Laura Lillie Thac

Laura Lillie Behrens Thac was called home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2023. She was 95 years old. Laura was born on October 6, 1927, to the late Adolph and Gisine (Knape) Behrens. Laura grew up during the Great Depression in and around the LaGrange area. She was the youngest of 8 brothers and 2 sisters.

Laura moved to Houston as a young lady to live with her sister and to attend nursing school. She became a registered nurse and began her nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston. During this time Laura met Frank Thac, a handsome Navy man, at a dance. They were an instant match and soon fell in love. They were married on June 6, 1953. Their love of dancing never faded during their 60 years of marriage. Frank passed away in 2013.

Laura and Frank raised their three sons, Gary, Donald, and Darrell in Houston. Laura worked hard to make sure her boys had everything they needed. Food on the table, a roof over their heads, a good education, and a trip to the Frio River nearly every year. She raised them up in church so they could know God and give Him thanks for their blessings. Even as an adult, Laura always cared for and checked in on her boys and their families. She loved being a Nana most of all. She loved to play with, rock, and read to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Laura was the matriarch of the Thac family.

Laura retired in 1989, from Memorial Southeast Hospital where she worked on the “happy floor” with the new moms and babies. After she retired, she volunteered at local schools and vaccination clinics. She and Frank enjoyed taking day trips with the church seniors’ group and attended senior group gatherings and luncheons at church.

Laura was quiet and loved spending time with her family, friends, and feline companions. You could find her enjoying an afternoon cup of coffee with a friend or talking on the phone. She loved reading the paper and keeping up with the latest news and information.

The past 10 years grew increasingly difficult for Laura. She missed her husband greatly and her physical abilities began to decline making it increasingly difficult to get out and visit with others. However, one thing is for sure, Laura loved her family with every inch of her being until the Lord called her home.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Thac, parents, Adolph and Gesine Knape Behrens, brothers; Arnold, Louis, August, Arthur, Almond (Al), Gunther (Grinny), Rudolph (Slim), and Edwin (Ed) and sisters Dora Mollenburg and Velma Speed.

She is survived by her sons, Gary Thac and wife, Robin; Donald Thac and wife, Elizabeth; and Darrell Thac and wife, Amy; five grandchildren, LaTricia Blank and husband Stuart, Rebecca Thac, Kylene Thac, Ryan Thac and wife Renae, and Bethany Thac; five great-granddaughters, Leah Hester and husband Alton, Kristin Brautigam and husband Freddy, Brooke and Melody Nabi, and Reign Thac. She had three great-great granddaughters, Avery Nabi, and Twin Brautigam girls on the way. Laura is, also, survived by Lynette Garrett-Pruitt and her children Garrett and Iva; Zachary Johnson, his wife Myriel and son Davion; Sarah and Connor Blank all of whom she loved dearly and treated them as her own grandchildren. Laura also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and friends who she loved very much. Laura will be greatly missed by all.

Donations in Laura’s memory may be made to St. Francis of the City (formerly known as Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer).