Viola (Genzer) Hartensteiner, age 92 of Schulenburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, from complications of pneumonia.
She was born Dec. 31, 1931, to Joe Genzer and Rosie Rerich Genzer, in Holman. She moved to Houston in 1951 and bought her first home at age 19 in the Spring Branch area.
Viola met her husband, Herman, upon his return from the Korean War and they were married in 1953 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston. They subsequently formed Hartensteiner Construction Company, where Viola managed the office work while Herman oversaw field operations. After raising their five children in Houston, they purchased their retirement farm in Schulenburg and permanently moved from Houston to Schulenburg in 1982.
Following their move to Schulenburg, Viola stayed busy with a variety of tasks. One might find her canning pickles, frying chicken or working on her favorite sewing project. No matter the activity, her Catholic faith and family were always prioritized. The Hartensteiner house was always open to guests, where Viola could assemble a large meal in a matter of minutes. Over the last year, she resided at Brookdale Beckett Meadows in Austin.
Viola is survived by her daughters, Carol Rektorik and husband Gary of Schulenburg, and Kathy Pyka and husband Greg of Dripping Springs; son, Mike Hartensteiner and wife Jan of Cypress; and daughter-in-law, Wanda Hartensteiner of Richmond. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman; sons Steve and Donald; parents Rosie Genzer and Joe Genzer; and three brothers.
Funeral services for Viola were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec.16, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg. Visitation was held at 9 a.m., followed by the parish rosary at 10 a.m. led by CDA sister Phyllis Venghaus. Entombment followed at St. Rose Catholic Mausoleum in Schulenburg. Pallbearers included grandsons, Chad Rektorik, Justin Primrose, Kyle Kohler and Jose Trujillo; and nephews, Dale Genzer and Clarence Hartensteiner. Honorary pallbearers included Viola’s granddaughters, Jane Primrose, Melissa Hartensteiner, Lori Lynch, Megan Kohler, Ashley Trujillo, Lauren Pyka and Kelly Rektorik.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.schwenkebaumgarten.com.