2024 LIVING LEGENDS
Rusty Brockman
bio
There is an outside chance that if Rusty Brockman had mastered the Greek language in seminary school, he might be a retired Lutheran pastor instead of a retired educator. Robert Eugene Brockman, Jr., however, took a different path that led to a distinguished thirty-year career in education and a home in New Braunfels. Along the way, his professional and volunteer contributions are so meaningful that the Braunfels Foundation Trust has named him a Living Legend of New Braunfels.  

In 1952, Bob, Barbara, and two-year-old Rusty Brockman relocated from their home in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Baytown, Texas. Bob Brockman had just returned home from Korea and was drawn to the close-knit community of Baytown in the 1950s and the job opportunities in the area. The eldest of three children, Rusty attended James Bowie Elementary School, Cedar Bayou Junior High, and graduated as a proud “Gander” from Robert E. Lee High School in 1968. While attending the University of Houston, Rusty met M’Liss Probst on a Sunday afternoon while playing volleyball at a church youth group get-together. After Rusty graduated from the University of Houston in 1974, he and M'Liss married on August 2, 1975.

In Baytown, Rusty began coaching and teaching elementary physical education, health, biology, and life science. After about five years of teaching and coaching, the Brockmans moved to Dubuque, Iowa, so that Rusty could attend Wartburg Seminary. He also got a part-time coaching job at the University of Dubuque. Although studying Greek was part of the Lutheran course of study and was challenging, it was not why the Brockmans returned to Baytown -- Rusty was born to teach and coach. During the next few years, Rusty and M’Liss added two sons, Stephen and Christopher, to their family while Rusty took night classes to add certifications to his resume. In 1985, Rusty moved his family to Schulenburg to serve as the K-8th principal at Schulenburg Elementary and Junior High.

New Braunfels was always the gold at the end of the rainbow for the Brockmans, and the following year, the Comal Independent School District came calling about an opening for an assistant principal at Canyon Middle School. Rusty ‘pounced’ at the opportunity to be a Cougar. In 1986, the family relocated to New Braunfels, where daughter Marianne was born shortly after their move. Interestingly, it was at Canyon Middle School where, as principal, Rusty would pursue his idea of a Communities in Schools organization for the New Braunfels community. After ten years as principal, Rusty moved to the district’s central office where he served as Purchasing and Maintenance Director until he retired in 2001. 

Rusty’s retirement was short-lived.  In 2001, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce President, Michael Meek, recruited Rusty to join the Chamber as Vice President of Economic Development.  Rusty had been involved as a volunteer on different Chamber committees like the Business Education Partnership Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Transportation Committee during his days as principal and at the Central office. He immediately got busy as a staff member. For seventeen years, Rusty worked on bringing jobs to the area and attracted higher education to the city with the Central Texas Technology Center, Howard Payne University, and Wayland Baptist. Rusty also had a hand in bringing the SPARK Small Business Development Center to New Braunfels. In 2018, Rusty retired from the Chamber to serve as the Community Relations Coordinator at Cemex’s Balcones Plant and Quarry here in New Braunfels. 

In 2020, Rusty was elected Mayor of New Braunfels and, during his three-year term, guided the city through Covid and unprecedented growth. 

Over the years, Rusty has added to his volunteer resume at the state level as a board member and president of the executive board of the Texas Economic Development Council, serving as state chairman in 2014. Governor Rick Perry appointed Rusty to a two-term as Guadalupe Blanco River Authority chair.  Locally, Rusty was Drive Chairman and past president of the Comal County United Way when it was known as the Community Fund. He volunteered on the Advisory Board of the Comal Public School Foundation, was past president of the Canyon High School Athletic Booster Club, and notably, with his father as a spotter, was, and still is, the voice of the Canyon Cougars at football games at Cougar Stadium every fall for twenty-nine years. He is also a member and past president of the Breakfast Lions Club. Rusty was on the board of the Wurstfest and served as president in 2007. In 2017, he was honored as Grosse Opa. 

Rusty currently serves on the boards of the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, New Braunfels Food Bank, Central Texas Technology Center Advisory Board, Resolute Hospital, and Circle Arts Theatre, where he has eight performances under his belt!  He has also served on the Eden Hill Communities Board and was co-drive chairman and board member of the Women’s Shelter (now the Comal County Crisis Center). 

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is the latest organization to recognize Rusty’s contributions to our community. He received the Chamber’s Chair of the Board Award in 1992, the Herald-Zeitung’s Citizen of the Year in 1993, the Hall of Honors Award in 2011, and the coveted Besserung Award in 2017. 

While the recognition is rewarding, Rusty will tell you that his family is the icing on the cake. Rusty and M’Liss are the proud parents of Stephen (Jodie), Christopher (Stephanie), and Marianne Laney (Colby) and grandparents to Jason, Owen, Kaylee, Cameron, Conley, and Brock. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is grateful to Roy Linnartz and Bill Brown for bringing Rusty Brockman to New Braunfels as an assistant principal some thirty-eight years ago – he turned out to be a pretty good hire!
Dr. Carlos Campos
bio
Dr. Carlos Campos is one of those unique individuals who has used his occupation as a physician to educate, empower, and enhance the lives of people inside and outside the non-profit world and throughout his hometown of New Braunfels. Carlos Campos is also an educator, a community organizer, and now a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend. 

If only we could bottle the recipe that Victor and Victoria Campos used to raise their six very successful and community-minded children:   two physicians, a nurse, an attorney, a teacher, and a businessman. It is no accident then that this is the first time siblings have received Living Legend status as Carlos joins his brother, Atanacio “Nacho” Campos, who received the Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend award in 2021. 

Carlos’s father, Victor Campos, served in World War II and as New Braunfels’ first Hispanic police officer. The children of migrant workers, Victor and his wife, Victoria, were uncompromising when stressing the importance of education for their six children.  Carlos graduated from NBHS in 1973, where he played trumpet in the Mighty Unicorn Band. Because the Campos family was Presbyterian – in fact, members of the Campos family founded First Presbyterian Church situated initially near the current site of the Westside Community Center -- Carlos attended the two-year college at Presbyterian Schreiner College in Kerrville as did his older brothers. Instead of finishing his education like his brothers at the University of Texas, Carlos’s biology teacher suggested he consider Baylor University. Carlos graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor and later received a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. 

The decision to go to medical school was realized through part-time jobs arranged by his older brother, Juan. Carlos would help Juan, a hospital physician, who moonlighted at emergency rooms in south Texas. Carlos would study while his brother worked but eventually began helping with minor tasks. As he watched his brother deliver babies and stitch wounds, he decided to go into medicine as well. In his first year at Baylor College of Medicine, Carlos married Isabel Contreras, his girlfriend from New Braunfels and a nursing student. Interestingly, while at Baylor, Dr. Campos was once assigned to the service of the renown Dr. Michael De Bakey. Carlos’s knowledge of Spanish was invaluable with the avalanche of patients coming to the Houston medical center from Mexico, Central America and South America for bypasses and other procedures. After finishing his residency at Bexar County Hospital in San Antonio, Carlos and Isabel moved to New Braunfels. Dr. Campos opened his family medical practice almost in the same spot as his childhood home on Austin Street, where he has practiced for forty years.

