Hubert Theodore Hegemeyer
1924 - 2015
Hubert Theodore Hegemeyer, age 90 of Hempstead, passed away peacefully at his home in Hempstead on Monday morning, November 2, 2015.
He is preceded in death by his wife Beatrice Laura Eben Hegemeyer; his parents, Henry and Emma (Wensel) Hegemeyer; his seven sisters Emilie Peschel, Lydia Nonnemacher, Alma Peschel, Ida Hegemeyer, Hilda Hegemeyer, Clara Hegemeyer, and Bernice Hegemeyer; his four brothers William Hegemeyer, Eddie Hegemeyer, Reinhardt Hegemeyer, and Herbert Hegemeyer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his children Randy Walter Hegemeyer, Laurie Hegemeyer Bettis and husband Barry; Mark Hubert Hegemeyer and wife Melissa, and daughter-in-law Vicki Hegemeyer; his grandchildren Matthew Kyle Bettis and wife Nicole, Charles Michael Hegemeyer, Jeremy Ryan Bettis and wife Taci, Thomas Allen Hegemeyer and fiancé Abby, Mandy Lea Hegemeyer, Malorie Renee Hegemeyer, and Michael Henry Hegemeyer, his great grand-daughter Brooklyn Landri Bettis, his sister-in-law Frances Hegemeyer, numerous nieces and nephews, and his blue heeler companion Rev.
Hubert, born the day after Christmas in 1924, was the 12th child to Henry and Emma Hegemeyer of Star Hill and was raised in Austin County. Due to an illness that almost took his life, he was baptized at home as an infant on January 3, 1925 by Pastor H.A. Heineke of St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem. He was confirmed with his sister Bernice and niece Ida Mae at St. John's Lutheran Church of New Ulm on May 25, 1941 by Rev. Leo H. Simon. Being an uncle at birth, Hubert became the fun loving uncle to his numerous (30+) nieces and nephews.
Hubert was drafted into the army at a young age and served his country in the Philippines and Japan during World War II. Being the youngest child, he had a choice not to go, but he eagerly signed on to served his country.
At the age of 30, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Laura Eben from Industry, on January 23, 1955 at Welcome Lutheran Church. They were the first couple to be married in the newly built church. After they were married, Hubert and Bea moved to Waller County where they made a loving home for their family. St. John's Lutheran Church of Waller became their church home where he was an active member for over 50 years.
From February 28, 1955, he served as a ranch hand for the Menke family of Hempstead for just over 57 years. He began working for C. H. Menke, who was one of six Menke brothers and retired under C. A. Menke, who was one of only two nephews in the family.
Hubert became known for his barb wire fence building skills, including his lasting corner posts and his tight wire gaps. He had a love for cattle and saw many a head be born and die on the ranch. He also was known for his hay-hauling skills and in his seventies, was the oldest participant in the Metro Go Texan Hay Hauling Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Hubert and Beatrice served the youth in Waller County as 4-H leaders for over 25 years. The Hegemeyer Family of three generations faithfully believed in and actively set an example that 4-H Is A Family Affair. Hubert became known for helping the kids select the perfect pen of broilers for the Waller County Fair and the local FFA Shows. He was proud of the children and grandchildren who earned the 4-H Gold Star Award.
After becoming a widow on December 2, 2002, at the age of 77, he continued his life on the ranch and spent time following the many events of his grandchildren.
His first airplane ride came at the age of 84, when his family of twelve took a trip to Germany to seek the roots of his father and grandparents. Although it was a desire of all of his siblings to travel to Germany, he was the only one to make the trip. The highlight of the trip was the smile on his face as he stood by a barbwire fence in Wehdem that was the last parcel his father had lived on before he came to America. Shortly after the trip, Hubert was blessed with a seventh grandchild, Michael Henry Hegemeyer, who was named after his great grandfather.
At the age of 87, he had the honor of serving as best man for one of his grandsons as he stood by Jeremy and Taci on their special wedding day. He also became a great grandfather that year as Brooklyn Landri Bettis made her debut on October 1, 2012.
Hubert, who only had a grade school education, was proud of the fact that his children and grandchildren continued their education after high school and pursued college educations. He was also the proud grandfather of four Eagle Scouts.
Hubert has always enjoyed dancing and became very popular on the dance floor over the years. He loved a fast two step, waltz and polka music the best.
In March of 2012, he moved to town and made his home with his only daughter. Rev, the blue heeler, became his running buddy and faithfully stayed by his side through everything, even his death.
Hubert was a hard working man and made friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger and was loved by many who came to call him Pop like the grandkids did. He spent his life working and caring for those he loved and will be greatly missed by many. Hubert was a true legend and rare breed…Our Antique Cowboy…Pop.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 5-8pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 10am at Welcome Lutheran Church with Rev. John R. Sutton officiating. Interment will follow at the Welcome Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Welcome Lutheran Church Building Fund, Welcome Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of choice.