Lonnie William Wieghat

Lonnie W. Wieghat, 80, of Brenham died July 3, 2006 in Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center.

Lonnie was born to Henry and Lydia (Finke) Wieghat on November 11, 1925 in the Prairie Hill Community of Washington County. He was baptized December 25, 1925 in St. John’s Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill by Rev. Paul Gogolin and confirmed on April 6, 1941 in Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wiedeville by Rev. Kurt Hartmann. He attended Washington County Schools at Wiedeville and Muellersville.

Lonnie served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, having served both in the Pacific and European Theaters. After the war, he attended Blinn College.

On October 30, 1948 he married Viola Adele Brauner at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Greenvine. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Betty, Carol and Kay.

Lonnie was always a hard worker. He worked as a truck driver while attending night classes at Blinn College. He was employed by the Texas Highway and Public Transportation Department working first in the Washington County office and later transferring to the Grimes County office. He completed over 30 years of service as a maintenance technician. After retiring from the Highway Department, he worked for the City of Brenham for 10 years, beginning as an assistant street superintendent and finishing his working career as park superintendent.

Lonnie enjoyed yard work and raising a few cattle. While he and Viola were still able to dance, they were members of the Polka of America Club and attended many dances. He was a member of the Buddy Wright Post #48 of the American Legion, where he served in various capacities including one year as vice-commander.

He was also a member of the James F. Dillon Post 7104 of the V.F.W. in Brenham and a faithful member of various local Lutheran congregations. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham since 1998.

Survivors include his three daughters and sons-in-law Betty and Gregg Hutton of Huntsville, Alabama, Carol Ann and Marvin Spreen of Brenham and Kay and Darrell Matthies of Brenham; seven grandchildren, Tracy Szymczak and husband Jay, Alicia Hilliard and husband John all of Alabama, Mark Williams and wife Heather of Bayou Vista, Christopher Williams of Kyle, Penny Spreen, Ashlie Matthies and fiance Darren Derkowski and Morgan Matthies and special friend Russell Shay all of Brenham; five great-grandchildren, Alexandria Stone, Krystal Goad, Tommy Goad and Chelsey Szymczak all of Alabama and Lance Williams of Bayou Vista.

He is also survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Allyne and Erwin Emshoff of Brenham; brothers and sisters-in-law Ervin and Mae Ola Wieghat of Bedias, William and Judy Wieghat of Flynn, Arnold Wieghat of Houston, Henry Wieghat of Spring; sisters-in-law Nilah Wieghat of Houston and Barbara Brauner of Hempstead; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wenzel and Elaine Brauner of Brenham and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Viola on September 6, 2003, one brother Melvin Wieghat, one sister Malinda Naumann, two brothers-in-law Lonnie Naumann and Raymond Brauner and two sisters-in-law Betty Wieghat and Ellie Wieghat.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening, July 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 3 p.m. in Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Button officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mark Williams, Chris Williams, Jay Szymczak, John Hilliard, Darren Derkowski, Russell Shay, Kweyn Emshoff and Ervin W. Wieghat.

Honorary pallbearers will be his sons-in-law, granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com