Estella Haug

Estella Kieschnick Haug ” When I die, I hope the pastor will tell it like it is!” And those who knew Estella, knows this is so very true of her nature… she always told it like is was from her perspective. Born December 15, 1924 on a farm near Bishop to Louis and Ida Senkel Kieschnick, Estella left this earth on October 10, 2014. She bravely fought a battle for weeks with double pneumonia, before she finally allowed herself to rest in the arms of her Lord. Estella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie A. Haug; brothers, Elmo Kieschnick, Louis Kieschnick; sisters, Helen Shafer, Gladys Kieschnick and Viola Prinz. She is survived by her 3 children, Willie Haug Jr. (Florine) of Odem, Ronnie Haug (Jane) of Floresville and Lucy Haug, (Becky of Dallas); grandchildren, Cody Haug (Machelle) of Kingwood, Chad Haug (Jendi) of Lewisville, Kevin Haug (Dawna) of Cat Spring, Laura van Poppel (Scott), Natalie Verette (John) of San Antonio, Emerick Wiatrek of Chicago; brother, Lee Roy (Belle) Kieschnick; brother-in-law, Lester Prinz; sister-in-law, Jackie Kieschnick; sister-in-law, Callie Mae Haug; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews plus all of her many friends, especially those at Gardens Estates. Pastor W. Urban baptized her on January 24, 1925 at St. Paul Evangelic Lutheran Church and was confirmed April 10, 1938 by Rev. A.J. Niemann. Estella attended Concordia Lutheran school through the 7th grade, walking to and from school those 2 miles on sometimes muddy roads even in the cold and rain. When her class mates were bussed to Bishop for the 8th grade, Estelle decided to start working instead of joining them. She began working for families at age 13, as a housekeeper, cook and babysitter. At age 18 she started working at a restaurant and later as a grocery store checker. After WWII she had a blind date to go dancing and it was on this date that she met her future husband, Willie Haug. It must have been a wonderful dance, because they were married on April 6, 1947 by Rev. A.J. Niemann at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Concordia near Bishop. Then they were blessed with 3 children. Bill an Estelle raised their children, Willie, Ronnie and Lucy, while farming near Robstown, Texas. While Bill tilled the land raising cotton and sorghum, Estelle kept their home, tended the garden, canned vegetables and jellies, baked all their breads, cinnamon rolls and icebox cookies which everyone loved, then helped butcher hogs and made sausage, and even milked cows and churned butter in the early years. Estelle and Bill were members of the Farm and Ranch Management organization. She belonged to the Home Demonstration Club and was adult leader of the 4-H Club. She flipped many hamburgers and made a lot of chili for Junior Livestock shows. Being a lifelong Lutheran, she taught Sunday School at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Robstown and was a charter member of the Ruth Group. She loved attending that Bible study group and the fellowship she shared with the other members. Estelle was also a member of the church’s quilting group. What wonderful quilts that group made to send to other countries who needed them! Taking pride in her lawn and flowers, she worked in her yard until she could no longer safely do it. People admired her annual flowers of larkspurs, poppies, amaryllis, roses, Queen Ann’s lace and day lilies. She was known to chop off the heads of snakes getting into her flower beds. Many times while babysitting her grandchildren, they knew that if they misbehaved, she would take after them with a house shoe or a fly swatter. It could be said that it was Estelle’s way and no other way. She ruled her kitchen and her house, and all knew that was a fact. She kept her freezer stocked with goodies and made sure she never ran out of food. Estella was always busy doing embroidery and making hundreds of cup towels with festive and colorful designs, along with pillow cases and dresser scarves. She also made quilt blocks for quilts for her children and grandchildren. Estella kept a daily diary for over 30 years and her children are reading each of those. They chronicle the life of a Texas farm family and embrace Americana at its best. Obsession with the weather is thematic and typical for all farming families and these diaries are no exception. Her children also are learning more about their late parents than perhaps they wanted to, but with each turned page there is much laughter and a few tears. Estelle loved music and dancing, especially Polkas and Waltzes. Many a Saturday morning during “Polka Time” on the radio she could be seen in her kitchen dancing with a mop or broom, while cleaning her floors. Fun loving and hardworking: the themes of her life. May she rest in the Peace that Passes all Understanding. Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 13, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church, 3316 Hummingbird Lane, Robstown, Texas 78380. Pallbearers will be, Cody Haug, Chad Haug, Kevin Haug, Laura van Poppel, Kenneth Krueger and Ben Otahal. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 3316 Hummingbird Lane, Robstown, TX 78380.