Cheryl (Dierking) Buenger

Cheryl Buenger, 64, of New Wehdem, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 17, 2022 while at home and surrounded by family.

Cheryl was born on May 15, 1958 to parents William (Junior) and Pearlie Dierking of New Wehdem, Texas. She was baptized on July 6, 1958 and confirmed on June 10, 1973 at St. James Lutheran Church in New Wehdem. On August 10, 1980 she was united in marriage with Bruce Buenger, also at St. James.

Cheryl attended Kenney Elementary School before transitioning to schools in Bellville where she graduated with honors in 1976. Also, she was named Ms. Bellville in 1976. Next, she attended Blinn in Brenham where she graduated in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society in 1978. Cheryl earned a cosmetology license while attending Texas A&M and helped support Bruce through veterinary school by cutting hair at a salon. Bruce and Cheryl married during the vet school years and upon graduation, made their home in Columbus for a couple of years prior to making a permanent move to the Brenham area.

Cheryl loved the church community and the many friends she made there. She enjoyed playing church volleyball in her youth and helping with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Cheryl loved to serve the church. She helped take care of the mowing for over 40 years, the cemetery committee for many years, and served as organist for over 45 years. She considered music one of God’s gifts to her and loved to lead worship for the church. She also helped with many of the annual chicken stews and other events. She was a life-long member of St. James.

Cheryl was a faithful and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, caretaker, and friend. She faithfully cared for her entire family and especially her parents, in-laws, brother, and aunts and uncles in their final years. She was very thoughtful and loved to visit church friends and send cards to let them know she was thinking of them. She was a unique combination of stay-at-home mom and industrious worker. She loved playing sports with her boys and attending all of their games, fishing (and often catching the biggest fish), caring for cattle at the 4B Cattle Ranch (and especially the sight of a newborn calf), and seeing her roses bloom. She had the gift of hospitality and loved hosting and preparing meals for family Christmases as well as hosting Jess and Justin’s friends. She especially loved playing with her granddaughters and lavishing them with love and rice krispies.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Pearlie Dierking; brother, Larry Dierking; and in-laws, Jay C. (Jimmie) and Bernita (Bitsy) Buenger.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 42 years, Bruce Buenger; Jess (son) and wife Amanda and their daughters, Addison Grace, Ariella Hope, and Olivia Joy; Justin (son); Donna Huebner (sister) and husband Glenn; Garrett Huebner (nephew) and wife Paige and their daughters, Hudson, Hollis, and Hayden; Gene Huebner (nephew); Sally Dierking (sister-in-law); Marc Dierking (nephew) and wife Brooke and their children, Paisley, Harper, and Palmer; Laurel (niece) and husband Marcus Washington and son, Rumi; Clarence Dierking (uncle) and sons Shane and Darcy Dierking; Joan Buenger (cousin); Jay Buenger (nephew) and wife Elizabeth; Clint Buenger (nephew) and wife Sarah and their sons Jack and Ryan; Kate Buenger (niece); Greg Buenger (brother-in-law) and wife Anneta.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Pastor Evan and all the area church families and community for their many visits, prayers, phone calls, cards, food, and other acts of kindness that were shown. We also thank Dr. Bosse, Dr. Wolff, and their staffs, and Sharon Graham and the Acura Hospice team for their care and kindness toward Cheryl.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 20th with family present from 5-7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 21st at 10 am at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Wehdem with Pastor Evan Cameron officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

It was Cheryl’s wish that memorials be directed to St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.