George Herman Wenglein

He was much loved, admired, and respected, and his integrity, compassion and fairness influenced many individuals in his 88 years of life.

As a successful businessman, Navy pilot, and family man, he was a pillar of strength to many.

George is survived by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis; daughter, Teri Wenglein-Callender and husband, Dr. David Callender of Los Angeles, California; son, George H. Skip Wenglein and wife Bari; and daughter, Ann Wenglein-Brawner and husband, Rick Brawner of San Antonio.

He also leaves five loving grandchildren, Kerry David Wenglein Callender, Sydney, Alex, Kori and George Wenglein.

He is also survived by three sisters: Hulda Weger of Ukiah, California; Alice Southerland of Uvalde, Texas; and Pat Goudge and husband Don of San Antonio; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lena Wenglein who immigrated to the US from Switzerland through Ellis Island; his sisters, Martha Wenglein, Georgia Luby and Rhea Lathrop.

Born into a loving home in Ukiah, California on January 11, 1917, George was the only son of seven children.

He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1935 and went on to attend San Jose State College where he was the 1936 Junior Olympic Pacific Coast Wrestling Champion.

The team philosophy along with his family environment would influence his management credo: "We are more interested in team victory than in any individual performance; that the good of the team and its members should be uppermost in everyone's mind."

In 1937, George joined his brother-in-law, Robert M. Luby in Dallas with Luby's Cafeterias.

What was to be a summer job would eventually become his career.

The start of WWII prompted George to join the United States Navy. He served his country proudly and courageously as a dive bomber pilot flying SBD's and SB2C's off the carriers Yorktown II and Franklin. When the Franklin was bombed, George was forced to abandon the ship and floated five hours before being rescued.

He successfully flew many missions receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart during his six years of service.

After the war, George returned to Luby's, and with his friend, John A. Lee, opened the organization's second cafeteria in San Antonio at 4900 Broadway.

As the company continued to grow, George became more involved in executive management. He served as President and CEO from 1972-1982, and was elected Chairman in 1982 and served until 1988.

During his tenure, Luby's became a publicly traded company growing from seven units to over 200, and expanding to eleven states.

George continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors until 2001.

During his 63 year career with Luby's, he is quoted as saying, "Outside of the Navy, this is the only job I've ever had."

George believed that you should "surround yourself with good people".

His leadership and vision for Luby's -- whose slogan has always been "Good food for good people" -- has provided careers and opportunities for many "good people".

Mr. Wenglein served on the Board of Northeast Independent School District, served as Director of National Bank of Fort Sam Houston, and was a member of the Texas Restaurant Association. He was involved with many civic and charitable organizations.

George also led an active and fulfilling life at his ranch in Bandera, Texas where he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, relaxing, surveying the property on his Kawasaki mule, and tinkering around on the land where family and friends were always welcome.

For 40 years, the family held numerous reunions at this warm and welcoming Hill Country ranch.

From family, to Navy, to career, to volunteer responsibilities, George would conduct himself according to the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you", and encouraged others to do the same.

George's quick wit and fine humor brought laughter and joy to all who knew him.

His hobbies included working in his wood shop, golf, gardening, family vacations, and fixing things around the house—toys, bicycles, appliances, dolls, scooters, or whatever else needed fixing.

The family greatly appreciates the love and support of friends, old and new, and all those who make up the Luby's organization.

The family also wishes to thank the staff of the 6 South nursing unit at the Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital and Drs. Robert Schnitzler, J. Marvin Smith, Steven Rosenblatt, Sam Miller, Roger Lyons and Robert Shoumaker.

Their loving dedication and hard work has been much appreciated during these past months. George's caregivers' Olga Acuna, Irene Vigil, Sylvia Singer, Nellie Cortinas, Marcelino Llanas, Lynda McDonald and Kara Doughtery are also greatly appreciated for their care, kindness and love during his illness.