Erma Wenzel

KERRVILLE Erma Marie Yoss Wenzel departed peacefully from her earthly home Thursday, February 6, 2014. She and her identical twin, Erna, were born to the late Maria Sophie Thierbach Yoss and the late Frederick Ernest Yoss January 30, 1914, on a farm in Bates County, MO. When the twins were five, the family moved to Winfield, KS, and continued to farm, until their father bought a caf where Erma and her five sisters worked while attending Winfield High School.

In 1936, Erma left town life, following her oldest sister to the largest city in Texas, Houston. With a strong LutheranMissouri Synod background her father played the church organ and her brother was a minister in IL, she and her sister ly found a home church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Houston Avenue. At that church, Erma met Walter A. Wenzel, owner of Wenzels Clothiers on Main Street after a sixmonth courtship, they married in 1937, honeymooning at Niagara Falls, NY. The couple and their children were actively involved in Trinity Lutheran, where they made lifelong friends, and enjoyed the benefits of city life.

As Houston continued its boomtown progress, leases along Main and Travis streets, including the one held by Walter Wenzels Clothiers, were not renewed to make space for a major incoming retailer, Foleys Department Store. On a very cold January day in 1947, Erma and Walter literally bundled up their three children, ages 7, 5, and 2, and headed to Kerrville, population approximately 5,000, to a new lifein the country.

Never fearful of change, Erma focused her vast energies on her family, church, and community. With a strong work ethic and a sense of priorities, Erma, a devoted mother and church member, worked on numerous committees at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. Believing in the future of the Kerrville and the Hill Country, Erma and Walter invested in real estate. Some of Ermas community involvement included president of Tivy High School PTA, work with the March of Dimes, Girl Scouts, Hill Country Arts Foundation, politically active on local and state levels, a member of the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce, and befriended numerous charities, especially those involving children.

An independent, strongwilled woman, who knew her own mind, Erma had a servants heart, known to help people, including strangers, by providing resources and encouragement. She was a gracious hostess, making the Wenzel home open for special occasions as well as dropin guests. Lunch after Sunday church usually lasted for several hours to include the latest topics of interest and homemade apple and cherry pies.

A nutrition proponent, bolstered by the book, You Are What You Eat, Erma was in the first wave of people after WWII to scrutinize what was eaten. And thus began the era of juicing vegetables beets, carrots, and celery in the Wenzel family. Additionally, she was ahead of her time with her interest in water conservation and the right for women to think for themselves.

When people asked her what she attributed her long life to, she emphatically replied, My faith, a healthy diet, and I dont worry

While Erma enjoyed traveling, here and aboard, for the 67 years she lived in Kerrville, she was a passionate advocate for the Hill Country.

While Erma was predeceased by her husband, brother, four sisters and two sonsinlaw, she is survived by her twin, Erna Adams Seattle, who now has the last word daughter, Delores Blaser of Kansas City, MO daughter, Charlotte Mangum Howell of Houston, TX son, Walton J. Wenzel of Kerrville and San Antonio, TX her grandchildren: Mark Blaser, DO, Verlaine Blaser, DO of Akron, OH Kyle Blaser of Kansas City, MO Michelle Colombo Adam Colombo, DDS of Leawood, KS and seven great grandchildren, Koral Blaser, Imola, Italy Samuel, George, Mary, and Alan Colombo, all of Leawood, KS, Sebastian and Zachary Blaser of Akron, OH, along with a number of nieces, nephews, and much younger friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014, at 11 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, corner of Junction Hwy and Spence. A time of ation and Reflection is scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2014, from 5 7 PM at Kerrville Funeral Home, 1221 Junction Highway, Kerrville, Texas 78028

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation in Ermas name to the Salvation Army in Kerrville or a charity that provides for children in need.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. 830 8955111

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