Bennie Emshoff

Our dear father, Bennie Wilbert Emshoff, age 94, of Brenham, Tx, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, December 20, 2019.

Bennie was born November 22, 1925 to Otto and Laura (Glaeser) Emshoff in Kenney, Austin County, Texas. He was baptized January 20, 1926 by Pastor H.A. Heinekel at St. James Lutheran Church in New Wehdem. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

Bennie attended Travis and Kenney Elementary Schools and after returning from his service in World War II, he moved to Houston to work and continued his education by attending night class, graduating from San Jacinto High School.

Bennie was an Army Veteran of World War II, participating in action from the Battle of the Bulge, Siegfried Line, for 75 days until his company was the first to meet the Russians on April 25, 1945 at the Elbe River. After the war was over, he was chosen to remain in Berlin where he was in charge of supplies for the Officers’ kitchen. He returned home June 25, 1946 as a Tech-4 Sergeant.

On April 25, 1948 he married Helen Marie Kieke at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Burton, Tx. He worked in Houston for 17 years at Metal Goods and retired from R.J. Gallagher Co. after 27 years, serving as a purchasing agent and desk salesperson.

In 1992, he and Helen moved to Brenham where he enjoyed spending time with family, working in his yard, gardening, fishing, and playing cards and dominoes with friends. They joined the Top Cats Dance Club and truly enjoyed the dancing and many friendships made at the many dances they attended. He loved playing pitch with his family and taking trips to Louisiana to play the slot machines. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ until his death.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Gary Knipstein, his son Glenn Emshoff, his sister-in-law Bertha Emshoff, brother-in-law Melvin Kieke; nephews Fred Rau and wife Gloria, David Emshoff and wife Pam, and James Kieke; nieces Judy Rothmeier and husband Lloyd, and Tina Marie (Emshoff) Russ and husband Robert; and many great nephews and nieces, great-great nephews and nieces, many cousins and friends. He is also survived by his dear friend Dorothy Grohman who was his companion and dance partner after Helen died.

He is preceded in death by his dear wife of 58 years who died March 6, 2007; his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Frieda and Alvin Kieke; his brothers Elmo, Lee Roy and wife Ruth and Clarence; his sister Ialine and husband Fred Rau.

Serving as pallbearers are James Kieke, David Emshoff, Brandon Emshoff, Robert Russ, Steven Hoehne, Rueben Mikeska, Olan Ashorn, and Chad Creech. Honorary pallbearers are Dorothy Grohman, Jake Kieke, and members of Top Cats Dance Club.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 26, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Burton. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m., prior to funeral service at the church. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

The family would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Vaughan and the staff at Argent Court, and more recently, Kruse Village for their loving care during these past 3 1/2 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s United Church of Christ, Burton, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, TX,979-836-4564.

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