Henry William Ueckert (Popo), 90, passed on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at his home in the Center Hill Community of Bellville.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Gladys Ueckert of Bellville, son, Randy Ueckert and wife Reesa of Bellville, daughter, Sharon Schroeder and husband Troy also of Bellville, grandchildren, Terri Lynne Maresh and husband Justin of Bellville, Kara Ueckert of College Station, Kate Ueckert of San Marcus, Justin Schroeder and Jordan Schroeder of Bellville.  Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Dolores Ford of Bellville, Brother-in-law and sister-in-law J.D. and Ruby Loesch of Hempstead, and sister-in-law Reva Loesch of Bellville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna Ueckert, sister, Irene Deutrich, brother-in-law Ernest Deutrich, infant brother, Leroy, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Theo and Minnie Loesch, sister-in-law Adela Rayburn, and brother-in-law, Delton Loesch

Henry was born July 6, 1919 in the Center Hill Community of Bellville to parents Henry Karl and Anna (Dehnel) Ueckert.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellville.

He attended Frietag School north of Bellville.

 Henry proudly served his country as a Private in the United States Army during World War II.  He was a German interpreter for German prisoners  of war in Germany.

On April 12, 1952 Mr. Henry Ueckert was joined in marriage to the former Miss Gladys Loesch with a ceremony held at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville. 

Henry and Gladys were the owners of Eck’s Drive Inn for 22 years. Their chicken fried steak’s are still talked about to this day.

Henry was a loving husband, and a caring daddy. The sunshine in his life was his beloved grandchildren. Popo and Mommo never missed a ball game that any of their grandchildren played in. They attended every playoff, all-star, or state championship game no matter how far they had to travel.

Henry was a loyal friend who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He continually farmed and raised cattle on his family’s farm in Center Hill which was recognized this past June by the State of Texas as a 158 year Family Land Heritage farm.

Henry was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he was an usher and also worked at the retreat center.  He was also a member of the VFW, Sons of Hermann, and Texas Sportsman Association.  

Funeral Service were held Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 at 2 p.m. from St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jennie Jones and David Henske co-officiating. Interment followed in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Bellville. 

Pallbearers were Ed Linseisen, Buck Kolleman, Buddy Dehnel, Herbert Schumann, Winston Deutrich and Justin Maresh.  Honorary pallbearer will be Justin Schroeder.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Church Retreat Center, 520 North Holland, Bellville, Texas 77418.

Services are under the direction of Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel,  in Bellville. Visit us at our website www.knesekfuneralhome.com  to sign the register book or to send a sympathy card.