Schenk

Gerhard Helmut Schenk, 93, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021.

Gerhard was born was born on Dec. 25, 1927 in Drossen, Germany, the son of the late Fritz and Berta (Prietz) Schenk.

He married Erika Koster on Oct. 24, 1951 in Herford, Germany. Gerhard and Erika moved from Germany to the United States in May of 1952. At the time, they had been sponsored by a Lutheran Church in Galena Park where they were able to settle their family into the Houston area.

Gerhard began working in Houston first for a lumber yard. He later worked for Brochsteins, a cabinet making business in the greater Houston area. Gerhard would eventually establish his own business in cabinet making.

While living in Houston, Gerhard and Erika purchased a farm in 1967 on Creamer Creek Road in La Grange. In 1995, Gerhard settled officially into the La Grange area. He loved the peacefulness of the country as it was a reminder to him of his family’s farm in Germany.

Gerhard was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of La Grange.

He took great enjoyment in volunteering for St. Mark’s Medical Center with their volunteer organization called the “Purple Angels.” Gerhard’s kindness and compassion brought great comfort to both the patients and staff of St. Marks that will never be forgotten.

Some of Gerhard’s hobbies included his membership held with the Houston German singing club, Saengerbund, his love of carpentry, and fondness of horses. Gerhard also enjoyed dancing and particularly dancing the waltz.

He is survived by three sons: Fred Schenk and wife, Tammi of Lake Charles, La.; Gary Schenk and wife, Kathryn of Houston; and Paul Schenk and wife, Shannon of Citrus Heights, Calif.; four grandchildren: Amanda Schenk of Austin; Adam Schenk of Brenham; Erika Schenk Owens and husband, Will of Atlanta, Ga.; and Andrew Schenk and wife, Kaitlen of Houston; five great grandchildren: Lana and Zara Schenk; Louise Owens; and Sutton and Preston Schenk.

Gerhard was preceded in death by his parents; wife of forty-three years, Erika Schenk; and brother, Johannes Schenk.

Visitation was held on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home and Cremations in La Grange. Family will received friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at Cedar Cemetery in La Grange at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 800 N. Franklin St., La Grange, TX 78945.

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.