Franklin Guettermann

Franklin Guettermann was born on March 5, 1940, in Muldoon to Edwin and Leera Guettermann. He passed away Saturday, July 4, 2020, in Flatonia.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bonnie (Baca) Guettermann of Schulenburg; his daughters, Leera Janecka of Schulenburg, Donna Cozzaglio and husband Todd of Muldoon, Cyndi Rinchiuso and husband Nick of Katy, and Debby Fromberg and husband Thomas of Hollfeld, Germany; son, Franklin Holbeck and wife Kristina of Hamburg, Germany; step-son, Gary Brogdon and wife Debbie of Cypress; sister, Junette Rodecap of Schulenburg; brother, Harlan Guettermann and wife Betty of Muldoon; and 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Mark Janecka. Franklin grew up on his parents’ farm in Muldoon, where he helped with

Franklin grew up on his parents’ farm in Muldoon, where he helped with all of the daily chores and learned his work ethic. He was always an extremely hard worker and wonderful provider for his family. He attended Schulenburg High School, and at the young age of 17 entered the United States Air Force. He served his country for 4 years, before he was honorably discharged in 1961. He married Bonita Baca of Schulenburg in 1962. Franklin worked for Armco Steel Company for many years before having to retire at the age of 45 due to his muscular dystrophy. Franklin also ran cattle in the Freyburg area and had a successful photography business called Franklin Photos. He and Bonnie worked as a team and photographed weddings almost every weekend for several years.

Franklin was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved being on his boat and fishing with friends offshore. His family has many fond memories of boating and camping at Lake Somerville, and those long road trip vacations. Franklin loved spending time at the farm, hunting every deer season with his son-in-law and grandsons. He was never seen without either his straw summer cowboy hat or felt winter cowboy hat. After his retirement, Franklin liked to keep busy with many hobbies. He visited his children in Germany, took up rock polishing, studied genealogy, and even brewed a few good beers.

Even though Franklin suffered from Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and Polycystic kidney disease, which required spending his last several years in a nursing facility, he always remained positive, loving and ready to tell a good story. He received care from Oak Manor in Flatonia, DaVita Dialysis in Gonzales and Hospice of South Texas.

His family writes: “Dad, we will miss you, your stories, and Mom will miss your daily good morning and good night phone calls. You will be forever loved and missed. We will keep your memory alive always.”

A private service officiated by Pastor Jeff Mueler was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg. Franklin had requested that the song “I Did It My Way” be sung at his funeral, and Bruce Lebeda did a beautiful job granting that wish. Franklin was laid to rest in the Swiss Alp Cemetery with military honors provided by the Schulenburg American Legion.

Donations may be made to fshdsociety.org, pkdcure.org or a charity of one’s choice.