Raymond Gass

Raymond Gass was called home on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the age of 91. Raymond was predeceased by his parents Hugo T. and Hulda Schuetz Gass, his brothers Egon Gass, Ervin and wife Ella Gass, Hilmer and wife Lonie Gass, Harry and wife Melanie Gass, and sister Elsie Gass and husband Ernest Gallat. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lee, his nephew Dennis and wife Sharmane Gass, his niece Lucille and husband Randy Page, several sisters-in-law Genevieve Kohlenburg of New Braunfels, Erna Pfullman of Dripping Springs and Leona Penshorn of Marion, many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Raymond was born at Twin Sisters in Comal County. Later in his teenage years, he and his family moved to Kendalia, TX, to a spread where the family ranched, farmed, and raised vegetables to sell at market. There he worked cattle and ran sheep on horseback. He also enjoyed calf roping in rodeos as a young man-a real cowboy! In 1944, his family moved to the New Braunfels area to the Rosendahl Ranch in Gruene, TX. He thoroughly loved that land because of the wild game and great hunting. On Christmas day in 1945, Raymond met the love of his life, Mary Lee Triesch. There was a lot of courting going on between then and their wedding day on Feb. 8, 1947. Over the next 70 years his love continued to grow for the absolute love of his life.

After a short time working at the Ernest Voigt Dairy, he began a 40 year career with WestPoint Pepperell as a loom fixer in the weave room. He worked there with Mary until he retired in 1988. He then took exceptional care of his wife Mary while she worked until her retirement in 1992.

For pleasure, Raymond and his wife enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, dancing, and leading the Grand March at wedding and anniversary celebrations for family and friends. In the early years, they hosted many get-togethers at their home after their swing shift at the mill- playing cards and dominoes, making breakfast, and always being a gracious host. During the spring and summer Raymond displayed yet another amazing talent, growing wonderful garden vegetables. This was something from his youth that he always enjoyed. His garden was rather large and kept him and Mary both busy. He was a wonderful example and inspiration to his nephews who were taking notes and now have their own gardens.

Most importantly, Raymond was very involved with St. Paul Lutheran Church as an usher for over 60 years. Over half that time he was responsible for the scheduling of ushers. Later, he and his wife also became enthusiastic supporters of the church’s Annual Wild Game Dinner which supports several local charities.

In 1992, Raymond purchased his “little spread” a few miles from his home. He raised cattle, stocked his tank – “catch and release only”, and worked his land. It was his “little piece of heaven” on earth. His love of nature continued along with a close group of hunters at the Froeboese Ranch lease for over 16 years. They were very supportive of Raymond when his health made it more difficult for him to hunt. So his buddies would make sure he made it to his blind and took care of him, so Mary would not worry or want to sit with him in his blind. Men only, Mama. Overall, the greatest achievement that Raymond gave to others who loved him was the faithful, loving example of a husband to his wife Mary. He will be missed by all of us who have loved him so dearly.

A visitation with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2017, at Zoeller Funeral Home from 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels at 10 am. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund or Hope Hospice in New Braunfels.

Arrangements under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home, New Braunfels, TX.