Nelson Kohlenberg

Nelson Kohlenberg passed away on November 6, 2013, at the age of 86. He was born on August 27, 1927, to Amanda Pape Kohlenberg and Alfred H. Kohlenberg in Guadalupe County near the Comal County line on a farm between Freiheit and Zorn. Nelson was the youngest of three children and attended San Geronimo School No. 2 in Freiheit and graduated 10th grade in 1943. He then spent his early adult years working with his father on the farm.

In 1948 he was baptized and confirmed into the First Protestant United Church and on September 30, 1950, he was united in marriage to Verna Mae Wersterfer in the same church where later their four children were baptized. In October 1950 Nelson was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean Conflict. He served his country with pride and was sent overseas to Japan in March 1951, shipping to Korea in January 1952 where he was moved up to the front lines for nearly eight months. He attained the rank Sgt. First Class during his combat duty.

After his return to the states in August 1952 he began a 34 year banking career with First National Bank. Nelson remained in the active Air Force Reserve as a member of the 433rd Troop Carrier Wing based at Kelly Air Force Base. His unit was recalled during the Pueblo Incident in January 1968 and served in Korea from August 1968 until May 1969. He was in the Security Police until his retirement after more than 20 years of service.

Nelson was a life member of the VFW, American Legion and American G.I. Forum and also a member of the Spring Branch Sons of Hermann Lodge #127 since October 1960.

Upon retirement he enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren and staying at “Tilley’s” at Canyon Lake. He was lovingly called “PaPaw” by many friends and family. Nelson had a great love of the outdoors, his friends and neighbors and his many pets.

Nelson is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Verna Mae Kohlenberg. He is survived by their four children, David Kohlenberg and wife Roxanne of Cibolo, Russell Kohlenberg of Richwood, Conni Schott and husband Russ of Robstown, and Jeffrey Kohlenberg and partner Robert Hanley of League City.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; Amy Schorn and husband Shawn, Jennifer Haynes and husband Josh, Brooke Parker and husband Stephen, Shana Kohlenberg, Megan Kohlenberg, Brigitte Kirk and husband Jonathan, Derek Kohlenberg, Blake Geary, Amanda Ritter and husband Logan, Amanda Geary, Josh Malin, Sawyer Kohlenberg, Gino Battillo, Dylan Kohlenberg and Sonny Battillo; 6 great grandchildren, Jennalee, Caleb, Emma, Ryland, Levi and Trenton; his brother Stanley Kohlenberg; and sister Francis Ruley.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the New Braunfels Humane Society Animal Shelter.