quickly kicked backward, hitting the single tree, it is believed, causing it to strike the boy a glancing blow across the stomach. Oscar was not thought to be seriously hurt at the time but within a few hours he was vomiting and complaining of his stomach hurting him. His father secured Dr. Duve, who ministered to his injuries, but as the boy grew worse, he returned next day, accompanied by Dr. Cook, and it was then found that peritonitis had set in and that the beloved boy was dying. The grief of the parents was pitiful when they learned that their boy was sure to die. The little fellow was conscious up to a few minutes before his death. The remains were interred at the cemetery[Odd Fellows] here Friday afternoon, Rev. J. D. Worrell performing the funeral ceremony. The accident occurred Wednesday morning and death followed late Thursday afternoon. In the death of this bright, dutiful and lovable son the parents have the heartfelt sympathy of all our people. God comfort them in their, sad bereavement, is our sincere prayer.

Weimar Mercury, July 30, 1909, page 4

Stech, unknown

The 6-months-old baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Steich[sic], who lives a few miles southwest of Weimar, died Wednesday night. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents in the sad loss they have sustained. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, June 8, 1901, page 5

Stech, William Herman

Funeral Held Here Wednesday for Wm. Stech, 63

Funeral services for William Stech, 63, a fifty-year resident of the Weimar area, whose death occurred here early Tuesday morning, were held Wednesday afternoon from the family residence, Rev. W. A. Flachmeier of Columbus officiating. Interment was in the Weimar Odd Fellows’ Cemetery.

The deceased was a native of Germany, where on Sept. 19, 1975 he was born in Ferbetz, Province of Brandenburg. There he was baptized and confirmed in Lentzen in due time. In 1887, at the age of 14 he came to America with two friends. His parents followed about six months later.

In 1897, he was married to Miss Emma Brandes and for 16 years they lived at Borden, Texas. He then moved to Content, where he resided until the time of his death. He was the father of eight children, two of whom preceded him in death, one son expiring in 1909, and a daughter in 1938 in San Antonio.

The deceased was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Bielau.

Survivors include a widow, Mrs. Wm. Stech; a daughter, Mrs. Hugo Ulbricht of this area; three sons, Walter, Louis and Norbert, all of Weimar; four brothers, Fritz of Houston, Charles of Weimar, John and August of Orange Grove. There are eight grandchildren.

Pallbearers included Herbert, August, Charles, Alvin and Fred Stech and Werner Laging, all nephews of the deceased.

Mr. Stech was a good man. He was a hard worker and although he lately has had many hardships, he never complained. May he rest in peace.

The Mercury extends sincere sympathy to bereaved survivors.

Weimar Mercury, March 17, 1939
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stech, Wilma M.

WEIMAR GIRL LOSES LIFE IN DOUBLE TRAGEDY

A double tragedy that took place in San Antonio late Wednesday afternoon brought a world of grief to many residents of this section, involving a member of a very prominent family of the Content community, whose tragic death was flashed over the wires to her family. Particulars are given in the San Antonio Express are substantially as fellows:

Miss Wilma Stech, 25-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stech of the Content community, was in San Antonio under medical treatment, and had been there for several weeks. She was afflicted with serious eye trouble, and it was the opinion of many that she believed she was going blind. She was stepping at the Crockett Hotel in that city. Late that afternoon Miss Ora Nell Stech, a relative, went to Wilma's room and was horrified to find her cold in death and nearby was a linotype operator by name of George Dickerson, a man about 73 years old, also cold in death. Both had been shot. It is believed the man had killed Wilma and then turned the weapon on himself. Many believe the man was in love with Wilma and that she had refused to marry him. It is said the man left two notes, but contents of these have not been revealed.

All indications point to murder and suicide. Dickerson was a retired Iinotype operator and had visited several times in the Wm. Stech home at Content. He was a man of fine address, and created a very good impression among our people. He was a visitor in the Mercury office on one or two occasions while in this section. and we formed a very favorable opinion of the man.

He will be buried in San Antonio. Wilma will be brought to this city, to the residence of her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Stech, from whose home the funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 1:30, with interment in the Odd Fellows Cemetery here.

Our people deeply regret the tragic death of this fine young lady, and especially do they sympathize with the bereaved parents, relatives and friends. No finer family exists in this section than Wm. Stech’s. Wilma was a lovely girl, and even though burdened with ill health she was a welcome visitor in every gathering. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, May 13, 1938, page 1