Huelsebusch

On Feb. 29, 2020 at the age of 92, our Dear Lord took Alton Harry Huelsebusch home.

Alton Harry Huelsebusch was born June 8, 1927 to Harry John Huelsebusch and Elise Katherine Helmcamp Huelsebusch in La Grange. He was one of three children born into this family. He was baptized on June 26, 1927 and he was confirmed on March 17, 1940 at Trinity Lutheran Church in La Grange.

On July 10, 1945, Alton was drafted into the United States Army, 2nd Infantry Division during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 17, 1946. On Jan. 28, 1947, Alton married Evelyn Annie Kollaja at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Plum. Alton and Evelyn lived in Columbus, where he has been a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus since 1948. Alton was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus since 1949 and he was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #0383. Alton was also a member of the S.P.J.S.T Lodge #18 and a member of the Herman Son’s Lodge #54.

After the passing of his wife Evelyn on Aug. 27, 1995, Alton married Viola Anne Niemtschk, of Thorndale on May 16, 2001.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1977, his father in 1992, his wife, Evelyn, in 1995, his brother Franklin Huelsebusch in 2007, his wife, Viola, in 2016 and his brother Lawrence Huelsebusch in 2017. He was also preceded in death by several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nephews.

Alton is survived by his children: daughter, Gloria Jean Ruether and husband C.J. of Columbus; daughter, Shirley Ann Sodolak and husband David of Brenham; and son, Allen Wayne Huelsebusch and wife Terri of Brenham; his grandchildren: Keith Ruether and wife Tammy, Kevin Ruether and wife Tammy, Kenn Ruether and wife Jennifer, Misty Gaskamp and John McCaleb, Lacy Wright and husband Brian and Alex Huelsebusch; his great grandchildren: Jonathan Gaskamp and fiancé Brittney Martin, Brenna Ruether, Meagan Ruether, Zack Ruether, Von Ruether, Luke Ruether, Rachel Jane Ruether, Brelynn Wright and Baylor McCaleb; his stepchildren: Janet Schwarz and husband Phillip, Larry Laffere and wife Janee, Stephen Niemtschk and wife Lourie, Lou Biar and husband Billy, Pam Yurk and husband Robert. Alton is also survived by numerous step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Alton spent most of his working years in the aggregate materials industry, starting when he returned from the Army until Jan. 26, 1982 when injuries sustained in an automobile accident ended his career. He worked at numerous “gravel pits” from La Grange to Columbus, Altair and Eagle Lake. He held numerous positions while he worked his way up the ladder with jobs ranging from laborer to plant manager. Heavy equipment was one of Alton’s passions and he often spoke of the hours he spent running drag lines and driving large trucks. He had numerous stories which often included work adventures with his work buddies and near misses when things went wrong.

Over the years, Alton enjoyed many activities such as camping in his motor home or travel trailers, bowling, playing the slots at casinos, and traveling the highways to see the sights, but mainly he enjoyed spending time with his family. Alton’s kind, loyal, soft spoken demeaner and warm, heartfelt hugs will be missed by many.

Visitation was Monday, March 2, 2020 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home at 1515 Montezuma St. in Columbus and Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 1 to 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 1602 Bowie St. in Columbus.

Parish Prayer Service and K of C Rosary was Monday, March 2, 2020 at 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Augustine Asante officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus.

Pallbearers are Keith Ruether, Kevin Ruether, Kenn Ruether, Alex Huelsebusch, Brian Wright, John McCaleb, Jonathan Gaskamp, Vitaly Clee.

Memorials may be given to: St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.