Dr. Campos became very interested in diabetes because many of his patients being sent to the hospital for diabetes education were not going either because they could not afford it or because they did not speak English. The Institute for Public Health and Education (TIPHER), a not-for-profit, was Carlos’s solution to the problem. Initially, classes were held in a mobile home on his church’s property. Soon, more and more needs were seen, and at a meeting at his family’s Monterey café, Carlos, Allen Seelhammer, and then-mayor Paul Fraser began kicking around the concept of a community center in the west end of New Braunfels. The group organized, applied for, and received a matching grant of $250,000.00 from the Kronkosky Foundation. Searching for the matching funds, a presentation was made before the city’s Industrial Development Board. Interestingly, then-board member and fellow Living Legend inductee Rusty Brockman motioned to grant the money, and with its passage, the Westside Community Center was born. Carlos managed the Center until it was acquired by the city of New Braunfels in 2011. Under Carlos’s leadership, some of the programs that were available to all the citizens of New Braunfels were GED classes, Diabetes Education classes, a soup kitchen named the Westside Nutritional Center, the Blast Program for after-school tutoring and counseling for high-risk students, and the annual Thanksgiving Feast to name a few. 

Associated with several medical foundations, Carlos Campus has become nationally recognized for his dozens of academic papers on diabetes. The governor appointed Carlos to serve on the Texas Board of Medical Examiners from 1993-1999, was Chief of Staff at McKenna Memorial Hospital in 1993, president of the American Diabetes Association, and currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor for the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. 

To recognize the impact Carlos has made on our community, The NBISD Education Foundation named him a Distinguished Unicorn Alumni in 2014, and the New Braunfels Independent School District honored him with their highest recognition award, the Silver Unicorn. The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce presented Dr. Campos with a Chair of the Board Award for Health Improvement, and he was named the Herald-Zeitung’s Citizen of the Year.

While building a medical practice and contributing to their community, Carlos and Isabel have also raised their own successful children, Juan Carlos (Meredith), Ben (Kaci), and Victoria (Rene). They are also the proud grandparents of Xavier (Xavi) and Xochitl (Xochi). The Braunfels Foundation Trust is thankful for the contributions of Carlos Campos and his family and is delighted to recognize him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 
Maurice Fischer
bio
Fischer Park, at sixty-two acres, is the largest park in the New Braunfels park system. Originally, the property was the homestead and working farm of Dewey and Milda Fischer who raised their five children on the beautiful hilltop farm with the bird’s eye view of New Braunfels. In 2007, Maurice Fischer and his siblings sold their fifty-five acres at a discounted price and gave three acres to the New Braunfels Parks Foundation for the creation of a park named after their family. 

Dewey and Milda Fischer moved from their family ranch and home in Kendalia near Blanco in 1946. Their oldest child, Maurice Dewey Fischer, was starting school, and since the Fischers wanted their children to attend school in New Braunfels, they purchased property on McQueeney Road. After the war, Dewey Fischer had gotten into conservation work, building tanks and clearing mesquite pastures for local farmers and ranchers for fields and grazing. Maurice grew up working alongside his father and later welcomed siblings Dean, Beverly, Faye Lynn, and Debbie, who were all born in New Braunfels and grew up on the farm. 

Maurice attended Carl Schurz, New Braunfels Junior High, and New Braunfels High School, where he played trumpet in the Mighty Unicorn Band. After graduating in 1958, Maurice left for Texas A&M University. He was a member of the Aggie Band, received the Distinguished Military Student award, and was a member of Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society in America. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1962 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He married his high school sweetheart Charlene Mueller, and the couple married left for Alaska where Maurice served in the United States Corps of Engineers. Stationed in Anchorage, Maurice assisted in developing plans for construction jobs for the military and all government agencies. 

Maurice, Charlene, and their son Russell who was born in Alaska, returned to New Braunfels where Maurice worked with his dad, Dewey, and brother Dean in the family’s construction business, Fischer Construction Company. Maurice and Dean built and expanded the business to include Brauntex Materials, a leader in crushed limestone, aggregates, and hot-mix asphalt. In 2003, Maurice sold his interests in the companies to spend full time on the Texaco Consigneeship he bought in 1966 that later became Midtex Oil. With Charlene employed as bookkeeper, the couple began building a successful distribution company with a single fuel truck and an old warehouse near Houston and Dallas streets in New Braunfels. 

As the company grew, so did the team when sons Russell and Rodney joined to run the wholesale and retail sides of the business. Maurice, however, is still actively involved in their companies' day-to-day operations. Midtex Oil is a wholesale distribution business operating in New Braunfels, Austin, Houston, and Beaumont, while Fischer Markets, Inc., is the retail company and includes thirty-three convenience stores, including Fischer’s Neighborhood Markets and Pit Stop Food Marts in New Braunfels and San Antonio. 

The success of Midtex Oil has given Maurice and his family the ability to support and enrich his hometown through many organizations and activities. He was a member of the Jaycees and served as president in 1971. He also served on the McKenna Memorial Hospital Board, the McKenna Health Systems Board, and the McKenna Foundation. He was a director on the Texas Commerce Bank board and a director and president of the New Braunfels Industrial Foundation. 

Maurice was a twenty-year member of the New Braunfels Rotary Club, a member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Elks Association, the Comal County A&M Club, and a Verein Member at the Sophienburg Museum. As a member of the Wurstfest Association, Maurice served on the Braunfels – New Braunfels Partnership Committee. He served as president in 1999, achieved Opa Emeritus status in 2001, and was honored as Grosse Opa in 2002. 

Maurice and his family have supported dozens of civic organizations and local school activities in their hometown, such as the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, the Heritage Society, and the New Braunfels Conservation Society. Midtex Oil is also associated with the Brauntex Theatre, which sponsors at least one show annually. To recognize his contributions to the school district and our community, the New Braunfels Independent School District Education Foundation honored Maurice with their Distinguished Unicorn Alumni Award.

Maurice and Charlene have built a business, a philanthropic reputation, and a lovely family with sons Russell and his wife Lisa and Rodney and his wife Cathy. They are also grandparents to Mayce (husband Mathias), Jack (wife Elizabeth), Rhett, and Tomlin, and two great-grandchildren, Luka and Kaja. The Braunfels Foundation Trust congratulates Maurice Fischer for his contributions to his hometown and welcomes him as a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend.
2023 LIVING LEGENDS
Cecil Eager
bio
​The Braunfels Foundation Trust is somewhat late to the party in recognizing Cecil Eager’s many contributions to our community.  The New Braunfels Herald Zeitung honored him as a “Pillar of the Community” and an “Unsung Hero.”  The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce placed him in the Hall of Honor just last year.  The New Braunfels Community Foundation bestows an annual philanthropy award, “The Eager,” in his honor.  Abilene Christian University inducted him into their Sports Hall of Fame and named a tennis facility for Cecil and his wife, Judi.  The Braunfels Foundation Trust is delighted to join in and honor Cecil Eager as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.

