Howard Walter Marbach Jr.

Howie, as he was called, was born to Howard and Nelda (Kneupper) Marbach on August 3, 1932 in Converse, Texas where he lived his entire life. He attended school in Converse until high school where he moved on to Central Catholic High School and then went on to continue his education at St. Mary’s University. He married the love of his life Elaine Brehm on September 13, 1952 and welcomed 7 children. The two were married for almost 68 years before she preceded him in death in June 2020.

Howie is survived by his seven children: Ricky Marbach and Beatrice Huber, Jeffrey and Tammy Marbach, Pamela and Kenny Riedel, Veronica and Delbert Stavinoha, Christie and Roby Loosier, Vance and Christy Marbach, and Kira and Jason Mooney, his sister Mary Dunivan, and sister-in-laws Nita Marbach and Jacquie Marbach. As well as 19 grandchildren; Renee Miller (Graham), Thomas Marbach, Timothy Marbach (Taylor), Jared Marbach (Whitney), Tarah Kozowyck (Mikey), Sarah Reinhard (Jeremy), Kim Riedel, Quentin Riedel (Tiffanie), Jeremy Stavinoha (Jennifer), Derrick Stavinoha (Kayla), Ashley Thomas (Hayden), Emily Knedlik (Blake), Chase Loosier, Hailey Marbach, Matsen Marbach, Luke Marbach, Camden Mooney, Kale Mooney, Colson Mooney and 19 great grandchildren with two more on the way, nieces, nephews and a multitude of cousins and friends.

He loved his family and extended family and never missed any occasion or get together, and was determined to attend his granddaughter's wedding a week before his passing. Howie rarely missed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many sporting events, music concerts, extra-curricular activities, and other various endeavors. Known as their beloved “Bopa”, he was their most faithful supporter and never missed a chance to cheer them on. Howie and Elaine loved each other, the Lord, and everyone they met and their love was contagious. They never met people that didn’t become friends or extended family. Howie had a great gift for conversation and was always talking to someone. These conversations were often held at "The Deck" on Mondays, Friday coffee dates and any place where there were people. He had a passion for exercising, vitamins, health, and the great United States of America and would talk about it to anyone that would listen. He also had a passion for the Judson Rocket football team and attended all the games from the time the school opened until just a few years ago. He also loved nine pin bowling, which he also did for about 60 years and especially enjoyed bowling with his sons the last several years. He was a lifelong deer hunter with his friends and cousins. Once a year when the family got together to make sausage and also pot roast at the annual family reunion was also one of the things he enjoyed, because he knew he was passing on a tradition with them.

Howie was also a servant at heart with a great passion for service to his country, church, and numerous organizations. He served in the US Navy Reserves and then was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He really loved our country and the 4th of July was always his favorite holiday and would read the Declaration of Independence each year, along with wearing his famous Red, White and Blue pants. He worked for Southwest Research Institute for 45 years and continued to go back every year for their Christmas party, and even cooked the beans for them. He had his own Amway business that he continued until about a year ago. Howie has been a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church for 50 years, dating back to the original church opening. He taught religious education classes there for 40 years, was a lector, as well as a Eucharistic Minister. Howie received the Lumen Gentium award for his service to St. Monica’s and his love for the Lord! He was a member of the Converse Lions Club for 45 years with perfect attendance, as well as holding many offices, the District Governor and received many awards for his loving service with the Lions. He was a life member of the Converse Volunteer Fire Dept. and was one of the founders, a life member and past president of the Bracken Bowling Club, member of the Alamo Schutzenverein and was instrumental in getting a library for Converse, as well as having served on the committee for the Scheel Farms Park. He had a passion for the history of Converse and his German heritage and loved passing that on to others. His faith, positive attitude, patriotism, knowledge, gift of gab, service to others, and love for family and friends will be missed by everyone that knew him.

The family would like to thank Karl, Daniel and June at Kindred Hospice for their genuine love and care over the last few months, as well as Yvette Straight for her help and for loving our dad.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Marbach family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, or the Converse Library.