Thomas Lee Honigschmidt

Tom grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduating from Robinsdale High School. Tom and his brother Jim shared a paper route when he was in fifth grade, delivering the Minneapolis Tribune to homes in their Golden Valley neighborhood seven days a week until he was in high school. He served in the US Air Force, spending all of his years in Texas. Following his four years in the service, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Urban Planning. Tom married Joan Marie Hybner on August 1, 1969 in the chapel at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. Tom loved living in Texas and as soon as he graduated from college he and Joanie moved to Texas living in Austin, Texas where he worked for Glastron Boats and Motorola. The Honigschmidt name means bee keeper in German so Tom kept three bee hives, collecting honey to sell. He retired from Motorola in 2003.

Tom and Joanie then moved to Shiner, Texas where he worked several different jobs. He loved Shiner and was happiest being outside working. Tom loved to talk and could ask you a hundred questions. He was always interested in what you had to say. He also enjoyed reading history, especially Texas History. Tom always sought out historical museums on their travels. Tom went on many pheasant hunts with his dad and deer hunting with his brother-in-law, Gene. Tom and Joanie enjoyed playing bridge and 88 dominoes. He enjoyed talking about cars and driving his 1930 Ford Model A Roadster. Tom was a lifelong Lutheran, being baptized in 1947 and confirmed in 1960 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. He was a member of Shiner Lutheran Church where he enjoyed making pancakes for the Wednesday night GIFT program and serve juice and coffee at the monthly breakfast at the Methodist church Food Pantry. Tom loved the Lord and going to church and Bible Study and especially loved singing in the choir. He was also a member of the Shiner American Legion.

He is survived by his wife Joanie of 54 years; two children; Shelley Ann Szucs (Gary) and Kurt Thomas Honigschmidt (Lena) both in Austin and three grandchildren; Archer Honigschmidt, Maxfield Szucs and Emily Szucs; sister, Donna Nelson (Minneapolis, MN) and brother, Jim Honigschmidt (Mary Sue) (Hinsdale, IL); Sister-in-law Janel Hybner Mikulencak (Danny)(Baytown, TX); Brothers-in-law Robert Hybner (Aileen)(Yoakum, TX) and Pat Hybner (Marie)(Shiner, TX); sister-in-law Gwen Jones Hybner; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother John Honigschmidt and brother-in-law Gene Hybner.

Honorary Pallbearers are Scott Nelson, Jennifer Nelson, John Honigschmidt, Tim Honigschmidt, Lindsay Klein and Jorie Parwani.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Shiner Lutheran Church.

Donations to Shiner Lutheran Church, Building Fund.

On-line condolences at Cook Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com