Arlene Tschoepe Burges

Arlene Burges passed away peacefully on October 22, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. Arlene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and is survived by her only child Rick, his wife Gina, and their daughters Ashley McPherson and husband Cody; Kristen Gatz and husband Collin; great grandson’s Camden McPherson and Leo Gatz; and her many nieces, nephews and friends; all of whom she loved dearly.

A native of Seguin, Texas, Arlene was proceeded in death by her parents Arthur and Therese Tschoepe; her sisters Kathleen, Adelheid, Dorothy, her brother Arthur, and her beloved husband of 56 years Joe Burges.

A devoted cat lover and avid antique collector of furniture, kitchen tins and Patrician depression glass, Arlene will be remembered for her beautiful smile, positive attitude, confident independence, can-do spirit, and a genuine love of everyone she came to know.

Never one to turn down a cup of coffee with a sweet-treat, Arlene never left the house without wearing a scarf. She loved Texas and U.S. history, enjoyed watching classic movies and was an avid Sify moviegoer. In addition to setting out seasonal displays over her fireplace mantel and on her dining room table, Arlene also collected memories in scrapbooks; played the piano; collected vintage sheet music, and loved to attend Operas; her favorite being La Boheme and listening to her favorite aria Che Gelida Manina.

Arlene remained in close touch with many of her former Girl Scout and high school friends through annual reunions which gave her the opportunity to reminisce with her childhood friends. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, Arlene earned her degree in Elementary Education and went on to teach for 35 years. After retiring in 1995, Arlene acquired an interest in three organizations that would provide her with a lifetime of enjoyment and the formation of many deep friendships.

The Questers: Arlene served as a Questers State Representative and President of the Brushy Creek Questers #853 multiple times and was instrumental in starting six new Quester chapters in Texas. In May 2019, Arlene was presented with the Questers President’s pin for her outstanding service.

The German Texan Heritage Society (GTHS): A co-founder of GTHS, Arlene served in various leadership roles for over 20 years where she was an avid promoter of the organization and its Free School where Arlene volunteered as a docent and was instrumental in establishing its major fundraising activity “Oktoberfest”.

Palm House: The Palm House Museum Association was formed to furnish, preserve and maintain the home as a museum where the public could visit and learn about its heritage and life in the 1800's. Arlene donated her mother’s mechanical foot-powered sewing machine to the Palm House for permanent display in 2019.

In Loving Memory: Arlene lived a wonderful life and will be deeply missed. May she be a constant source of inspiration and love for all who knew her.