William "Willie" Christian Herzer Jr.

William “Willie” Herzer, 89, of Thrall, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House surrounded by his loving family.

Willie was born in Thrall, Texas on February 14, 1930, to William and Selma (Goetz) Herzer, Sr. He graduated from Thrall High School in 1948 and went to work for Williamson County Equipment Company in Taylor, Texas until May 1951 when he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in May 1953.

Upon returning to Thrall, he worked side-by-side with his dad farming and ranching for many years. On December 22, 1960, he married Janet Ann Meyer at St. John Lutheran Church in Thrall. After marrying, Willie went to work as a ginner and then general manager at Thrall Cooperative Gin. He then went to work at Taylor Cotton Oil Mill as a superintendent. In the 70s, his love for farming and ranching led him back to his roots when he went to work at Double J & A Ranch. He continued to follow his passion working at Lester Stiles Farm and Ranch from 1994-2018.

He served as mayor of Thrall from 1969-1981. He was a charter member of the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department where he remained active until his passing by serving as chaplain and chairman for the department’s associate committee. He was recently honored with a commemorative axe thanking him for 50 years of support and service. He also served as president of the Hermann Sons Life, New Bern Lodge #173.

He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Thrall where he served in many capacities. He was baptized on May 4, 1930 and confirmed on May 18, 1947. Willie served as treasurer of the Thrall Lutheran Sunday School and served a number of times on the vestry.

In addition to his love for farming and ranching, Willie loved sports and woodworking. Many of his creations are still found around Thrall. He also enjoyed playing dominoes and spending time reminiscing about the past. He was the best storyteller and always had a joke or two to share.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kathryn Herzer Cmerek; brothers John Herzer and Howard Herzer; and sister-in-law Pearline Glaeser and husband Eldie.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet; daughters Anita Holubec and Michael Bachmeyer of Taylor and Elissa Perry of Jarrell; son Nathan Herzer of Seagraves; brother Allen Herzer and wife Judy of Lubbock; brother-in-law George Cmerek of Taylor; sisters-in-law Mary Herzer of Liberty and Gail Sladek and husband Kenneth of Round Rock; grandchildren Kristen Holubec-Hinojosa and husband Robert of Austin, Kimberly Holubec and husband Isaac of Dublin, California, Caitlin Perry of Florence, and Logan Perry of Cedar Park; great-grandchildren Coraline Hinojosa, McKenzie and Madison Cook, William Martinez and Matthew Rodriguez; honorary granddaughter Victoria Fifield; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department and Thrall Police Department for the unwavering support and love they showed to Willie.

The family is also grateful for the loving care provided by the staff of Baylor Scott and White Round Rock, Hearthstone SN Health Center, and Hospice Austin’s Christopher House.

Pallbearers are Kenneth Beckermann, Steve Stiles, Kelly Cmerek, Troy Marx, Danny Holubec, Ken Sladek, Robert “Bob” Hinojosa, and Logan Perry.

Honorary pallbearers are the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department members past and present, Doug Moehnke, Harvey Sladek, George Cmerek, Jason Cmerek, Allen Ray David, Herman Kaase, Russel Richter, and Joe Ochoa.

Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. at Condra Funeral Home. The Lutheran Service for Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church in Thrall, Texas, with burial following at Taylor City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department or St. John Lutheran Church.