Gertrude Mutscher

Gertrude Goeke Mutscher of Brenham, died on April 9, 2003, at Kruse Memorial Lutheran Village in Brenham. She was 94 years of age. Mrs. Mutscher was well-known in the community, dearly loved by her children, enjoyed and respected by her friends, admired by fellow church members, and was the wife of the late Gus Mutscher for 67 years. Mrs. Mutscher was also the mother of the former Texas Speaker of the House and former Washington County Judge Gus Mutscher. Gus and his mother lived together the past eight years, since her husband s death. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14 in Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham with Rev. Matthew Jacobs and Rev. William Holzer officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Mrs. Mutscher was born Aug. 17, 1908, the daughter of Charlie and Sophie Goeke, and was raised, baptized and confirmed in the William Penn community. She was a graduate of the William Penn community school and a student at Blinn College. On Nov. 28, 1928, she was married to Gus Mutscher, Sr. in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of William Penn. It was a marriage of many blessings. Together they raised four children, including sons, Goeke Mutscher and Gus F. Mutscher and daughters, Betty Mutscher Boecker and Margie Mutscher Foelber. She was a proud member of the Grace Lutheran congregation and enjoyed the blessing of worship, the pastor s timely calls, the radio ministry, and fellowship visits. She supported the organizations of the church in efforts and in dedication both as an officer and as a member of the Sewing Club, the ladies circle, and the regional and state LWML. Mrs. Mutscher was recently cited by the ladies circle of Grace Lutheran as one of the oldest members of the LWML with a continuing interest of approximately 55 years. A strong proponent of education and vocal advocate of dedicated service to the community, she encouraged and supported the efforts of her children, grandchildren and others within her realm of influence to attain the best education possible and to use their talents in service for the betterment of the community. To this end, she encouraged her children to excel in academics, sports and community service while attending school. Each of her children graduated from Brenham High School, Blinn College, and institutions of higher learning. Subsequently, she saw each of her grandchildren graduate from college. The immediate family survivors include her son, Goeke Mutscher and wife JoAnn of Midland, Michigan; son, Gus F. Mutscher of Brenham; daughter, Betty and husband Fred Boecker, Jr. of Houston; and daughter, Margie and husband, Dr. Herbert Foelber of San Diego, California. Also her grandchildren, Laura and husband David Meade of Arlington, Glen Mutscher and wife Ellen of Sarnea, Ontario; Sarah and husband Peter Melsness of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lisa and husband, James Mikus of Austin; Gus Hurley Mutscher and wife Amy of Washington, D.C.; Julie and husband Ed Hardin, Jr. of Houston; Scott Boecker and wife Virginia of Los Angeles, California; and Rebecca and husband Steve Phillpott of San Diego, California. Also her great-grandchildren, Audra Meade, Allison Meade, Abigail Meade, Jacob Mutscher, Kirsten Mutscher, Matthew Melsness, Markus Melsness, Matthew Mikus, William Mikus, Cade Mutscher, Jonathan Hardin, Jordan Hardin, Christopher Phillpott, Eric Phillpott and Robert Phillpott. Survivors in Brenham further include brother-in-law, Herbert Mutscher and wife Meta; sister-in-law, Mrs. Lydia Mertins; sister-in-law, Ms. Louise Klussmann and brother-in-law, Robert Lenz; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Sheila Mutscher; and her sisters, Betty, Mrs. Will Sehlke; Rosie, Mrs. Fred Schwartz; Mollie, Mrs. Gerhard Boenker; Mary, Mrs. Martin Schwartz; and Clara, Mrs. Otto Klussmann. Mrs. Mutscher enjoyed and appreciatively acknowledged the dedicated and pleasant care services of Alpha Bonner, Sophie Murski, Brenda Thomas and Pearl Deaver. She also took pride in expressing her gratitude for many thoughtful visitations, and for the efforts advanced by Darlene Fischer, Judy Warschak, Alma Kenjura, Dottie Miller, Esther Thomas and friends. To her end, Dr. Henry Boehm, Jr. was always so gracious, kind and unselfish in his professional and personal assistance. Pallbearers include Dr. Henry Boehm, Jr., John Muegge, Victor Arlitt, F.C. Sonny Schulte, Alois Bilski, Atwood Kenjura, L.J. Lacina, Jr., Otto Lehrmann, Norman Prenzler, Ron Schlottmann, and Jeffery Schwartz. The grandsons will assist as graveside pallbearers. Special ushers include Kenneth Mutscher, David Sommer and Clarence Weiser. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Don Voelter, Dr. Bobby Marek, Ed Kruse, Mayor Walter Schwartz, Frank Blizzard, Clarence Gaskamp, Dr. Lowell Herzog, A.W. Hodde, Jr., Willie Kankel, Jr., Leroy Loesch, Bill Moran, Walter Butch Rodenbeck, David Roehling, Judge Julian E. Weisler, II and Wesley Westerfeld. The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, April 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Radio Ministry, the LWML, The Blinn College Foundation, or a charity of choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, TX 77833, telephone 979 836-4564.