Clarence Henry Klesel, 92, of Schulenburg, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
Clarence was born on Nov. 18, 1928 at his home place in Schulenburg to Henry and Emilie Klesel. He met the love of his life, Josephine Zappe, at Appelt’s Hill Dance Hall. They married on Oct. 18, 1952 and had three children – Shirley (and husband Donnie) Machicek of Schulenburg, Sandra (and husband Vince) Gallegos of Cypress, and Leroy (and wife Patricia) Klesel of Hallettsville. He was blessed with eight grandchildren – Dustin, Amanda and Lance Machicek, Kacie Gallegos and Abby Mousner and Megan Mixon, and Aaron and Justin Klesel – and one great-grandchild, Connor Machicek.
Clarence had a passion for working on his farm and at the same time he worked at Frank’s Restaurant as a line cook for 22 years. He had a love for animals, attending to his pigs, cows and chickens daily. He also loved raising crops, everything from cotton, corn and milo. Often late in the evenings, he could be found on his Farmall Super C, behind a horse-drawn plow, or shaking a pecan tree. His cooking experience led to hosting family gatherings with barbecue, kettle stew and a cold one. He enjoyed fishing, frog gigging and coon hunting. Clarence never met a stranger, and was sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Clarence and Josephine were true soul mates and spent every day together. They worked hand-in-hand on the farm.
Pallbearers were his grandsons, Dustin Machicek, Lance Machicek, Aaron Klesel and Justin Klesel; nephews, Lloyd Schwenke and David Anders; and grand-nephews, Kyle Berger and Edward Schwenke.
Funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg on Friday, April 23 at 11 a.m. Interment was in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Schulenburg. The Rev. Felix Twumasi officiated.
Memorials may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Hermann Sons, or a charity of the donor’s choice.