Cecil was born in the small west Texas town of Clyde.  Merwin and Georgia Mae Eager raised their son and two daughters to live their Christian faith and to work as a team — concepts that are the solid foundations of Cecil’s professional and volunteer life. 

After graduating high school, Cecil earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree from Baylor.  He coached high school for a year until he was hired by World Championship Tennis in Dallas, a professional men’s tennis tour.  The untimely death of Cecil’s father compelled him to return home to assist his mother and reunited him with Abilene Christian.  Cecil served as the men’s and women’s tennis coach at Abilene Christian for twelve years, leading the Wildcats to NCAA Division II top ten rankings and seven Lone Star Conference championships.  He coached twenty-five All-Americans and additionally served as Abilene Christian’s Athletic Director from 1990 until 1995. 

While coaching at ACU, Cecil worked summers in Missouri at Kanakuk, a well-known Christian-based sports camp. He was at the facility when T-Bar-M Tennis Camp in New Braunfels came to research converting their pure tennis camp into a sports camp.  The visit proved significant for all parties.  Cecil’s mission of building a nationally recognized tennis program at Abilene Christian lacked the resources for the travel necessary to play ranked teams.  Cecil arranged with his new acquaintances at T-Bar-M to host tennis tournaments for Abilene Christian over spring breaks, with significant results for his teams.   The relationship between T-Bar-M and Cecil also proved significant personally.  In 1996, Cecil accepted an offer from T-Bar-M to serve as president of their camps, and the Eagers relocated their family to New Braunfels. 

In 2000, an opportunity arose, and Cecil and Judi bought the historic Gruene Mansion Inn.  It was an opportunity that would provide the Eagers with personal satisfaction and new relationships in the business community.  Cecil became involved with the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for three years and on the Convention and Visitors Bureau for thirteen years, including a three-year stint as committee chair.  

In 2009, Cecil attended a Chamber retreat and served as a committee member tasked with identifying community improvements.  A neighbor in Abilene had been a member of a community foundation, and Cecil was surprised that New Braunfels did not have one.  Cecil suggested starting a similar foundation, and fellow committee members Marian Benson, Roger Tuttle, and Doug Toney agreed.  Armed with the Chamber’s blessing and the addition of David Pfeuffer, the committee spent one year researching and fact-finding. The Chamber agreed the project was worthy enough to be an independent undertaking.  Four years later, after countless meetings and with critical seed money funding from the McKenna Foundation, the New Braunfels Community Foundation was born.  

The New Braunfels Community Foundation has, to date, granted more than eight million dollars to non-profit causes in the community and has assets of more than thirteen million dollars.  The community foundation serves as a way for people to create an endowment that outlives them and continues to fund their causes and goals.  With over 140 funds, the foundation grants monies for causes like senior services, education, and youth programs. 

Cecil has also served his community in other organizations that have benefitted from his coaching and expertise.  He served as Chair of the Comal County Water District No. 1, worked with the Young Life Organization for fifteen years, and sits on the board of Abilene Christian University.  To recognize their hard work, Cecil and Judi were deservedly named Small Business Persons of the Year in 2007.

Cecil and Judi are the proud parents of Ashley Murphy, Shane Bowen, and Chelsea Mason, and grandparents of nine.   As he has done for his family, Cecil Eager has coached, taught, and cared for student-athletes, staff, and his community as his own.  The Braunfels Foundation Trust congratulates Cecil Eager, a Living Legend of New Braunfels, for strengthening our community for future generations.​
Kathy Meurin
bio
​Pope Francis once said, “When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them — some food, a place in our homes, our time — not only do we no longer remain poor, we are enriched.”   Pope Francis might have had Kathy Meurin in mind when he spoke those words.  Kathy has been selflessly sharing her time, talents, home, and food for decades.  While most know her as the owner of a successful catering business, many may not know the scope of Kathy’s commitment to our community and beyond.  

Kathy Ann Sisak was born in New Braunfels and started school at Saints Peter and Paul.   Determined to play sports in school, Kathy begged her parents to attend public school where sports were offered.  Eventually, Joe and Ellarene gave in, built a house, and relocated to Clear Springs.  Kathy graduated from Canyon High School in 1976, where she played basketball and tennis, ran track, and made two trips to Austin for state volleyball appearances.

After graduation, Kathy enrolled in the New Braunfels School of Vocational Nursing and began working at Seton Medical Center in Austin.  Her nursing career, however, was short-lived.  After helping with an anniversary party for her parents, Myrtle Moeller from Comal Flower Shop suggested she had a “real knack for this” and should consider starting her own catering business.  Kathy and her husband, Steve, had been discussing starting a family, and the idea of a part-time business was intriguing.  So, with her mother at her side, Kathy ditched her 40-50 hour per week nursing career for an 80 hour per week part-time catering business, which she still owns forty-three years later.

Catering is her livelihood, but fortunately for our community, it is also the vehicle for Kathy to make a difference.  In 1983, the New Braunfels Rotary Club approached her to cater their lunch meetings.  She accepted the offer and has served lunch every Wednesday, with a short covid hiatus, for the past forty years.  Within a few years, Kathy was one of three female members invited to join the all-male club.  She later served as the New Braunfels Rotary Club’s first female president.  

Working with James Dunks and Arlon Hermes, Kathy quickly became involved with the club’s fundraisers at the Comal County Fair and Wurstfest.   Her expertise promptly made a difference.  The Rotary booth was selling sausage and curly fries when Wurstfest offered them the potato pancake booth.  Rotary accepted, and Kathy’s request to find a replacement for their old booth was granted.  Her recommendation of the Comal County Junior Livestock Show for the sausage booth proved to be a financial game-changer for that non-profit organization. 

Kathy’s decades-long commitment to the New Braunfels Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program is extraordinary.  She serves on the Club’s Youth Exchange Committee and volunteers with the District’s Youth Exchange program, assisting with orientations, training, and interviews.  Kathy additionally participates in the South Central Rotary Youth Exchange Program, an organization of thirty-seven Rotary member districts across eighteen states.   Kathy served as their president and recently retired as the seven-year executive secretary of the program.  She continues to serve on the Compliance Committee.

When Hurricane Laura hit Lake Charles in 2020, Kathy was a member of the New Braunfels Rotary group that went to help.  She loaded her trailers, sought funding, and asked for items from suppliers.  Kathy and fellow members cooked 2,500 meals and offered supplies from flatbed trailers.

When Kathy and Steve’s sons, Jonathan and Wesley, raised sheep in high school, Kathy worked as president of Canyon High School’s FFA Booster Club to restructure their fundraising efforts.  She reorganized concessions and acquired donated prizes for their youth shows, significantly increasing their profits.  The Comal County Junior Livestock Show also recruited Kathy for her expertise.  Along with pals Curt Schaefer and Clyde Garrison, Kathy helped run concessions for years.  

