LARRY POENITZSCH

Larry James Poenitzsch, 79, of Columbus, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 6, 2022.

Larry was the first of six children born to Edwin and Alvina Kansteiner Poenitzsch on September 21, 1942. He was raised on a farm in Shaws Bend, Texas, and worked alongside of his dad and later his brothers and sisters in the fields. To say Larry started working on the farm at an early age is an understatement. His mother later stated that as a baby, his father tied an apple crate to his tractor to put Larry in while he plowed.

Lar ry was raised around many different farm animals and found a love for horses. At an early age, Larry raised and broke his own colt that he named “Big Shot.”

Whi le sti l l in high school, Larry started working at Columbus Livestock Auction. After graduation, he found work at Meadows Feed Mill. When the feed mill was sold, Mr. Meadows asked Larry to be his ranch foremen on the Meadows ranch. Larry accepted, and so began his lifelong career in ranching.

After many years with Meadows Ranch, Larry went on his own and started 2P Pecan Ranch.

In December 1963, Larry went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Carolyn Fraizer. They fell in love and got married four months later, on March 14, 1964. On January 4, 1965, their pride and joy and only chi ld, was born. Larry named him John David. Larry taught John to ride horses at an early age and traveled with John for competition in horse shows.

Larry led a very diverse and full life. He had many interests and many friends. He particularly enjoyed coon hunting, camping, fishing, working cattle, morning gatherings at the coffee shop, and his “café girls.” But above all, his most favorite passion was to spoil his two granddaughters, Tori and Katelyn, and later, his first great-grandson, Wyatt James.

Larry is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Carolyn Poenitzsch; son, John Poenitzsch and wife Diane; grandchildren, Tori Henneke and husband Koldin, and Katelyn Poenitzsch and fiancé Cole Hoskins; great-grandchildren, Wyatt James Henneke and Josie Ruby Henneke (due in January 2023); sisters, Barbara Johnson, and Diana Young and husband Doug; brothers, Russell Poenitzsch and wife Dolores, and Daniel Poenitzsch and wife Peggy; and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Poenitzsch Pfannstiel and husband Kurt, and Shirley Hauerland; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Alvina Poenitzsch; brother, Kenneth Poenitzsch; niece, Raena LaFont; great-niece, Ashley Blackwell; and brothers in-law, Cooper Johnson and Tony Hauerland.

Visitation was held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A prayer service followed at 7 p.m. Funeral service was held on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas, with Clayton Wallin officiating. Burial was in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus, Texas. Pallbearers were Ray Poenitzsch, Josh Poenitzsch, Everett Poenitzsch, Caleb Poenitzsch, Eric Albers, Nathan Young, and Scott Hauerland. Honorary pallbearers were Rachel Benavides, Michelle Acosta, JoLyn Poenitzsch, Jackie Drozd, Teri Poenitzsch, Kayla Young, and Tammy Hauerland Valdez.

His special friends included B. J. Malatek, R. C. Kleiman, Jimmie Kleimann, George Little, Bill Pavlicek, Karl Ed Valenta, Gerald Heintschel, Janice Heger, Kim Koehl, his camping group, his lease owners, and many more.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Onl ine condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.