Marie Anne was born in Forest Park, Illinois on October 1, 1930, to Hans and Martha Boesch. She was the eldest of two daughters, with Margaret being the younger whom Marie Anne affectionately called Tuddy. Marie Anne’s parents immigrated from northern Germany three years prior to her birth, and the family wholeheartedly maintained their German heritage through music, song, and cuisine. In 1956, she married her sweetheart from her German youth choir days, Franz Schoennagel, and were wedded 63 years. Franz preceded her in death in 2019.
Upon marriage, Marie Anne and Franz were immediately transferred to Roswell, New Mexico on assignment from Franz’s employer, Shell Oil Company. Two years later, Shell moved them to a more permanent assignment in Midland, Texas. It was in Midland where their three children were born. Marie Anne became active in the local chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). In subsequent years, Shell transferred Marie Anne and family to Edmonton, Calgary, and Houston. It was in these later three cities where Marie Anne and Franz found active German communities, and enthusiastically joined their respective choral organizations. Marie Anne delighted in her friends from the Houston Liederkranz and Houston Saengerbund, and loved to gather with them at every opportunity.
In addition to her dedication to family, Marie Anne was a generous and happy soul who loved people. She was a great cook and gracious hostess, and her chuckle was infectious. Where music was involved, Marie Anne loved to sing with a joyful heart, and knew the lyrics to all the verses of many songs. When it came time to end the party, she was often the last to leave.
Marie Anne was a devoted Christian and proud of her parochial education. She is survived by her sister Margaret Siessenbuettel; Children Ellen and Dr. Greg Kubala of Houston, Erich and Jeannie Schoennagel of Pittsburg, Martha and Brock Miller of Austin; Grandchildren Nick and wife Morgan Kubala, Jennifer and husband Greg Burkholder, Dr. Michael and wife Courtney Kubala, Christopher Schoennagel, Kristina and husband Dr. Ryan Bishop, Hannah and husband Miles Johnson, and Clayton Miller; Great-grandsons Tristan and Tyler Burkholder, John and Marc Kubala, and Theodore Johnson.
The family wishes to thank caregivers Minnie, Amanda, Kortlynn, Samantha, Krista, and Aliana for their loving care. Additionally, many thanks to Sodalis at Dripping Springs, and Magnolia Hospice for their service.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. -Psalm 27:7 NIV