Kathy’s membership with Rotary exposed other community organizations and service opportunities in New Braunfels.  She is a thirty-year Chamber Blue Coat and served as United Way President in 1998.  Kathy accepted an appointment from Mayor Barron Casteel in 2016 to serve on the city’s Economic Development or 4B Board.  Since then, Kathy has collaborated on quality-of-life projects such as Das Rec, the Landa Park miniature golf course, changes to Elizabeth Street, Castell Street drainage, and other projects.  She is proud of working on the bond issue for the new Zipp sports complex and of her role as President of the Advisory Board that led to the partnerships created for exciting changes to the Central Texas Technology Center. 

Kathy has a dozen plaques on the walls of her office commending her for offices held and activities performed.  In 2012, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce recognized Kathy’s efforts to strengthen our community with a Hall of Honor Award and the prestigious outstanding citizen recognition, the Besserung Award in 2023.  

Kathy has enriched the lives of her family -- husband Steve, sons Wesley and Jonathan, and four grandchildren.  She has enriched the community she loves, and the Braunfels Foundation Trust congratulates her as a Living Legend. ​
Alton Rahe
bio
​​​When Alton Rahe, a young New Braunfels junior high school teacher, approached his father about changing careers, Albert Rahe told his son, “Just because I was a teacher doesn’t mean you have to be.”  The fatherly advice re-routed his son’s career path but not the course of his life.  Alton Rahe has been writing, playing, and teaching the history and culture of New Braunfels and Comal County for decades.  To recognize his many contributions to the fabric of our community, the Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to honor him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.  

Alton Rahe was born in the small community of Sattler in 1932, which, like many of the communities that dotted Comal County, was created from the westward expansion of German settlers in the 1840s.  His father was the Mountain Valley School’s teacher and Alton’s only teacher for his first nine grades.  In 1948, the Rahes moved to New Braunfels, and Alton became a Unicorn.  

For many, high school is the place where you meet life-long friends.  It’s where talents are recognized, and you are forced to take math.  Young Alton excelled in math and would spend forty-one years as a civilian in statistical analyses with the United States Air Force.  Raised in a musical family, Alton played the guitar since elementary school.  Joining the Unicorn band and playing the saxophone would give him life-long friends and a garage band that would become the Hi-Toppers.  

The Hi-Toppers were initially three friends, Gordon Zunker, Darvin Dietert, and Alton, who began practicing polkas at home.  They began playing at dance halls around the area as the “Ach und Krach Kapelle” or the “Make or Break Band.”  Their success soon necessitated additional musicians and a name change.  Because they were in high school and were “tops in music,” Henry Fisk chose the “Hi-Toppers.”  Musicians Melford Haag, Allen Moehrig, and George Fisk were recruited.  Though additional personnel changes occurred over the years, by 1978, the Hi-Toppers had performed at more than 150 dancehalls, recorded ten nationally recognized records, performed at twenty-five Wurstfests, and received the first ever-awarded Burgermeister Award in 1974 from New Braunfels Mayor Bill Brown for serving as ambassadors of goodwill and promoting German heritage.  

Alton graduated from New Braunfels High and continued his education at Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos while performing nights and weekends with the Hi-Toppers.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later a master’s degree in education.  In 1967, he received a second master’s degree, this time in Statistics, from Virginia Polytechnical Institute, now Virginia Tech.  

Alton married Yvonne Reinhard in June of 1955, soon began a family, and left teaching.  As a civilian mathematical statistician for the Air Force, Alton co-authored numerous technical publications.  He also taught evening classes at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio College, and religion classes at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  In addition to the Hi-Toppers, Alton was a member of the American Legion Band, the 36th Infantry Division Band, the New Braunfels Brass Band, was a cantor and sang in the Men’s Choir at Saints Peter and Paul from its inception in 2002 until 2022.

After his retirement in 1997, Alton turned his attention and talents to local history and genealogy.  He served as a Comal County Historical Commission member for fifteen years and as an officer for twelve years.  Alton has written at least sixteen narratives for historical markers that dot our county to remind us of our rich history.  He is a Comal County Genealogy Society member, where he has served in various positions. His generosity in sharing his knowledge of our county’s history is well-known and has helped many in their family and community research.  

Alton has published four books on Comal County:  History of Mission Valley Community, History of Sattler and Mountain Valley School in Comal County, Texas, 1846-1964, Fifty Years of Wurstfest, and Rural Schools and Teachers in Comal County, Texas, 1854-1956.  Another book, Sixty Years of Wurstfest in New Braunfels - A Closer Look at a Triumphant Decade (2011-2021), is in the works.  Any profits made from selling these books, Alton unselfishly donates back to charitable organizations.

Alton joined the Knights of Columbus in the sixties and is currently a Life Member.  In 1981, he became a member of the Wurstfest Association, achieving Opa Emeritus status in 2011.  

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the first organization to recognize Alton’s contributions.  In 2014, he received the first Frederick Frueholz Preservation Award from the Comal County Historical Commission.  In 2015, the NBISD Education Foundation named him a Distinguished Unicorn Alumni.  

Alton and Yvonne celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year.  They are the parents of Mark Rahe, Lori Ventura, and Nina Faulkner, as well as grandparents to three.  Alton still checks his cattle on his historic ranch in Mission Valley that bears both a Recorded Texas Historical and National Register of Historic Places landmark.  Alton Rahe is a gentleman, a scholar, a musician, a teacher, a treasure, and a Living Legend of New Braunfels.​
2022 LIVING LEGENDS
Linda Pfannstiel Dietert
bio
As the former Director of the Sophienburg Museum and in dozens of various volunteer roles over the years, Linda Dietert has told the stories of her beloved hometown of New Braunfels. Currently, she is telling the stories of the women and children of the Republic of Texas at the new Republic of Texas Museum in Austin where she serves as committee chair. Linda Dietert is a teacher, a historian, an extraordinary volunteer, and now a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend. 

Linda Kay Pfannstiel Dietert is a local girl and a fifth generation New Braunfelser and Texan. The youngest of four children, Linda grew up in the 1852 fachwerk house in Comaltown where she and her husband live today. When Linda was sixteen, her mother died leaving her to help care for her father and grandfather. She worked almost continuously during her high school years – waiting tables at the original Krause’s Café and writing orders for senior rings at the Overall Company. In 1968, while teaching lessons in the Jaycees’ summer swimming program, Linda met a young Canyon Cougar named Mike Dietert who she would marry several years later. 

Linda graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1968 where she was a member of the Unicorn Band, a twirler, and drum major.  In 1972, Linda graduated from Southwest Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Education and began teaching the second grade at Goodwin Elementary. 

Linda left teaching after son, Brandon, was born and later took the job as Executive Director of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives. She was the Museum’s director twice in her career, and during her tenure, the Museum moved from the original building on the corner of Coll and Academy to its present location in the old city library. 

Linda later taught at First Protestant Preschool for several years and was the preschool’s director.  She was involved with the Children’s Museum of New Braunfels where she worked on programming and exhibits. She also served as the Museum’s director and managed the Museum’s moves from the Krueger Chevrolet building, two moves at the Marketplace, and Courtyard Shopping center. 

Daughter Allison was born in 1979, and as the children grew, Linda became involved at their schools serving as president of the Seele Elementary, New Braunfels Junior High and City Council PTAs as well as Unicorn Band Booster President.

