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Meischen, Erna Mary (Haedge) (1917-2015)
Meischen, Erna Mary
Obituary
2015
Bellville Times
Erna Mary Meischen, of New Ulm passed away on Jan. 25, 2015 in Bellville at the age of 97 years & 6 months. Erna was born July 26, 1917 in Austin County to Otto and Bertha Wawarosky Haedge, the third of five children. She was reared on the family farm near Nelsonville which had been purchased by her paternal great-grandparents August and Sophie Haedge in 1867. Erna was educated at the nearby Santa Anna School. The August Haedge family had arrived in Austin County, Texas in 1857 from Rostock, Germany, and originally settled near Kenney. Erna’s paternal grandmother Mary Machemehl’s family had arrived from Germany in 1850, and they also settled near Kenney. A few years afterward, August Haedge purchased a tract of land at Scranton Grove near Bleiberville where he built a classic German-style home. It was upon this land that the Haedges lived for five generations. Portions of the land that August purchased are still in the hands of Haedge descendants today in the Nelsonville area. Both August Haedge and his son, Erna’s grandfather, Charles Haedge were cabinet makers by profession. Charles had majored in the school of architecture at Rostock University just before he left for America. On Nov. 30, 1940, Erna Haedge married Walter Meischen. A few years after their marriage, the Meischen’s moved to the Rockhouse community in western Austin County where Erna lived the rest of her life. Erna and Walter had four children: Sandra Faye, Carol Ann, Delbert Lee and Melvin Dean Meischen whom they raised at their home on School Road. Erna Meischen was a loving mother and devoted wife, always putting her family first. Walter Meischen was engaged in farming and ranching. Erna, his wife of 65 years, helped with all the difficult labor that was required to run a successful farm. The Meischen’s raised cattle, pigs and chickens in addition to corn, potatoes and cotton. Erna always had a beautiful garden and many fruit trees from which she did a huge amount of canning. The old German ways of doing things from making soap to sausage to sauerkraut were a huge part of Erna’s life. She was very active in the West End Extension Homemakers Club of Austin County. Her entries in the Austin County Fair always received top honors. One year, Erna won the overall highpoint award at the Fair. She also liked to quilt, and many of the quilts that were made by her club were auctioned off in fundraisers for various charities. Erna Haedge Meischen was baptized into the Christian faith at the Nelsonville Brethren Church in 1918. She was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby where she was a member for over 65 years. Erna was very active in the church throughout her life. She loved singing in the choir and assisting in church activities. Erna is survived by her brother, Milbert and his wife, Evelyn Haedge, of Hempstead; a sister-in-law, Lucille Meischen, of Industry; daughter, Sandra and her husband, Herman Aschenbeck, of Round Top; daughter, Carol and her husband, Vernon Thielemann, of Houston; son, Delbert and his wife, Betty Smith Meischen, of Burton (Winedale); son, Melvin and his wife, Pat Drab Meischen, of Cypress; grandchildren, Shannon Aschenbeck of Toronto, Canada; Kristine and John Alford of Dallas; Michelle and David Perkins, of Houston, Brad and Lisa Thielemann of Houston, Jeffrey and Jessica Meischen of San Marcos; Scott and Desiree Meischen of Allen, Rebecca Malone and fiancé, Blake Stevens of Kingwood; Jeremy Meischen of Klein; great-grandchildren Hope and Sabrina Dewan of Toronto, Canada; Brad, Mark, Elizabeth and Katherine Perkins of Houston, Anna, Thomas and Sarah Thielemann of Houston, Jackson Meischen of San Marcos, Jacob and Sam Malone of Kingwood, and step-great grandchildren, Jenna Judkins of San Marcos, Josh and Ariel Sabik of Allen, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Erna Meischen was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Bertha Haedge; her husband, Walter Meischen; her sister, Anita Hoppe; brothers, Charlie Haedge and Mondell Haedge; a granddaughter, Stephanie Meischen; a granddaughter-in-law, Monique Meischen; and a nephew, Ronald Haedge. Visitation was held Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 at Koenig & Strickland Zaskoda Chapel in Industry. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelby. Reverend John David Nedbalek officiated. Burial followed at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Industry. Pallbearers were: Jeffrey Meischen, Scott Meischen, Brad Thielemann, David Perkins, John Alford IV, Alan Haedge and honorary pallbearer, Jeremy Meischen. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, TX. Family and friends can sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Posted by Bruce White |
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Meischen
Erna Mary
12126
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