William F. Kalmbach

William (Bill) Franklin Kalmbach was born May 22, 1932 to William and Dora (Granzin) Kalmbach in Theon, Texas. He was baptized June 5, 1932 at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg. He was confirmed April 14, 1946 in the last confirmation class to be spoken in German at Zion.

Bill obtained an eighth-grade education at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg and then, with world-class common-sense, worked harvesting crops and at the local cotton gin. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, proudly serving his country as a destroyer “Tin Can” sailor during the Korean War. While in the military he learned his lifelong trade and occupation as an Electrician’s Mate and earned numerous decorations.

He married Margaret Ruth Noack on June 9, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg. As newlyweds, they ventured out to the big city of Austin and became members of Redeemer Lutheran Church that same year. Together they started Kalmbach Electric and from 1960-1995 Bill performed electrical contract and repair work and built a successful business on word-of-mouth referrals. After retirement, Bill’s next venture was that of livestock dealer which required delicate multi-lingual negotiation skills.

Bill went to his eternal home on Friday, January 9, 2015 in Austin, Texas at the age of 82 years. He passed suddenly while working on his ranch, doing the things he loved. Bill Kalmbach died with his boots on, a Texan to the end. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mabel Buchhorn, Alice Volney, Ruby Atwood and Winfred (W.A.) Kalmbach.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife Margaret; sons Bill Kalmbach and wife Wanda of Pflugerville, Mark Kalmbach of Austin, John Kalmbach and wife Leslie of Clovis, CA, daughter Rhonda Rinehart and husband Michael of Pflugerville; grandchildren Ryan Kalmbach and fiancé Racheal Ward, Cody Kalmbach, Kathleen Kalmbach, Wyatt Kalmbach, Zach Kalmbach, Joanie Kalmbach, Christian Kalmbach, Mary Catherine Kalmbach, Henry Kalmbach and Georgie Kalmbach; sister Ann Richter and husband Walt; sister-in-law Genelle Kalmbach; along with numerous family members and friends.

Bill enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family that he was so proud of and these frequent get-togethers brought him much joy. He loved anything connected with farming and ranching and always looked forward to morning coffee in Manor with fellow land-lovers and cowboys. Monthly breakfast meetings in Weir with special life-long friends were an important and much-anticipated event for him.

His family is forever grateful for his love and steadfast devotion to faith and family. From him we learned the value of hard work and the importance of integrity. Bill was a very giving man who was always happy to help anyone and many were touched by his generous spirit. He always had a positive outlook on life and was a man of his word who conducted business by handshake deals.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran School or Concordia High School.

Pallbearers are Ryan Kalmbach, Cody Kalmbach, Zach Kalmbach and Wyatt Kalmbach. Honorary pallbearers are Curtis Buchhorn, Elvin Hall, Ray Braun, Darrell Zieschang, Tom Sladecek, Richard Kalmbach, Brian Richter and Brad Richter.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, Pflugerville from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm. Following a private burial with military honors, a memorial celebration will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 1:00 pm.