Centered around history, her volunteer life mirrored her professional life.  A three-year president of the New Braunfels Conservation Society, Linda was key to the Comal Independent School District donating the 1870 hand-hewn limestone Church Hill School to the Conservation Society. 

Linda is a founding member of the Heritage Society and docent at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. Folkfest was the brainchild of Linda and 2010 Living Legend, Bobbie Purdum. Linda chaired and was the parade Grand Marshall of the Kindermasken Parade and Ball event, one of New Braunfels’ oldest heritage traditions. 

During the 1970s through the 1990s, the original New Braunfels Civic Center was home to the Heritage Exhibit which presented displays of the history of New Braunfels. Linda worked on every one of the Heritage Exhibits and was Heritage Exhibit Chair in 1990. 

Linda served on the first New Braunfels Historic Landmark Commission in the 1970s and in 2008. She also volunteered on the Downtown Development Board, the Downtown Design Review Committee, the Landa Park Design Committee, and served as Comal County Aggie Moms President. During the recent city of New Braunfels’ 175th Anniversary, Linda worked on numerous projects celebrating that milestone event. 

Linda currently serves on the Comal County Historical Commission and is 50-year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and a member of First Protestant Church where she has played the handbells for thirty-five years.

Linda is a past president and member of the Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. At the state level, Linda has made dozens of trips up IH 35 to Austin serving as Committee Chair and designing the new Republic of Texas Museum.

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the first organization to recognize Linda’s impressive volunteer resume. The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce inducted her into the Hall of Honor and she was twice awarded their Chair of the Board Award for historic preservation and again for Education. 

Linda, and Mike, a 2018 Living Legend, are one of only four couples who have been recognized as Living Legends. Linda and Mike are parents to Brandon and Allison and are grandparents of four. The Braunfels Foundation is thankful that Linda Dietert continues to tell the stories of New Braunfels and our great state for the generations to come. ​
Bill Morton
bio
The fabric of New Braunfels is a patch work of community service pieced together by numerous dedicated citizens and volunteers. Since he arrived in New Braunfels in 1972 to take the reins of Mission Valley Textile Mills, Bill Dodd Morton’s service and contributions have uniquely strengthened our community’s fabric. To recognize his service, The Braunfels Foundation Trust has named him a Living Legend of New Braunfels.  

Bill Dodd Morton was born in on Sand Mountain in Boaz, Alabama, in 1932. He grew up in agricultural area with ideal farmland where cotton was king. When he wasn’t busy picking cotton, he was in school in Boaz where he played basketball and was president of his class. 

After his high school graduation, Bill left for Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where he enrolled in the Army’s Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program, studied Accounting, and soon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. During this time, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Nell Goss, and began a two-year Army commitment starting at Fort Sill and ending in Germany where he specialized in Field Artillery and specifically Howitzers. 

Returning home to civilian life, Bill and Nell settled in Lindell, Georgia. Bill got a job at a local textile mill while working on his second degree from Auburn, this time in Engineering.  With two degrees under his belt, Bill applied to and was accepted at one of the largest textile companies in the United States, West Point-Pepperell.
 
In 1972, Bill and Nell, son Mark, and daughter, Stacey, moved to New Braunfels. West-Point Pepperell wanted Bill to assume the responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer and President of their newly acquired plant, Mission Valley Textile Mills. “The Mill,” as it was known to locals, was a vitally important thread in the economic fabric of New Braunfels. Opening in 1921 as the Planters and Merchants Mill, it was Comal County’s largest employer for much of its life. When Bill assumed the job as CEO, the Mill was still crucial to our local economy and known for producing, among other materials, the denim used in making Levi jeans. It was the largest textile producer in Texas with all operations under one roof:   raw cotton would come in at one end of the plant and leave as rolls of fabric at the other.  In 1989, however, the future of the Mill was in jeopardy and its 800 local jobs were hanging by a thread.   Bill worked tirelessly over a period of several years to find a group of partners who invested in and ultimately saved the Mill from closure. In an article in the San Antonio Express and News, Chamber President Michael Meek was quoted as saying that: “It was really their love of the community that made them work so hard to save the plant.” 

Bill Morton’s other contributions to our community include serving a six-year period on the board of McKenna Hospital and for a short time, acting as the hospital’s interim chief executive officer. 

To assure the expansion of needed medical services to our community, Bill helped negotiate the sale of the McKenna Hospital to Christus Santa Rosa and establish the McKenna Foundation Trust for the distribution of grant monies to non-profit organizations and for other community endeavors. 

During this time, Bill and others volunteered to begin a new church in New Braunfels. After meeting in schools and offices, a small structure, Oakwood Baptist Church, was built on Loop 337. Among his many other accomplishments, Bill was instrumental in hiring a young Houstonian and 2022 Living Legend, Ray Still, to be its pastor. Bill served as deacon and is still active at Oakwood. 

Bill also served on the1995 Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, on the Brauntex Theatre Board, and was a member of the Citizen’s Police Academy. He has volunteered as a Child Advocate with the CASA organization since his retirement.  Bill served as Past President of the Comal County United Way, as Past Chairman and Board Director of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, as Past President New Braunfels Manufacturer’s Association, and as Vice President of the New Braunfels Infrastructure Improvement Corporation. 

In 2003, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce named him to the Hall of Honor award for his community involvement.

After the death of Nell in 2014, Bill began a new chapter in his life with his marriage to Jan Kotylo and the blending of two families that includes two sons, four grandchildren, and two great grandsons. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is grateful that Bill Morton wove his life into the fabric of our community. We are richer and stronger for it. ​
Pastor Ray Still
bio
​​Ray Still could have been an executive in the hospitality industry. He could have stayed in Houston, continued his work at a successful church, and had season tickets and perfect attendance at Astro home games. Ray Still, however, has a calling that led him to his profession and, fortunately for us, to New Braunfels. Because of the impact he continues to make on our community, the Braunfels Foundation Trust recognizes him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 

Ray Burton Still was born in Houston. His father, Ross, was a World War II veteran who worked for the railroad. His mother, Nedra, managed their loving Christian household and raised her six children in church. The baby of the family, Ray attended high school at Broadway Baptist School where he played basketball and was team captain. Most significantly, Ray would meet his high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years, Sandra Pullen, at Broadway. Shortly after graduation, Ray and Sandra married and Ray enrolled at San Jacinto Junior College. He also got a parttime job working at the upscale Adam’s Mark Hotel. The experience at Adam’s Mark almost led Ray into the field of hospitality, but God had other plans.

A few years later, while taking classes at the University of Houston, Ray became Assistant Pastor and then Senior Pastor at Broadway Baptist Church. One day, he got a call to interview for the job as pastor at a fledgling church in New Braunfels. He was not initially inclined to interview for the job at Oakwood Baptist Church. Pastor Ray was very happy at Broadway. It was a great church with great people and both Ray and Sandra’s families lived in Houston. He was involved in Rotary and with numerous other organizations. The idea of moving to the little town of New Braunfels to a church with 140 or so congregants just didn’t seem to be the right move. The Stills, however, did agree to come to New Braunfels for an interview. It wasn’t until Bill Morton, a search committee member and 2022 Living Legend, shared the vision of what Oakwood could be that Ray answered the call, took the job, and moved to New Braunfels. 

