Hunger

William Emil “Willie” Hunger, 93, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2022.

Willie was born in Cistern on Aug. 16, 1928, the son of Emil and Lela (Lueders) Hunger.

He was baptized into the Christian faith on Dec. 9, 1928, and confessed his faith at his confirmation on Feb. 11, 1942 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Willie served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War era as an Army Medic. After returning from service, Willie met his first wife, Louise Byler and they married on April 6, 1946. The couple was blessed to have shared thirty-three years of marriage. Louise passed away in January of 1980.

Willie worked as an Engineer Tech for the Texas Department of Highway Transportation for thirty years and after many years of faithful service officially retired in 1984. After retirement, Willie worked for the City of La Grange.

He married Leola Urner on September 20, 1980. Willie treasured the years he was married to Leola. She passed away in March of 2004. Willie was a devoted, husband, father, and held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren that lovingly called him “Papa.”

Willie was a true servant to his community and was actively involved with various organizations such as the Lutheran Men in Mission, American Legion Post No. 102, VFW Post No. 5254, Plum Sons of Hermann Lodge No. 238, St. Mark’s Auxiliary, and volunteered as a driver for the Road to Recovery group. Some of Willie’s hobbies included deer hunting, fishing, and listening to his favorite polka and waltz bands. He was an avid baseball fan and loved the Houston Astros.

On Aug. 28, 2004 Willie opened up his heart again, and found love a third time. He married Rosalie “Rose” (Zajicek) Wessels. Rose and Willie faithfully attended St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church together. They volunteered their time as a couple assisting with church services at Jefferson Place Assisted Living. Rose entered into her heavenly home on Nov. 12, 2021.

Willie will be remembered by his family and extended family members as having a heart of gold. He was the type of person that never met a stranger. He truly valued his family and his faith.

He is survived by son, Greg Hunger and wife, Deby of Ellinger; grandchildren: Shawn Hunger and wife, Amanda; and Alicia Cravens and husband, JB; great grandchildren: Jordyn and Cullen Hunger, Thomas and Christian Cravens; stepdaughters: Wanda Wessels of La Grange; and Donna Baker and husband, Martin of Mullins; stepsons: Wayne Wessels of Bastrop; and Dennis Wessels of Houston; step grandchildren: Derek and Amy Wessels, Whitney and Wes Swearingen, Lauren Johnson, Blake Johnson; and Luke Baker; step great grandchildren: Kennedy, Cade, and Case Wessels; Bennet, Penny, and June Johnson, Carter Swearingen; sisters-in-law: Georgia Kovar of La Grange, and Merrill Lueders of Bastrop; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Louise (Byler) Hunger; second wife, Leola (Urner) Hunger; and third wife, Rosalie “Rose” (Zajicek) Wessels Hunger; and brother-in-law, Leslie Kovar.

The family would like to thank Argent Court Assisted Living and Serenity Hospice in Bastrop for their wonderful care and affection for William

A visitation was held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations from 12 to 7 p.m. Family was present to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange. Burial followed at the La Grange City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Grange, Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter, Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.