David Stelzel

David Edward Stelzel entered heaven on August 4, 2017 and was reunited with his parents, Awald and Georgia Stelzel.                                                   David was born July 21, 1949 in Columbus, TX. He was born into a farming family, the first of four boys. David, Larry, Harold, and Philip, who all continue to farm today here in East Bernard.  David attended Catholic School from 1st -6th grade and graduated from East Bernard High School in 1968. He studied at Wharton County Junior College for a year, and planned to transfer to Sam Houston State College to study accounting, but was drafted into the US Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He served from May 1971 through February 1973.  After being discharged, he hitchhiked from California home to Texas. After reaching Baytown, he was picked up by a taxi, and the driver turned off the meter and drove him the rest of the way to East Bernard. His dad, Awald, thanked the driver and paid him $50, all the money he had. After coming home, he started farming on a small plot of land that his dad had found for him and that’s how his farming legacy continued. David also worked part time for Hudson Products and was a goose guide for Marvin Tyler while farming. He joined forces with his brother, Harold, in the early 80’s and they farmed together for 35 years. David and Harold farmed rice, milo, corn, cotton, and soybeans.  David had a deep love of farming. He was proud to tell you that this year was his 44th crop. From planting to harvesting, he loved it all. Watching all the kids grow up around the farm made him happy, but his greatest Papa-duty was listening to the squeals of delight as he drove Cash and Carson around in his tractor. David was a man of great character.  Those that knew him best would describe him as honest, loyal, hard-working and servant-hearted.  He would drop everything to help a friend or loved one.  He had a quick wit, a love of Bluebell ice cream and could sing along to most country songs on KULP.  David was a devoted husband, dad, Papa, father-in-law, brother, uncle and friend. He proudly grew up in the Holy Cross Catholic Church, and later became a member of First United Methodist Church where he and his family attended. He has been on the Farmer’s Co-op Board of Directors for over 40 years. He also served on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors and retired after 25 years of service.  He leaves behind his wife of 40 years Brenda; daughters, Shae Menard and husband Tyler; Brooke Stelzel; brothers Larry and wife, Sandy; Harold and wife, Suzanne; and Philip and wife, Elizabeth. Two grandchildren lovingly called him Papa, Cash David and Carson John Menard. Numerous nieces and nephews: Melissa Rizvan and husband Matt, Hannah, Hailey and Alexis; Brittany Perez and husband Matt, Mads and Logan; Mark Stelzel and wife Stacy; Keith Stelzel and Leslie; Lyndsay and Blake Stelzel; Lori Thomas and husband Kevin, Parker and Riley; Tiffany Johnson; Seth Johnson and wife Tara; Dustin Duke and Babak Mojaher.  Donations may be made to David E Stelzel Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Mailing address 510 Shannon Dr., East Bernard, TX 77435.  The family would like to thank everyone for all of the love and support. Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com