Niemtschk

THORNDALE—Eugene Otto Niemtschk was born to Otto and Meta (Rueffer) Niemtschk on March 30, 1928, in Thorndale. The sixth of eight children born in the house where he lived in, then for 33 years with his spouse Erma.

Eugene was given the Rite of Holy Baptism on May 6, 1928, on his mother’s birthday.

He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and was confirmed on March 29, 1942, by Rev. F.H. Steltzer.

He worked on the family farm with his father many years.

After he met the love and companion of his life, Erma Felfe, whom he married on April 27, 1952, in the church parsonage, they worked together on the farm. They continued to live on the farm until Uncle Sam called and he served his two-year tour of duty at Fort Hood. After that, back to farming, also working several jobs in the community.

In 1955 their first son was born. Then in 1957, his second son was born. Later in 1977, Darwin married Jodie and Russell married Brenda. Then even later on the grandchildren came and also 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, so they became a big family.

Eugene always loved music. He played the base drum in a band that St. Paul School had for the June picnics. The band played on Main Street where the school children marched with small flags over their shoulders. Eugene also played in a local band, playing a lead guitar and may have gotten him the love of his life, Erma.

Many years ago, Eugene was also an elder at St. Paul Lutheran Church and attended regularly until his health failed, and then, Teresa Ging never failed to bring him and Erma the Sunday bulletins.

After Eugene retired from working at American Desk in Taylor and farming, he could be seen riding in his John Deer Gator with his faithful companion—“Bandit,” his dog—riding in the seat next to him.

During retirement he also stayed busy doing wood working projects making yard swings, magazine racks, etc. He also loved to barbecue.

He had a sense of humor also. Always ready to tell a joke and he remembered so many!

He would often sing hymns and was an avid reader of his Bible, Portals of Prayer and our Daily Bread.

He enjoyed playing dominoes with friends and family. Also, the Sunday dinners that brought children and grandchildren to visit.

Eugene passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at his home in Thorndale, reaching the age of 93.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Meta Niemtschk; three brothers, Justin Niemtschk and wife Claira, Eldon “Shorty” Niemtschk and Erwin Niemtschk and wife Viola; three sisters, Betty Lehmann Yates and husband Arnold, Doris Kiesling and husband Delma “Sloppy,” Elyne Lehmann and husband Otto; and a brother-in-law, Gilbert Schroeder.

Surviving Eugene is his wife of 69 years, Erma Niemtschk; sons Darwin Niemtschk and wife Jodie of Red Leaf, Russell Niemtschk and wife Brenda of Thorndale; sister Irene Schroeder and sister-in-law, Julia Niemtschk; and eight grandchildren, Brandon, Sherry, Laura and Amy, Crystal, Ronnie, Amanda and Cody; also, 18 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ronald Lehmann, Darren Biar, Dennis Schroeder, Keith Kiesling, Billy Felfe and Larry Laffere.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 369, Thorndale, TX 76577.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Craig Schinnerer officiating. Burial was at St. Paul Church Cemetery in Thorndale.

Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.