Velma Marie Porterfield

JUNE 8, 1927 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Velma Marie Koslan was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1927. Her parents, Ernest Koslan and Elizabeth (Mucke) Koslan were among the children of German immigrants who eventually settled in small towns and farms near Giddings, Texas. She was the second child born to that union and had two brothers and two sisters. Mildred Spikes was born in 1925; then Delbert Koslan in 1932; and Floyd Koslan in 1938 and then Delta Harrison in 1940. Velma is survived by only Delta Harrison among her siblings.

The family lived together in a small farmhouse in Lincoln, Texas and attended school in Lincoln where lessons were taught in both English and German. The Depression began in 1929 and family budgets were strained for small farms. The girls remember sharing dresses made from flour sacks and lessons learned from that experience stayed with them. After finishing school, the bright lights and job opportunities of Austin beckoned. It was near the end of World War II and shortly thereafter she met the airman who would become the love of her life. It was at that time she became known by her middle name, Marie.

Marie met airman Hardy Henry Porterfield on a blind date. He had grown up in Austin and returned following the war. They were married September 6, 1947 and began a loving, sharing union for 74 years until Hardy passed away December 19, 2021. They enjoyed many adventures together like four-wheeling in Mexico in their orange and white Jeep and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico out of Port Aransas. They also spent many years camping in their trailer in Colorado where they fished, hunted and rode bicycles all summer long. Marie was a kind and gentle soul who loved her family deeply. Maintaining her home and gardens was her devotion. She loved and cared for her grandchildren and shared in their upbringing. She was a devoted church member throughout her life; beginning with St. John's Lutheran Church in Lincoln where services were given in both English and German.

During this time, Marie and Hardy had two children; daughter, Linda Kay and son, Larry Ray. Larry predeceased his mother on November 16, 2012. Marie is succeeded by Linda, her husband Richard Brown and their son, Douglas Caballero and Larry’s wife Debbie and their children, Russell Pat and his wife Christy and Sarah Elise and her husband Michael Markell and their children. She is also succeeded by Richard’s daughter Margot Claire Brown, her husband August Bradford and their children and many nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

In Austin, Marie worked as a waitress, child caregiver, and in administration at the Department of Public Safety where she retired. She was also a devoted housekeeper and family gardener and loved being outside caring for her plants. Marie and Hardy moved to Cedar Park and eventually to Lakeline Oaks Senior Living. They were faithful members of Cedar Park United Methodist Church until their passing. Marie passed away while in the care of The Haven at San Gabriel.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the funeral home following the graveside service.