Third Generation of Klesel Family Joins Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home

For almost 70 years, families have entrusted the care of their loved ones to a Klesel at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg.

Clayton Klesel had already become a third generation funeral director/embalmer, and now he joins the local business with his father and uncle, Bryan and Mark. They all followed in the footsteps of the late Wilbert J. “Bill” Klesel.

After graduating from Schulenburg High School in 2002, Clayton earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran University in 2006. He obtained his degree in mortuary science in 2010 from San Antonio College. He was employed for the last 13 years by Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio.

The grandson of the late Bill and Dolly Klesel, Clayton is the son of Bryan and Terese Klesel. He is married to Sarah Benton Klesel, formerly of Flatonia. The couple has two children, Corbett and Eva.

The Klesels’ connection with Schwenke-Baumgarten started when Bill, who became a licensed mortician in 1950, returned to Schulenburg after his first job in Rosenberg. He joined Bob Kallus, the son-in-law of original owner O. B. Schwenke, as a partner in 1955.

Bill’s eldest son, Mark, graduated from Commonwealth College in Houston and joined the firm in 1976. The Klesel family purchased the business in 1978, following the death of Mr. Kallus and they chose to keep the original name since it has been so wellestablished in Houston. Bryan joined Schwenke-Baumgarten in 1990 after graduating from The Institute of Funeral Service in Houston. When Bill and Dolly retired in 1995, Mark and Bryan then became co-owners.

Throughout his years as a local businessman, Bill was active in civic organizations, served on the City Council, and was honored as Citizen of the Year. Up until his passing in March 2022, Bill was always proud that he had a third generation of funeral directors/ morticians in his family.

Like his grandfather, Clayton returned to Schulenburg after getting his career started. Now, he will continue to serve its citizens and carry on the Klesel tradition.