Vernon Joe “Sonny Boy” Karstedt

Vernon Joe “Sonny Boy” Karstedt, 85, of La Grange, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.

Vernon was born in Holman on Oct. 26, 1931, the son of Louis Karstedt and Annie (Baer) Karstedt. He married Bertha Seidel on Aug. 16, 1950 in Ammannsville.

He enjoyed spending time on the farm milking his cows, making hay and feeding and watching the deer.

Every chance Vernon had, he would hop in the truck and drive around the country side of Fayette County and admire its beauty.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Bertha, eight children: Vernon “Buck” Karstedt Jr. and wife, Lisa of La Grange; Connie Albritton of Katy; Terry Plata and husband, Bobby of Willis; Elizabeth Oelsen and husband, John of Missouri; Cindy Dippel and husband, Ricky of Round Top; Thomas Karstedt and wife, Kimberly of La Grange; Patrick Karstedt and wife, Shanna of Willis; Jennifer Deutsch and husband, John of Longview; twenty four grandchildren: Steven Karstedt and wife, Stacie; Kevin Karstedt and wife, Theresia; Verinda Dayton and husband, Greg; Allan Wolff Jr. and wife, Kathy; Nicholas Wolff and wife, Amanda; Chad Plata and wife, Cheryl; Micheal Plata and wife, Michelle; Joshua Plata and wife, Priscilla; Cory Plata and wife, Nicole; Chantele Watson and husband, Donnie; John D. Oelsen and wife, Brooke; Myron Dippel and wife, Myra; Sara Medack and husband, Timmy; Kyle Karstedt and wife, Kara; Brandi Karstedt; Katherine Karstedt; Ryan Karstedt and wife, Darlyn; Ashly Edwards and husband, Jayson; Amanda Hickey; Andrew Hickey; Jordan Karstedt; Lucas Karstedt; Chase Karstedt and Jamie Karstedt; thirty three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters: Lillian Miller, Katy Schneider, Leona Ploss, Evelyn Peeples, Barbara Hermis, Veronica Kristoff; two brothers: Edwin Karstedt Sr. and Wilburn Karstedt; three infant grand children: Joseph, Matthew and Alana Karstedt; two infant great grandchildren: Mylee Dippel and Amaya Oelsen.

Visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 from 12 to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Grange at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Burial will follow at La Grange City Cemetery in La Grange.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486, www.mdanderson. org/gifts or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange is in charge of arrangements.