Pastor Ray has been at Oakwood for nearly thirty years and, during this time and through his leadership, the Church has grown both in congregants and in outreach. He established a counseling center that handles over 3,000 sessions annually to the Oakwood, New Braunfels, and surrounding communities. Oakwood’s Heart of Hope Christmas program provides families in our community with dinner, coats, bags of groceries and gifts for the kids.

Pastor Ray has been a Trustee on the McKenna Hospital Board and was a founding member of the McKenna Foundation Trust. He served on the boards of Christus Santa Rosa Systems, Howard Payne University, New Braunfels Christian Ministries, and Houston Baptist University. 

In 2008, he led the effort to establish New Braunfels Christian Ministries and its Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. The clinic, which partners with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital New Braunfels and Resolute Health Hospital of the Baptist Health System provides quality medical and dental care at no cost to local uninsured residents of New Braunfels and Comal County. 

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the first to recognize Ray Still’s contributions to his community. In 2018, he received the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Spirit of Health Award which is given yearly to an organization or individual who has had a significant impact on community health. Pastor Ray was honored for his leadership in efforts that resulted in healthy snacks and meals being provided daily to more than 250 under-resourced students from elementary schools through the Kids’ Club program, for championing the Kids’ Club Garden which provides fresh produce for Kids’ Club meals, students’ families, and Volunteers in Medicine patients. He initiated the New Braunfels Christian Ministries Harvest Food Pantry to provide groceries for families of school-age children.  

A supporter of Communities in Schools, Pastor Ray has participated in the Dining with the Stars events for numerous years. 

Ray Still has also led our city while serving as Chairman of the 2013 Bond Advisory Committee, the 2019 Bond Advisory Committee, and currently as Chair of the 2023 Bond Advisory Committee. 

In 2020, Pastor Ray was announced at the 101st Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Banquet as the winner of the Besserung Award, the outstanding citizen recognition for distinguishing himself while providing his time, talent, and expertise during those bond issue efforts. He was also awarded the Chamber’s Chair of the Board Award in 2018 in the field of community development. 

Ray and Sandra have one son, Mitchell, and a daughter-in-law, Alicia. Ray Still practices what he preaches on Sunday mornings and for that, The Braunfels Foundation Trust gives thanks to the Lord above on behalf of a grateful community. ​
2021 LIVING LEGENDS
Atanacio "Nacho" Campos
bio
The city of New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by German emigrants who were seeking a life with greater economic and social opportunities for their families. Some sixty years later in 1912, Atanacio Campos, an emigrant from Mexico and a near-casualty of the Mexican Revolution, settled in New Braunfels with those same hopes and dreams. Atanacio went on to build a life in New Braunfels eventually opening a restaurant, the Monterey Café, that generations later, is still owned by his family. The children raised in New Braunfels include a grandson, Atanacio “Nacho” Campos, who not only bears his grandfather’s name, but is now a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend of New Braunfels.

Atanacio “Nacho” Campos was born on Good Friday, April 15, 1949, in New Braunfels and into a family who valued family, education, hard work, and service. Nacho’s father, Victor, served in World War II and later as New Braunfels’ first Hispanic police officer. Victor and Nacho’s mother, Victoria, were uncompromising about education explaining to their children that without it, one’s career options are limited. While in high school, Nacho worked parttime both before and after school at City Bakery. By the time graduation rolled around, Nacho was expertly baking and decorating wedding cakes. The bakery’s owner, acknowledging Nacho’s talent, made him a very nice post-graduation job offer. Mr. and Mrs. Campos, however, wanted their son to continue his education, so after graduating from New Braunfels High School, Nacho, armed with a scholarship and a work grant, left for junior college at Schreiner Military Institute in Kerrville.

After graduating with an associate degree from Schreiner, Nacho left for the University of Texas at Austin and completed his undergraduate work there with a bachelor’s degree in History. He had begun working towards his PH.D. in Latin American Studies, but the reality of limited opportunities in the academic job market of the 1970s persuaded Nacho to pivot. Interested in the law since the fourth grade, Nacho was accepted into law school at the University of Texas. In 1979, after passing the bar exam, he earn a license to practice law, and completed a master’s degree in History at the same time.

Nacho immediately went on to open his own practice in Austin where he was involved in various civic activities including volunteering with the Austin Sesquicentennial Committee and serving on the board of the Pan American Recreation Center. In 1984, Nacho returned to New Braunfels, and understanding the volunteer culture of his hometown, promptly got involved.

Nacho Campos is well-known for the twenty years he served as a Trustee on the Board of the New Braunfels Utilities. When he retired from NBU in 2020, he had served as president and vice president; served on the Budget Committee, the GBRA Technical Committee. Governance Committee, Legislative Committee Personnel Policy Committee, and Facilities Master Plan Committee. During his tenure as Trustee, NBU increased its capacity in every area – adding new wastewater plants and thousands of acres-feet of water. For his service to NBU, Nacho received the Robert H. Sohn, P.E., Public Service Award that recognizes individuals whose work helps ensure and advance our community’s best interests.

As a founding member of the Headwaters at Comal non-profit organization, Nacho helped provide the vision for NBU’s conservation legacy. He was the first recipient of the “Atanacio Campos Volunteer Award” that will be given annually to a volunteer who has demonstrated a passion for being a community servant, a steward of resources, and a commitment to the Headwaters’ mission.

Besides his exemplary service to the New Braunfels Utilities and therefore the citizens of New Braunfels, Nacho has served on the City of New Braunfels’ Workforce Housing and Bond Advisory Committee, the American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council, New Braunfels Impact Fee Advisory Board, and the New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. He also served for nine years as a Trustee on the Board of Schreiner University in Kerrville.

In 2020, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce honored Nacho with Honors Hall Recognition for his extraordinary civic contributions.

Nacho is married to Sarah Dixon. He has three children, Andres, Brian, and Jennifer, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.  He still loves to cook and bake and continues to practice law. and provides leadership in the community he loves. His civic contributions to New Braunfels have helped make real the hopes and dreams of his ancestors and of the newest wave of “settlers” coming to New Braunfels every day. That is why Atanacio “Nacho” Campos is a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Ray Martinez
bio
Kent County, Texas, is located about 85 miles southeast of Lubbock and is named for a Texas war hero, Andrew Kent. Kent was a carpenter-turned soldier and a member of the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers who rode to the relief of the Alamo and died at the Battle that followed.  Kent County is also the birthplace of another Texas hero, Ramiro Martinez, a farmer’s son turned-police officer, narcotics officer, Texas Ranger, volunteer, and now a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend.

Ramiro “Ray” Martinez is a third-generation Texan whose family made their living farming the plains of west Texas. The third of five children, Ray attended elementary school in Hobbs, Texas, and in 1956, the era of the great Texas drought, graduated from Rotan High School. Older brother, Gilbert, urged Ray to join him in Austin after graduation, so Ray left the farm and enrolled at the University of Texas. The brothers worked forty-plus hours six days a week at the Austin State Hospital, carried a full academic load, and sent money home to the farm.

