Mrs. Tommy Reeh, nee LaVerne Juenke, of Doss passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at the age of 84.
She was born in Fredericksburg on December 31, 1933, to Arno Juenke and Margaret Fritz Juenke and was raised in the Fredericksburg area. She married Tommy Reeh on October 24, 1953, and the two enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.
LaVerne is survived by four children and spouses, Cindy and Art Hansen of Harper, Danny and Peggy Reeh of Doss, Joann and Richard Rangel of Harper, Neal Reeh and Debbie Farquhar of Fredericksburg; five grandchildren and spouses, Ben Rangel of Tallahassee, Florida, Kassi and DJ Cagle of Mountain Home, Kaitlin and Skyler Woodward, Beth and Colby Gardner, and Travis and Welsley Reeh all of Fredericksburg, and four great-grandchildren, Avery and Macie Gardner, and Tommy and Kyle Cagle; two brothers, Elroy Juenke and spouse Josie, and Carlos Juenke and spouse Martha; two sisters, Marilyn Ernst and spouse Kermit, and Betty Kramer and spouse Levi; one sister-in-law, Beverly Reeh of Orange; one brother-in-law Robbie Reeh and spouse Carol.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Reeh, her parents, Arno and Margaret Juenke, and infant siblings Arno Juenke and Margaret Juenke.
LaVerne graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1951. Following graduation, she worked as a clerk for Arthur Stehling’s law firm and then as a receptionist and bookkeeper for Dr. J. Hardin Perry. In 1958, Tommy and LaVerne moved to Doss and started Tommy Reeh Garage and Grocery, which they operated for 42 years. They also farmed and ranched, raising Angora goats and beef cattle. In 1982, they began Reeh Brangus, which continues producing quality Brangus breeding stock. LaVerne played a vital role in the family business, working alongside Tommy helping to manage the store and ranch. She also served as bookkeeper until shortly before her death.
In addition to her work career, LaVerne was actively involved at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Harper where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also a member of St. Ann’s Society at St. Anthony’s for 60 years. LaVerne was a member of the Hill Country Cattle Women Association, the International Brangus Auxiliary, and the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association.
LaVerne was a member of the Doss Improvement Club the entire time she lived in Doss. She was also an active supporter of the Doss School and the Doss Fire Department, where she served as head of the fish fry raffle committee for many years. Her love of the Doss community and its people was evident to all who knew her.
LaVerne’s love of God was important to her. She led a faith-filled life, and it was not uncommon in her later years to walk into her bedroom and discover her well-used book of Catholic prayers open on her bed. Her rosary was always close by. All her life she worked diligently to instill this faith in her family, together with a strong work ethic and the importance of “doing the right thing”.
Mass of Resurrection was held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Monday, July 9, 2018, with the Msgr. Enda McKenna officiating.
Graveside services and interment followed in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Fredericksburg
For those who so desire you may make memorial contributions in her memory to the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Doss V.F.D or to the charity of your choice.
A Vigil Service was held on Sunday, July 8th in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg
Visitation for Mrs. LaVerne Reeh was on Sunday, July 8th and Monday, July 9th in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg
Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.
