GUSTAV OTTO KAUTZ, JR.

Gustav Otto Kautz, Jr., of New Ulm, Texas, passed away on May 13, 2023, in Katy, Texas, at the age of 81. He was born to Gustav Otto Kautz, Sr. and Madeline Alice (Coufal) Kautz on Sept. 3, 1941, in Bellville, Texas. He married Deborah Marie Southerland on Aug. 6, 1972.

Gus worked at Exxon for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. He served his country in the Navy as Radar 3rd Class Instructor.

He enjoyed building houses, collecting coins, reading, and being outside in the yard.

His hobbies included working on small engines and rose gardening.

His favorite thing was teaching Sunday School class.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Madeline Kautz.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deborah Kautz of New Ulm, Texas; son, Timothy Kautz of New Ulm, Texas; cousins, Danny Kautz and wife Barbara of Columbus, Texas, David Kautz and wife Patricia of New Ulm, Texas, Ruth Poncik and husband Richard of Columbus, Texas, Beatrice Dudensing and husband Edgar of Fayetteville, Texas, John Sommerlatte of Corsicana, Texas, Frances Merkel of New Ulm, Texas, Delphine Merkel of New Ulm, Pauline Zwernemann and husband Jim of Cedar Creek, Cindy Coufal of Richmond, Texas; and Aunt Verna Jean Coufal of Industry, Texas.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas, with Pastor Dennis Keen officiating. Burial followed in New Ulm Cemetery. A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023, also at Henneke Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers were F J Hoffman, Bobby Ables, Cheezey Sherrouse, Skip Sutton, Tom Stringer, and Charlie Perry.

Memorials may be made to West End Baptist Church, P.O. Box 67, Industry, Texas 78944, 979-3572670 for Quilt Ministry or Prison Ministry.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.