Edna Michalke, 98, of the Freyburg community, died peacefully in her sleep at Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center on Thursday, July 30. A quintessential gentlewoman, Edna lived her life with uncommon grace and unfailing love for family and friends.
Edna was born on Sept. 18, 1921, in Oakland, Texas, to Herman and Maria (nee Till) Teltschik. The fourth of five children, she attended Oakland Public School and Weimar High School. She married Otto Michalke on Sept. 15, 1941, in Weimar. They farmed together, working elbow to elbow, first in Oakland, then moving to the Freyburg community in 1949 where they operated a dairy for 30 years. Edna loved farm life and lived on the farm past 90 years old. She was a true partner in farm activities as well as a beloved mother, grandmother and homemaker. She loved her vegetable garden; everyone especially loved her kolaches.
She was preceded in death by her husband Otto in 1997 and daughters Deborah Michalke in 2009 and Linda Hinkel in 2014.
Survivors include a sister, Van Lee Ohnheiser of San Marcos; son, Arnold and wife Diana of Chantilly, Va.; and son-in-law. Oscar Hinkel of Katy. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Travis Michalke, wife Laura Head, and daughter Sienna of Falls Church, Va.; Brian and Tiffany Hinkel and son Colby of Houston; Justin and Shelly Hinkel, daughter Paige and son Barrett of Coushatta, La.; and, Melanie and Robert Gray of Austin, Ark.
A private funeral service was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Fr. Tim Kosler officiated. Funeral arrangements were provided by Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home. A memorial service and celebration of Edna’s life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or a charity of one’s choice.