Gau
Gau Edwin Gau, age 86, passed away on May 18, 2024.
Edwin was born on June 28, 1937, in La Grange to Edwin Frederick Gau and Estella Antonio (Moellenberndt) Gau. Edwin was baptized on Aug. 22, 1937 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rutersville and confirmed on May 26, 1951 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in LaGrange.
He attended La Grange Schools, graduating from La Grange High School in 1955. Edwin attended Texas Lutheran College and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1960.
Edwin was united in marriage to Frances Noreen Banik, on Dec. 23, 1961 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Round Top, celebrating 57 years together, before her death in 2019.
Edwin was reared in the Rutersville area of Fayette County. He loved Round Top and the surrounding community and moved here after his marriage to Frances. He was always able to inform and entertain us with his stories of long ago and insight to how things used to be. He enjoyed carrying flags for Round Top 4th of July Parade, on horseback, which he did for a number of years alongside Jeff.
In his early years, Edwin worked with his father and grandfather at the Gau Gin and Mill in Rutersville, which was near where Teitjen’s Welding shop is today. After serving his country in the Army National Guard, Edwin began his working career with the Texas Highway Department Road and Bridge division. Later he transferred to the LCRA Fayette Power Plant and then to the Parks Division until his retirement.
Edwin loved to deer hunt and had many stories to tell about adventures at the deer lease. He never got to take the big Boon and Crocket, but he sure enjoyed cooking and eating his venison.
After his retirement, Edwin most enjoyed helping Jeff with his cattle operation. It was a joy for Ed to drive around and check cows for Jeff or help clean or repair fence lines. Those are the days that will be most remembered and cherished.
Edwin is survived by his son, Jeffery Gau and wife, Cathy, of Round Top; sisterin- law, Louise Gau of Sugar Land; nieces, Sharon Banik of Salt Lake City, Utah and Belinda Gau and husband, Kyle Lutz, of Sugar Land; nephews, Gerry Banik, and wife Jan, of Groves, and Robert Gau, and wife Charleen, of Sugar Land; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host friends.
Edwin is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Banik Gau; his parents, Estella A. and Edwin F. Gau, Sr.; father-in-law and mother- in-law, Albert and Nora Banik; brother, Ralph Gau; and brother-in-law and sisterin- law, Stuart and Waldine (Veith) Banik.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange. Family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Funeral Services were held at Bethlehem Church in Round Top at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Burial followed at Richter’s Cemetery in Round Top.
Pallbearers were Gerry Banik, Curtis Leitko, Jr., Willie McKenzie, Daniel Riebeling, Raymond Rosenbaum, and Ronald Siptak.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hospice Brazos Valley- La Grange or a charity of one’s choice.
Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.