Zoch

Zoch Freddie Elwood Zoch, 86 of Giddings, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday evening, Feb. 26, 2024. He was a resident at Harmony Care in Giddings.

Freddie Zoch was born at Warda on Aug. 3, 1937. He was the eighth child born to Alvin T. Zoch and Ernestine Mertink Zoch. Freddie was baptized by Pastor Paul C. Eifert on Aug. 15, 1937 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Warda. He attended Holy Cross Parochial School, and was confirmed by Pastor Eifert on March 18, 1951. His Bible verse was: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Freddie grew up on the family farm, by Green’s Creek and Rabb’s Creek. He enjoyed the companionship of three sisters and five brothers. Although they had their fair share of fun and many wonderful family experiences, the whole family had to work - taking care of livestock, gardening, harvesting and preserving food they grew, as well as farming corn, hay, peanuts, and cotton. Then there were the years when three brothers went away to serve in foreign wars, and the three sisters went to Austin to work to help support the family. Freddie remained at the farm to help his parents. He loved working with the animals and the land; farming and ranching became a life-long passion and career. Freddie also worked at the U.S. Post Office and Gersch Automotive in Giddings.

Freddie Zoch was a friend to all. He was a faithful, lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, working in various roles, such as serving on the financial stewards committee. After church each Sunday he would pick up some extra church service bulletins, which he would graciously give out to people he’d encounter during the week. The bulletins contained scripture, hymns, and church and community news and events. Passing these out to relatives, acquaintances, nurses, and even doctors, was his way of spreading the Word of God. And he did it joyfully.

Freddie was a dedicated member of the Texas Wendish Heritage Society. He was a proud descendant of original Wendish settlers to the Serbin area in 1854. He worked at the Wendish Museum, at Wendish Fest, and at other society functions, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of all things Wendish. He made sure that Wendish Society events were well advertised in surrounding towns and churches by putting up posters and handing out brochures. Successful events meant there would be more funding for scholarships for young people, to pursue their educations. Being able to help students to achieve their educational dreams, brought him much joy.

Freddie also had a passion for good old fashioned country music. Since its very beginning, he was a faithful attendee at the Fayette Country Opry. In fact, he never missed a performance, until serious health issues prevented his attendance

Freddie enjoyed making his “rounds” on the ranch. He would drive the long stretch of Zoch Ln., checking if the cattle were doing OK and checking to see if his siblings’ properties were secure. He would report to them what he saw: how many deer and where; wild hog damage and where; what wildflowers were blooming and where; weather and how much rainfall and where. He enjoyed observing nature and reporting it to all his family on a regular basis. And they appreciated it.

Freddie was blessed with family and friends. He always enjoyed family gatherings, reunions, celebrations, and community events. Now in heaven, Freddie is celebrating the best reunion of all - with Jesus and with those family and friends who came to heaven before him - all in a place of perfect peace and happiness. And when our time comes, he will surely be there to greet us with a glowing smile and a warm handshake, saying, “Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you. It’s so good to see you again.”

Freddie Zoch is survived by: brother, Marvin (Joyce) Zoch; brother, Rudy (Genie) Zoch; and brother, Eugene (Barbara) Zoch. Also, there are 21 nieces and nephews, 44 great nieces and nephews, 45 great, great nieces and nephews, and 7 great, great, great nieces and nephews.

Freddie Zoch was preceded in death by: his parents, Alvin T. and Ernestine Zoch; brother, Henry Milton Zoch, (Ruby) Zoch, and (Emily) Zoch; sister, Hattie (Vern Sr.) Lovaasen; sister, Irene (Richard) Weaver; sister, Evelyn (Ernest) Lehmann; brother, Elmer Zoch; niece, Linda Schwartz; great nephew, Daniel Edward Lehmann; and great nephew, Henry Zoch, III.

Special thanks go to all the staff at Giddings Residence and Rehabilitation now known as Harmony Care - for their professional care and heart-felt concern. Also, thanks to the many residents there who became good friends, sharing friendliness, encouragement, and prayers. Thanks to the staff and nurses of Brazos Valley Hospice, who made the passing stages easier to bear. Thanks also to all the doctors and nurses for professional assistance over the years. Thanks to Franklin and Judy Boettcher who were always ready to assist whenever necessary. Thanks to Pastor Dustin Beck and Holy Cross Lutheran Church for the visits, sincere concerns and words of comfort, and many prayers. And “thank you” to all those kind people who visited, sent cards, entertained, prayed, offered encouragement and kind words, and helped in ways we may never realize. And ... Thanks be to God.

Visitation was held Friday, March 1, 2024, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at Koenig Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, La Grange. The family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Prayer Service was held at 5:15 p.m.

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Warda. Interment followed at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Warda.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Freddie Zoch’s name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran High School, Texas Wendish Society or the 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.