Krenek

James Allen Krenek, 79, of Willow Springs, died peacefully on Tuesday May 8, 2018. Born in Brenham, on July 20, 1938, he was the son of Vince and Lydia (Von Minden) Krenek. James graduated from Fayetteville Rural High School in 1957. On Oct. 24, 1961 he married Audrey Koehl at St. John Lutheran Church in Rutersville. James began life’s journey with Audrey at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, while he served in the Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in February 1967. After returning home, James started his lengthy work career as a hand at the La Grange, Columbus, Giddings and Caldwell auction barns. He then worked as a manager at Barnhart Ranches in Ellinger. Years later, James worked as a freight deliveryman for Herder Truck Lines in La Grange. His final place of employment began as he became an electrician at gravel pits in Altair. James retired from Hanson Aggregates in January, 2003 after more than 30 years. Much of James’ spare time was spent being active in his community. He was a past member of the Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department, President of the Ellinger Farm Bureau and a charter member of the Fayette County Round Up Club. James and Audrey founded the Fayetteville 4-H Club and served as leaders for more than 40 years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fayetteville and was the current Vice-President of the Hermann Sons Lodge 30-2. James enjoyed caring for and his true passion was his cattle. He enjoyed looking after his pups that loved him just the same and stayed close by his side every day. Family was very important to him. He was proud of and supported his children and grandchildren with their 4-H and FFA projects and activities. James served as a sheep committeeman for the Fayette County Fair and the Fayette County Junior Livestock Show. He is survived by his wife, Audrey, of 56 years; daughter, Pamela Orsak and husband, Lucas, of Fayetteville; son, Stephen Wayne Krenek and wife, Nicol, of Ellinger; daughter, Angela Emshoff and husband, Jerry Emshoff, Jr. of Chappell Hill; six grandchildren: Kelly Berger and husband, Kenny; Kyle Orsak; Madison Krenek and special friend, Travis Smitley; Mc- Kenna Schulz and fiancé, Ethan Walden; Sierra Schulz and special friend, Darius McCullough; and Stockton Emshoff; four great grandchildren: Kensi and Salah Berger, Bristol Smitley and Karter McCullough. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law andmother- in-law, Leroy and Bernice Koehl and brother-in-law, Roy Koehl. Pallbearers were Harvey Frers, Bubba Fritsch, Donnie Koehl, Jimmie Kneblik, Theo Krenek, Ardene Poncik, Ben Allen Poncik and Ronnie Poncik. Honorary pallbearers are Edgar Von Minden, the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation was held on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Knesek Chapel, 207 N. Live Oak, in Fayetteville. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 N. Rusk Street in Fayetteville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 with Pastor Marcia Kifer officiating. Burial followed at the Fayetteville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fayetteville. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.