Erwin James Kobza

Erwin James Kobza, 84, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12 at Hallettsville Nursing & Rehab Center.

Erwin was born in Schulenburg on March 30, 1938, to Joe and Ida Kahanek Kobza. He attended St. John School and in September 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was based in Stuttgart, Germany, serving with the 168th Engineer Battalion as a heavy equipment operator. He always took pride in the fact that Elvis Presley was stationed at the same base at the same time. In fact, he even claimed to have seen Elvis on the base. In 2012, he was thrilled to be able to revisit Stuttgart. The base was long gone, but he was able to retrace many of his tracks, especially to the nearby beer gardens.

On June 19, 1965, he married Adrienne Hranicky. They made their home in Houston until 1981, at which time they moved back to the farm in Schulenburg. While in Houston, Erwin worked for Wyatt USI Industries as a layout operator. After his move to Schulenburg, he opened and operated his own bulldozer business and continued it until his retirement.

Erwin loved traveling to the Western United States and Canada. There were many summer trips throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ida Kobza; sisters, Edith Besetsny and Irene Jordy; and infant sister, Dorothy.

He is survived by his wife Adrienne; two sons, Keith Kobza and companion Debora Jones of Schuenburg, and Kirk Kobza and wife Amy of Cedar Park; grandchildren, Sydney, Savannah and Katry Kobza, Kylie and Hagan Jones, and Avery Hutson; and two brothers, Bobby Joe Kobza and wife Janet of Schulenburg, and Harvey Kobza and wife Barbara of Katy. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, and lest we forget Luke, his trusty Yellow Lab.

Memorial services are set for Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Church, St. John. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the rosary at 10:30 a.m. and memorial Mass at 11 a.m.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.