Joe Strauss

Shiner Loses Beloved Citizen

Shiner lost one of its most beloved citizens when Joe Strauss died suddenly of an apparent heart attack at his home on Monday, July 18th, 2011. He was 87 years old.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20th at Buffington Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:30 pm at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10:00 am at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Ludmila’s Academy. Condolences may be left at buffingtonfuneralhomeshiner.com.

Strauss, a former publisher of The Shiner Gazette, was known throughout south central Texas after spending over 50 years as a salesman calling on newspaper and print shops for divisions of International Paper Company. But his most recent fame came as a member of the Shiner Hobo Band. His voice was behind their most requested song, Frankie and Johnnie. Strauss and members of the Hobo Band entertained crowds at festivals and events throughout the state and their release of a CD entitled “Frankie and Johnny Hobo Style” sold thousands of copies. Besides his vocal skills, Strauss was a master of playing the push button accordion.

His love of life, people, his hometown and good times helped make him a Shiner legend and icon. He touched the lives of thousands with his personality, charm and musical skills. He openly professed his love for God and family. And he was proud of the fact that he served his country.

Strauss was born and raised on a farm in Shiner. He was born on January 23, 1924, the second youngest son of Otto and Agnes (Netardus) Strauss. He graduated from St. Ludmila’s Academy in 1941 and enrolled in a government school (NYA) at Inks Dam, Texas taking courses in commercial printing. He briefly went to work for the Victoria Advocate before joining the Army Air Force during WWII where he was stationed in the US and Italy until late 1945.

Shortly after returning from WWII, he went to work for Lee and Angeline Sedlmeyer at the Shiner Gazette before taking a position as territory sales representative for the Houston branch of EC Palmer Paper Company. He spent the next 51 years selling paper, graphic supplies and equipment to print shop and newspaper customers throughout south central Texas.

Joe and Gladys purchased The Shiner Gazette in 1975 and published the paper until 1990 when they sold it to Tex Rogers. They were active members in the Texas Press Association and the South Texas Press Association.

Besides playing with the Shiner Hobo Band, Strauss also formed a band in the 60’s which became popular music makers under the name “VFW Toppers.” Later he put together a group of musicians and entertained local crowds to the sounds of “Joe and His Pivo Boys.”

Joe and his wife Glayds (Appelt) were married in Hallettsville on September 12, 1953. They made their home in Schulenburg before moving to Shiner in 1957. They reared 4 children, Marian, Bobby, Pat and Mark.

Survivors include his wife Gladys of Shiner, daughter Marian and husband Jim Evers of Wimberley, son Bobby and wife Sandra of Shiner, son Patrick and wife Lori of Victoria, son Mark and wife Kim of Brenham. Grandchildren inclued Jeremy Fikac, Jerod Fikac, Jordan (Fikac) and husband Shelby Fietz, Brandy Strauss, Chelsea Lauer, Alyssa Strauss, Cole Strauss, Jillian Strauss, Bryce Strauss, Barrett Strauss and one great grandson, Gunner Strauss.