Paul Norbert

Kenjura

Paul (Paulie) Kenjura passed away at his home surrounded by family and love on November 9, 2026.

Paulie was born on October 22, 1928, at home on the family farm, where he lived most of his life, and was the ninth of ten children of Steve and Mary Washerlesky Kenjura. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Church School and began helping his parents and siblings with the farm's many chores at a young age. As he grew older, he worked at various places. One of his first jobs was working for his brother-in-law, Andrew Murski, at Alamo grocery, where he earned 10 cents for a full day of grocery deliveries. He also worked at the downtown Icehouse.

He met the beautiful Mary Lou Gerke on a blind date. They continued dating until he was called to serve in the Korean War. While training at Fort Campbell, CA, he arranged for his brother Charlie, and siter-in-law, Alma, to drive Mary Lou there so she could be closer to him. They decided to get married on September 8, 1951. And Paulie loved to tell the story that they had a large wedding for $1. USO ladies supplied the wedding cake, punch and flowers! While serving on the frontline in Korea he got to know other soldiers from Brenham and established life-long friendships. They scheduled get togethers regularly until health limitations restricted them. Even then they continued to stay in touch by telephone visits.

Nearly two years later, he returned to the United States. He and Mary Lou came home to Brenham and began their life together. Paulie worked at the Auction Barn and on various ranches doing what he loved best, working with cattle. He shared many tales of working for Gussie Grabow. In 1964, he joined Mary Lou and her mother, Mary Gerke, in opening K & G Steakhouse. After Mary Gerke retired, they opened another K & G Steakhouse in Seguin, Texas. All the while raising cattle and becoming a knowledgably respected rancher.

For our family he is the end of an era. He remained on the farm he loved so much and was the last of Steve and Mary Kenjura's children to do so. Now, the next generation will step up and preserve the family farm.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Kenjura, son Rodney Kenjura and bonus daughter Marilyn Kleypas and husband Paul. Grandchildren are Chris Blue, Sheila Rieck and husband Jesse, Josh Wesolick, Buddy and Kyle Kenjura, Corey Kenjura, Darreck and Ashley Kenjura. Great-grandchildren are Evie, Pierce and Presley Rieck, Charlie Kenjura and Braxton and Emersyn Kenjura, sister-in-law Annie Gerke, brother-in-law, Clarence Gerke and wife Jill Vivroux, sister-in-law Janet and husband David Long. Paulie had a host of nieces and nephews. Many of them have remained close to him their entire lives.

Predeceasing him are his wife of 74 years, Mary Lou, his son Darrell Mark, his parents, Steve and Mary Kenjura, his in-laws, Willie and Mary Gerke Pahmiyer and August Pahmiyer, brothers and sister-in-laws, Bennie and Margaret Kenjura, Eddie and Helen Kenjura, Ted and Pearlie Kenjura and Charlie and Alma Kenjura, sisters and brother-in-laws, Nellie and Steve Murski, Albina and Andrew Murski, Annie Isles, Clara Ballinger and Mary Lou Simmons, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Charlie Moon, sister-in-law Janet Gerke and brother-in-law, Floyd Gerke.

This would not be complete without acknowledging how very thankful we are to Vicky Kenjura. She has been steadfast and unfailing in her love and devotion. She thoughtfully provided meals, sweet treats, guidance and love. She also was a terrific Eucharistic minister. She is considered the angel of Kenjuraville!

Pallbearers are his grandsons: Chris Blue, Darreck Kenjura, Jesse Rieck, Buddy Kenjura, Josh Wesolick and Corey Kenjura. Honorary pallbearers are Atwood Kenjura, James Kenjura, Darrell Murski, Eddie Robinson, Barry Blue and Michelle Thraen.

Our family is grateful to Brazos Valley Hospice for their compassionate, attentive and loving care these last few weeks.

Please honor Paul as you are most comfortable with. If undecided, please consider a small donation to Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department.

A visitation for Paulie will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7:00 pm with Jill Vivroux officiating. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 701 Church Street, Brenham, Texas. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorial oakschapel.com