Myrtis Gene Scheffler

March 6, 1941 – Jan. 5, 2024

At the age of 82 and still going strong, Myrtis Gene Scheffler collapsed in the arms of his daughter, Kristal, and dear neighbor and friend, Chris Berger, with his cattle standing by reverently.

Gene was born on March 6, 1941, in Goliad to Alfonse Joseph and Virginia Gleinser Scheffler. He was one of eight children and was raised in Houston since the age of 2. Gene graduated from Marian High School in 1959 and that summer he joined the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, SAC Headquarters near Omaha, Nebraska. During his tenure on base, he acquired the discipline and precision to be successful in life.

Gene met Wanda Freytag of Flatonia at the St. John’s 4th of July Picnic in 1973. They were married on Sept. 15 and celebrated 50 years together. They raised two daughters, Karla and Kristal.

Gene was a self-starter businessman and cattle rancher. He owned Scheffler Motors Sales on Washington Avenue in Houston. He worked cattle on the weekends in Moravia and Flatonia. In 2008, Gene and Wanda retired to their country home.

Gene was a devoted church-goer and loved attending Mass. He told his wife that he went to church “because he was so thankful.” Gene took pride in his family, work and land. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking and watching the sunset. He was a huge animal lover, especially of his cows, cats and ducks. Gene never missed a beat whether on the dance floor, playing dominoes or joking with friends. He was always one step ahead of everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonse Joseph and Virginia Gleinser Scheffler; brother, Donald Scheffler; brothers-in-law, Ben Reece, Willard Homrighaus, Stephen Freytag and Nolan Freytag; and nephew, Christopher Canada.

Gene is survived by his wife, Wanda Freytag of Schulenburg; daughter, Karla and Neil Brazzel of Houston; daughter, Kristal Scheffler of Schulenburg; grandchildren, Lacey, Hank and Sage Brazzel; sisters, Loreta Reece, Vivian Homrighaus, Joyce Canada and husband Dallas, and Veronica Smith and husband Gerald; brothers, Al Joe Scheffler and wife Dottie, and Glynn Scheffler; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family members and dear friends.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Church in St. John at 10:30 a.m. with visitation to begin at 9 a.m. and the rosary to be recited at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. John, Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, or a charity of one’s choice.