After a semester at that pace, Ray left school and joined the Army where he was trained as a combat medic serving out his three-year commitment in Germany. Nicknamed the “Mayor of the Hofbrau Haus” for the time spent in said establishment, Ray could not have possibly imagined that he would one day call another German community home.

After his military commitment, Ray returned to Austin, resumed his friendship with VerNell Schmidtzensky, and began job hunting. He applied for a job with the Austin Police Department partly because, in 1960, they paid their officers a whopping $335.00 per month! Ray made it through the interview process and, with the help of a pre-weigh-in meal of six bananas and a quart of milk, met the 140-pound-weight requirement to be accepted into the Austin Police Academy. In January of 1961, Ray Martinez became one of only three Hispanic Austin police officers, and later that same year, he and VerNell were married.

Ray was awarded the Austin Police Department Medal of Valor, named the Peace Officer of the Year by the National Police Officers Association, and was honored by the National Rifle Association for his heroism on August 1, 1966. On that day, Ray, along with other officers and one civilian, stormed the University of Texas Tower where architecture student Charles Whitman had barricaded himself. Those heroes ended a shooting spree that killed sixteen people -- including Whitman’s wife and mother in separate incidents -- and wounded thirty-three.

In 1968, Ray left the Austin Police Department and was accepted as a Texas Department of Public Safety narcotics agent. In 1973, he applied for and was accepted into the Texas Rangers — again, one of only three Hispanic Rangers. In 1978, Ray was transferred to New Braunfels from his duty station in Laredo, and New Braunfels became home to “Ranger Ray.”

Ray Martinez’s official public service to Texas continued until his retirement in 1991, but his service to New Braunfels was just beginning. As the parents of twin daughters, Janice and Janette, Vernell and Ray started helping with the girls’ school activities and functions. VerNell and Ray manned the very first Canyon Band Boosters funnel cake booth at Wurstfest. Ray has volunteered at the Gruene Music Fest to benefit the United Way and served on their board. He joined the New Braunfels Noon Lions Club, chaired various committees, served as president, and earned the Melvin Jones Fellow and Lions Silver Spur recognitions. He also served as a director of the Comal County Crimestoppers organization.

A Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce member, Ray earned his Blue Coat and Life Membership. He has served as the chair of and is an active member of the Retirees Are Progressive Council and the Military Affairs Committee. In 2002, he was awarded the Chamber’s Chair of the Board Award for Community Service and in 2007 was inducted into the Chamber’s Honors Hall. In 2018, Ray was recognized as a Pillar of the Community by the New Braunfels Herald Zeitung.

Ray is a Senior Opa in the Wurstfest Association, and he and Vernell are members of the Friends of the Library and volunteer at the Saints Peter and Paul Thrift Store. Additionally, Ray has served as President of the Texas Rangers Association and as a director of both the Ranger Association and Foundation. He is a published author and has two buildings in Austin named for him.

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is grateful that a quart of milk and six bananas made a difference in Ray Martinez’s life, because he has certainly made a difference in ours.
Congratulations to Ray Martinez, a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Jim Streety
bio
​​Jim Streety’s high school football career is the stuff of legends.  It seems there is no award or honor given to a high school coach that he has not received including being a two-time San Antonio Express and News Coach of the Year. He has been inducted into almost every possible Hall of Fame including the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. He even has a football field named in his honor. Impressive as it is, The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not recognizing Coach Streety as a Living Legend of New Braunfels because of his win-loss record. The Braunfels Foundation Trust has named Jim Streety a Living Legend because the impact he has on our community’s youth, parents, and colleagues is the perfect game plan for educational and civic excellence.

Jim Streety grew up on a farm outside of the small town of Smiley, Texas, south of San Antonio. Like most small towns, school was the center of the community and by extension, so was sports. Like most of his friends, Jim followed the seasons -- football in the fall, basketball in the winter, track in the spring, and baseball in the summer.

After graduating from Smiley High School, Streety attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and majored in accounting until the lure of coaching finally caught him. He graduated from SWTSU with a degree in Education and finished one year of graduate school when in 1967, shortly after he married his wife, Janie, he got a coaching job at San Marcos Junior High School.

In 1970, an opportunity came along to coach down the road at New Braunfels High School, so Jim and Janie, along with daughter Kimber and son Steven, became Unicorns. Coach Streety started out as an assistant in football, basketball, and track until a short four years later when he became Head Football Coach and Athletic Director.  During Coach Streety’s seventeen seasons at New Braunfels, the Unicorns had ten playoff teams, four semi-final teams, and a record of 149 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties.

In 1991, the Northeast Independent School District came knocking on the door and offered Coach Streety a job. There had been several knocks before, but this time he answered and accepted the job of Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator at Madison High School in San Antonio. Twenty-three years later, with 17 playoff appearances -- including 10 quarterfinalist and three semi-finalist teams – on his resume, Jim Streety returned to the Unicorns as the New Braunfels Independent School District’s Athletic Director.

During his fifty-four years in sports, Jim Streety has worked with countless young men and women, colleagues, and parents. He has taught kids that hard work and discipline are the touchstones for success. As importantly, however, is what he has taught through his actions and his conduct:  grace in both victory and defeat; faith in good times and dark days; and the value of relationships over achievements.

Jim Streety’s success on the field has paved the way for his impact in other areas as well. He continually works to enhance partnerships between other community leaders for the good of our community’s youth. A good example of one these partnerships is the alliance between the City of New Braunfels and the New Braunfels Independent School District for refurbishing the playing fields at New Braunfels and Oak Run Middle Schools.

A short list of other achievements includes serving as the president of the Texas High School Coaches Association and as a member and past director of the Texas High School Coaches Association Education Foundation. Coach Streety has waited tables to raise money for Communities in Schools and glided across the floor at the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser for Christian Youth Theatre.  He served on the board of Habitat for Humanity and volunteered for the Food Bank.  He is a deacon at Oakwood Baptist Church and a member of the non-profit Wurstfest Association. Just last year, he was inducted in the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Hall of Honor.

Jim and Janie Streety are also grandparents to five grandsons.

In a recent interview with Coach Larry Hill for his series about legendary football coaches, former Madison player Bryan Ehrlich relates a text conversation he had with former Unicorn and Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Kliff Kingsbury. Ehrlich texted Kingsbury that he and Kliff’s dad, Tim, were doing an interview about Streety.  With a laugh, Ehrlich says that Kliff, who at that moment was taking some heat for selecting Kyler Murray as his number one pick in the NFL draft, quickly texted back: Streety is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Jim Streety is the GOAT, and to the Braunfels Foundation Trust, he is also a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
2020 LIVING LEGENDS
Fred Fey
bio
Fred Fey’s volunteer resume stands as a
​shining example of service.  He has served not only his church, but our community, through the ministries that he initiated as a deacon at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church over the past forty years.   His service to New Braunfels is also evidenced through volunteer activities so impressive that he has been recognized by the Braunfels Foundation Trust as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.  

