Bernadette Marie Schwenke of High Hill was called to Heaven by God and leaving her family and loved ones to mourn her passing 15 days after her mother’s passing.
Bernadette was born on Monday, December 6, 1954, to Edmund and Mildred (Heger) Mazoch in Shiner, Texas. She passed away at the age of 67 on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, Texas with her four children nearby.
Most of her life, she was known as Berni to most people. Berni was raised on the new family farm when her parents moved the family in 1955 to High Hill, TX. After attending St. Rose Catholic School, she graduated in 1973 from Bishop Forest High School in Schulenburg. She married Larry Charles Schwenke on Saturday, May 25, 1974 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg and to this union of love, they were blessed with an angel and four children, starting their family in Houston where they attended Notre Dame Catholic Church. Before starting a family with Larry, she worked for an insurance company in Houston a few years after being married. Later moving their family to Schulenburg in 1988, she ran a daycare for few years. In 1994, she started her retail career with Family Dollar in Schulenburg. Out of her 23.5 years of working for Family Dollar, she was Assistant Manager most of those years. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church of High Hill, TX.
Her favorite enjoyment over the last few years included watching her grandchildren playing various sports including soccer and little league baseball and their talents including marching/concert band, dance, and horseback riding competitions.
Her survivors include her children and spouses: Edward Schwenke of High Hill, Ashley Hanslik and husband Paul of Moulton, Megan Jackson of High Hill, and Derek Schwenke and wife Dorothy of La Grange; five grandchildren: Makenzie and Ty Jackson, Logan Schwenke, Braylee and Brynna Hanslik; brothers and sisters-in-law: Dominic and Alicia Mazoch of Houston, Michael and Laura Mazoch of Schulenburg, and Gregory and Nancy Mazoch of Houston; aunt: Gladys (Heger) Dusek of Needville; mother-in-law: Angelina “Angie” (Klesel) Schwenke of Schulenburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Berni is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years: Larry C. Schwenke; her infant daughter: Erica Marie Schwenke; her parents: Edmund and Mildred Mazoch; father-in-law: Emil Schwenke; brother-in-law: Leonard Schwenke; sister-in-law: JoLane Schwenke; and nephew: Keith Kutac.
On Saturday, June 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill, a public visitation was held from 9 am – 10:30 am, followed by a rosary service starting at 10:30 am led by Deacon Jay Vocelka. A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Felix Twumasi of Hostyn and Deacon Jay Vocelka was held at 11 am. Altar Servers were Nathan Olsovsky and Jackson Faith, and the Eucharistic Minister was Francis Ripper. Lectors were her nieces: Andrea and Lauren Mazoch and prayers of the Faithful were led by sister-in-law: Linda (Schwenke) Kutac. Offertory gifts and flowers were carried up by her grandchildren: Makenzie and Ty Jackson, Logan Schwenke, and Braylee and Brynna Hanslik. A eulogy of memories was given by her friends: Gary and Rita Quinton and a poem was read by her brother: Michael Mazoch. Musician and singers were Chris Nava of Sealy, TX and the members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir and soloists: Denise Trojacek, Chris Nava, and Edward Schwenke. Pallbearers were grandsons: Ty Jackson and Logan Schwenke; nephews: Craig Mazoch, Rodney Mazoch, Jonathan Mazoch; and cousins: Allen Dusek, Mark Dusek, and Patrick Dusek. The honorary pallbearers included her brothers: Dominic Mazoch, Michael Mazoch, and Gregory Mazoch; cousin: Eugene Dusek; and best friend: Gary Quinton.
Interment was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery followed by a reception at the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be made to the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, to the family’s wishes or to a charity of one’s choice.
Services were under the direction of Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home of Schulenburg.