Jochen

Elton Jochen, 97, passed away May 24, 2020, in La Grange. He was born Nov. 25, 1922, in the Cedar community near La Grange, to Laura (Nollkamper) and George Henry Jochen.

Elton grew up in the Cedar community. He attended Cedar School and helped his grandparents, Julius and Mary Nollkamper, on their farm. During the depression, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later he worked at the Consolidated Aircraft factory in San Diego.

In 1944, he enlisted in the Army and completed infantry and jungle survival training. While in Okinawa on the front line, he was severely wounded by a Japanese artillery shell. He was in a Guam hospital when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan and the war ended. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in World War II.

He returned to La Grange and married Ruby Byler on September 12, 1949, at Philadelphia Lutheran Church in Swiss Alp. He operated a service station and worked at Brasher Motor Company. He retired from the First National Bank after 22 years of service. Although he and Ruby lived in La Grange, they spent a lot of time raising cattle and gardening on their farm on the Bluff. They truly enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and Elton was an avid hunter. Elton and Ruby were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Elton will be remembered for his kindness, his hospitality, and his sense of humor.

Elton was preceded in death by his wife Ruby and his sister Verlin Schulz Wiesepape. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Visitation at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home was held from 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The service was led by Pastor Candis O’Meara and burial was held at La Grange City Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

Pallbearers were Justin Anders, Greg Hunger, Josh Roscher, Glen Roscher, David Schulz and Kenneth Schulz.

Special thanks to all who helped care for Elton, especially Brazos Valley Hospice and Becky Hoag from Right at Home.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Brazos Valley Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange.