Etzel Descendants Mark 170 Years in Texas at Reunion

The descendants of Philipp Etzel gathered for the 77th annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Round Top Rifle Association Hall in Round Top. Doors opened at 10 a.m. and the meal was served at noon. Goebel Catering provided the delicious meal of chicken fried pork steak along with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and corn. Tea, coffee and water along with desserts finished the meal. Other activities included a memorial service, short business meeting, raffle prizes, Bingo and a pinata. During the short meeting Amazing Grace was sung.

Descendants from the following ancestors were counted which is outlined as follows: Henry Etzel-2, Marie Etzel Marburger-2, Amelia Etzel Semmelmann-1, Adolph C. Etzel-0, August F. Etzel-0, Wilhelm Eltzel-2, Otillie Etzel Brau-25, Lina Ezel Brau-0, Kathrina Etzel Hetzel-14, George Etzel-15, Gustuv H. Etzel-6.

Awards were handed to the following categories: Oldest Male-John Etzel, Oldest Female-Loretta Kruse Simank, Longest Married-Pat and Betty Ray Lakey, Youngest Child-Cohyn Billiott, and Newest Married Couple-Devyn and Adrian Billiot. Those who passed since the last reunion were Fred Leroi Birdsong, Lance Alan Etzel, and Iva Janis Etzel Lancaster.

This year marked 170 years since Philipp Etzel came to Texas so there was a special drawing for a $170 gift card which was won by Betty Brau Lakey. T-shirts were also produced and sold by D&G Apparel to commemorate this special 170th year.

The next reunion will be held on Aug. 14, 2027.