Leroy H. Grebe

LeRoy H. Grebe, 95, went to be with our Lord and Savior on February 7, 2014. he was born in the Welcome Community in Austin County, Texas, on May 12, 1918, to Henry and Louise (Bockelman) Grebe. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Erwin and Fred. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bernetta (Schweke) Grebe, daughters Peggy (Kenneth) Ueckert of Bellville, Sally (Ray) Stolz of Washington and son LeRoy (Julie) Grebe of Industry. One of the true joys of his life was his 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Allen Ueckert of Houston, Melissa Durham of Bellville, Stephanie (Tex) Maxson of Navasota, Jeff (Amanda) Stolz of Washington, Will Stolz of Washington, William Guy (Jamie) Grebe of Bellville, Jon (Jaime) Schroeder of Industry, and Reese Grebe of Bryan. Great-grandchildren include Raelynn and Kylie Maxson of Navasota, Kayla and Cordell Durham of Bellville, Abby, Kameron and Brooklynn Stolz of Washington, Jaden and Justin Schroeder of Industry and Hailey and Will Grebe of Bellville. LeRoy grew up in the Welcome community, graduated from Bellville High School and Blinn College, where later, in 2007, he was inducted into the Blinn Ex-Students Association Hall of Fame. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force as a crew member of The Liberator, flying combat missions in Europe. His heavy bomber collided with another over Yugoslavia, causing him to bail out and become a captive of the German forces. He was liberated by General Patton's forces from a prison in Mossberg, Germany, on April 29, 1945. After discharge, he continued his education by receiving a Bachelor Degree from Sam Houston State University and a Masters from the University of Houston. He began his career in education in 1946, as a one room school teacher at New Bremen and continued as elementary Principal at Bellville, prior to becoming Austin County School Superintendent in 1955. After four terms in this position, he was elected Austin County Judge, a position he held until his retirement from public service in 1989, after 43 years in the county public service. Retirement years were spent with his loving wife, family and many dear friends. he especially enjoyed working at the Welcome farm and enjoying the sunset with Bernetta. He had a kind and generous heart finding it hard to say "no." He served three terms as commander of the Bellville VFW post #6522; Master of the Bellville Masonic Lodge; President and Treasurer of the Bellville Lions Club; Director of the Bellville Chamber of Commerce; Council Member of St. John Lutheran Church; and held offices in local and statewide Education Associations. Pallbearers are Allen Ueckert, Jeff Stolz, Will Stolz, William Guy Grebe, Reese Grebe, Jon Schroeder, Clinton Blezinger, Tex Maxson. Memorials may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church of Bellville, St. John Lutheran Church of New Ulm, Hospice Brazos Valley, or your favorite charity.