Fritz Schoenst

Fritz Schoenst died peacefully sleeping with Jesus in his home on January 5, 2021.

Fritz was born on December 3, 1937 to Fritz C. and Estella (Neumann) Schoenst in north Fayette County near Carmine. He spent his entire life in this area.

He was baptized in Martin Lutheran Church, Carmine by Pastor Barnette 2-3-1938 and confirmed by Rev. A.F. Kluge 11-4-1951. He married Jeanette Pfeiffer on February 3, 1963 and was blessed with two daughters, Sue Lynn and Staci.

He attended school at Round Top Carmine and later worked for Arnold Peters feed store and hauled milk and ice, Henry Sanders electrical and appliance, Fred Schultz AC, and then the Texas Dept. of Transportation in La Grange from May 1965 to his retirement in 1992. He continued to work at home doing some custom work and being the fix it man for the entire community. When presented with a problem by anyone, he was always ready to help and even invented items to make things work.

Fritz loved his horses and mules, making many trail rides and local events. He enjoyed working with his tractors and taking care of the land. He enjoyed visiting neighbors and friends on his ATV just to say hi.

Fritz joined the Brenham National Guard 149 Div. August 1, 1960 and stayed until July 31, 1967 honorable discharge as staff sergeant. His basic training was at Ft. LeonardWood, MO. And Ft. Knox, Ky. He served in active duty at Ft. Polk, LA. During the Cuba Crisis on October 5, 1961 through 1962 and then when called for flood or hurricane disasters.

Fritz cooked for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church chicken fry and served eight terms on council, including being President. He was a member of the Carmine Fire Dept. and helped with their chicken fry. He also helped cook for Hermann Sons Life, many social, school and benefit organizations.

He was fluent in reading and speaking German to the extent of doing church services in German for Round Top and Greenvine.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette of almost 58 years, daughter Sue Lynn and Kim Sternadel, daughter Staci and Nick Brailas, brothers Melvin and Roger and wife Kathy Schoenst and nieces Heather and husband Kyle Kaspar, Mandy Schoenst, and nephew Chance Schoenst. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews Kylee, Heath and Hunter Kaspar, Ida Blackwell, and cousin Wilton and wife Pam Schoenst along with their children and grandchildren and many cousins from the Neumann side.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, in-law parents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Willie McKenzie, John Wantland, Brian Adams, Tommy Riley, Kyle Kaspar, and Chance Schoenst. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be David “Bugger Red” Boenker, Wilton Schoenst, Elroy Issleib, John Bates, Lundy Wantland, Stuart Markwardt, Berrie Etzel, and Mark Mares.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2021 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top with Pastor John David Nedbalke officiating. Burial will follow at Carmine Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2020 at Memorial Oaks Chapel with the family present from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top, TX, Hospice Brazos Valley, or charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.