Lenora Voelkel

Lenora Menn Voelkel, 95, of Shelby went peacefully into the arms of God on August 23, 2025. Hers was a life well lived, full of love, faith, and kindness.

Lenora was born July 26, 1930 in Greenvine, Texas the oldest daughter of Albert and Wera Schroeder Menn. She was baptized in Winedale Lutheran Church December 21, 1930 and confirmed November 12, 1944 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Greenvine. Lenora attended Latium and Greenvine grade schools and was a 1948 Burton High School graduate.

On July 30, 1949 Lenora married James Voelkel in Emmanual Lutheran Church of Greenvine. She and James shared 44 years together, living and working side by side on their family farm in Shelby. For many years their primary endeavor was their egg farm operation, but they also raised cattle and hogs and always tended an enormous garden.

After Jame’s death in 1993, Lenora went to work outside the home for the first time in her life. She enjoyed cooking for many years in Round Top at Klump’s and Scotty’s restaurants.

Lenora was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby and the Shelby and Latium Volunteer fire departments. She also hosted and helped organize many Mayer Cemetery Association meetings and was very involved in planning annual Latium and Greenvine school reunions.

An excellent seamstress, Lenora enjoyed creating a multitude of garments for family and friends throughout the years. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, and could always be counted on to provide delicious cakes and cookies for various events. All who came to visit in her home were served with her hospitality and something good to eat!

Above all, Lenora loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; she proudly shared photos and tales of their accomplishments with all her acquaintances. She not only cherished her own grandchildren and great grandchildren, but welcomed their friends into her home and became “Granny” to them as well. Her strong yet nurturing spirit and her kind heart serve as wonderful legacies. She will be greatly missed by many.

Lenora is survived by her son Jim (Carla) Voelkel; her daughter Linda (Carl) Wiesepape; grandchildren: Shannon Wiesepape, Chad (Kassey) Wiesepape, Heather (Phil) Myers and Josh (Katelyn) Voelkel; great grandchildren: Hunter Myers, Presley Myers, Easton Myers, Ellis Voelkel, Olivia Voelkel, Madi Wiesepape, Emma Wiesepape, and Jones Voelkel; numerous nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.

Lenora was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; her parents- in- law Arthur and Alma Voelkel; her sister and brother- in- law Magdalene and Arnold Knuppel; sister-in-law and brother- in- law Hertha and Norbert Meischen; and her nephew Russell Knuppel.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 10:00 am at St Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby, 6814 Skull Creek Rd, Fayetteville Texas. Burial will follow in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 8:30 – 9:45 am preceding the service and at the reception in the church education building following the service.

Pallbearers will be Chad Wiesepape, Josh Voelkel, Phil Myers, Hunter Myers, Craig Wiesepape and Warren Meischen. Honorary pallbearers are Easton Myers, Ron Knuppel and Oscar Voelkel Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby, 6814 Skull Creek Rd, Fayetteville Tx 78940.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Oak Haven Assisted Living, Accent Health and Acara Hospice for the loving and excellent care they provided.