Fred Fey can trace his ancestors back to that original group of hardy German settlers who crossed the ocean with Prince Carl in 1845 and established our beautiful city.  His life of service began early when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School.  After high school, he attended seminary before enrolling at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos earning a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and a master’s degree in Education.  After teaching middle school drafting, Fred worked designing airplanes, air conditioners for Volkswagens, and steel forms for concrete.  He later finished paid employment at Zoeller Funeral Home where he served families experiencing great loss.

As a member of the Jaycees, Fred served as Jaycee president in 1976 and was later honored as their Jaycee of the Year.  During that time, the Jaycees sponsored the Texas Junior Miss Program, and Fred was very involved as chairman of the Scholarship Committee and acting as a host family for contestants. 
 
When daughters Carolyn and Sandra were in school, Fred served as “Room Dad” even bringing his famous Wurlitzer organ to a Seele PTA Carnival.  He served as President of the American Heart Association and helped design and build several of the displays at the Civic Center for the annual Heritage Exhibit held during Wurstfest.  Fred was a New Braunfels High School Band Booster, supported the PTA, Aggie Moms, Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, and the Sophienburg Museum and Archives where he still helps merchants arriving for Weihnachtsmarkt.

In 1980, Fred was ordained a Catholic Permanent Deacon serving in his hometown parish.  Deacons are not on the parish payroll, so to perform the duties of a deacon for over forty years as a volunteer is truly a labor of love.  Fred initiated four different ministries over the years at Saints Peter and Paul.  The Bereavement Ministry is still active today while the Welcome Ministry still holds to Fred’s notion of welcoming new members.  Now forty years old, the Sick and Homebound Ministry brings visits to parishioners in hospitals, care facilities, and private homes.  Fred handled every aspect of The Sick and Homebound Ministry for over thirty-five years scheduling anywhere from 150-300 weekly individual visits by over ninety-five ministers.  Most recently, he created a grief ministry, God’s Healing Love.  These activities are in addition to the masses, baptisms, funerals, confirmations, and children’s activities in which Fred is involved. 

Fred shares his love of music with New Braunfels via a 1900s Wurlitzer Military Band Organ, a Tangley Calliope mounted on a Model T, and a hand-crank Raffin street organ handmade in Germany.  These instruments have been in Comal County Fair, Fourth of July, and Kindermaskenball parades.  They have also been to child-care centers, nursing homes, community events, Wassilfests, and for the past 39 years, in Roselyn and Fred Fey’s front yard at Christmas.  Fred and his wife of fifty-four years, Roselyn, offer homemade cookies, hot chocolate, hot cider, and music to the hundreds of people who are invited through announcements published in our local newspaper. 

The New Braunfels Herald Zeitung honored Fred with their Unsung Hero award in 2014, and now the Braunfels Foundation Trust is delighted to openly sing the praises of Fred Fey for his faithful service to the citizens and community of New Braunfels by naming him a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
James "Jimmy" Owens
bio
Many New Braunfels residents know Jimmy Owens from his family’s construction business, D&M Owens, Inc.  Others know Jimmy as a fixture in the New Braunfels Little League baseball and the Upwards Bounds basketball programs.  A few of us remember Jimmy as a drummer in his junior high school band playing gigs at First Protestant’s Youth Fellowship gatherings.   The New Braunfels Foundation Trust knows James Owens as a gracious man with a volunteer resume so extraordinary that he has been named a Living Legend of New Braunfels.

Jimmy Owens is a local boy who graduated from New Braunfels High School in1973.   After graduation, Jimmy married the ever-patient Beth Wissing, began a family, and joined the family business established by his mother, Mary, and father, David.  Along with his father, brother, sister, and their children, Jimmy has built a successful and well-respected local construction company.

The success and resources of D&M Owens, Inc., has no doubt contributed to Jimmy’s ability to assist those in need, but his character is solely responsible for the rest.  New Braunfels has seen devasting floods, and Jimmy has always been there to help.  In the 1972 flood, while a junior in high school, he rescued people from roof tops in a dump truck.   During the 1998 flood, Jimmy pulled a trailer through floodwaters for people to climb onto in the Las Brisas neighborhood.  After practically every flood, Jimmy has worked to remove debris from homes and public lands -- not only throughout our community, but in others as well.  There is no disaster too great or task too small.  He has taken transformers to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, volunteered with clean-up efforts after the hurricane in Port Arthur, and volunteered with First Baptist Church’s chainsaw ministry.

Our community’s annual Wine and Sangerfest, Wassilfest, and the Soul-Searching cemetery tours all have benefited from Jimmy’s assistance with set-up and clean-up efforts. He has delivered playhouses for Hope Hospice, was instrumental in building the Christian Academy high school and Tree of Life Church, and continues to volunteer every year at the historic Comal County Fair and Rodeo. 
 
For fifteen years, Jimmy has coached in the Upwards Basketball program.  For over thirty years, he coached both Little League baseball and softball – not to mention the innumerable other jobs performed at the ballfield as a Little League volunteer.  He has coached his kids, his grandkids, your kids, and even some of your grandkids.  As importantly, he has worked with kids without parents by traveling to orphanages in Mexico for building projects and simply playing soccer with the children.

James Owens is a humble man with a twinkle in his eye and a servant’s heart.  The New Braunfels Herald Zeitung recognized Jimmy’s exceptional resume when they named him an Unsung Hero in 2013.  He shares the 2018 New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Service Award with his brother, John, for always being there to help with projects such as wild as removing an RV from the Comal River to assisting with renovations at putt-putt golf course.

The father of eleven children and grandfather of twenty-seven, Jimmy’s children follow in their father’s footsteps, and he is there to support their efforts.  Whether it is helping daughter Jennifer with the Comal Cops for Kids fundraisers or assisting daughter Julianna in raising funds for an orphanage in Haiti, Jimmy is there to lend a hand.  It is remarkable that during many of these endeavors, Jimmy was successfully battling cancer.  When daughter Jasmin was recently diagnosed with cancer, Jimmy and family were there in full battle mode to defeat this dreadful disease.

The Owens family believes that each job undertaken does not just represent a project to be completed but instead represents a relationship, and a reputation, that reaches out into the future.  The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to recognize and publicly thank Jimmy Owens for all the many completed projects that helped shaped and continues to maintain the landscape of New Braunfels.
Dr. Mitch Sacco
bio
​The population of New Braunfels in 1960 was a little over 15,000 when twenty-five-year-old Mitch Sacco moved here with his family.  While New Braunfels added a new, enthusiastic young dentist, our community absolutely gained so very much more:  a warm and generous man whose volunteer contributions to New Braunfels has earned him Living Legend status from the New Braunfels Foundation Trust. 

Mitchell James Sacco, Jr., was born in Houston in1934 where his parents owned a family grocery store, Sacco Brothers Food Market.  After graduating from St. Thomas High School and Loyola University in New Orleans, Mitch married Jean Eschenburg in 1955 and enrolled in the University of Texas Dental School in Houston.  After completing dental school, Mitch, Jean, and their three children, Nancy, