Benton William Schulze III

It is with profound sadness that Benton's family shares the news of his passing.

Surrounded by his family after a brief illness on Saturday, December 9, 2006 in his 51st year. Benton was born October 7, 1955 in Brenham, Texas to Benton W. Schulze, Jr. and Gennie (Decker) Schulze. He was baptized on May 23,1958 by Pastor Theo Streng and confirmed on March 22, 1970 by Pastor Thomas Swygert, both at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Benton graduated from Brenham High School in 1974 and attended Blinn College. Benton married his best friend, Kay Lapaglia on May 23, 1981. Benton worked passionately in the field of the cattle industry.

His easy smile, witty and outgoing personality, enlarged his circle of friends. Benton touched the lives of many people in and around the Brenham area because he was one of those truly great guys some of us are lucky to know. He enjoyed "cutting up" and joking with many of his friends, and will be sadly missed by all.

Benton is survived by his soul mate and wife of 25 years, Kay Lapaglia Schulze. He was the loving and generous father of Benton Schulze, IV and Chase Schulze, the dear son of Gennie Schulze, and brother of Karen Siegel and her husband Robert. Other family members include: nephew Brandon Benson and his wife Courtney, great-nephew Landon Benson; nephew Brigham Benson; aunt Bonnie Sonnier; uncle John Decker and wife Cara; cousin Carol Ann Sonnier; father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Aleta Lapaglia; brother-in-law David Lapaglia, niece and nephew Andrea and Michael Lapaglia; sister-in-law Susan Lapaglia Thomet and her husband Ken, nieces Lyndsey, Julie and Abbey Thomet; sister-in-law Lara Lapaglia Garey and her husband Tom, nephew Trey Garey.

Benton was predeceased by his father, Benton W. Schulze, Jr.

Family will receive friends and loved ones Tuesday, December 12, 2006 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held December 13, 2006 at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brenham with Pastors Lawrence Bade and Kim Little-Brooks officiating. Graveside services will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Bothe, Bubba Brunner, Daniel Dierking, Doyle Dahmann, G.R. Powell, Mike Budell, Danny Joswiak and Mark Hyatt.

Memorials suggested to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com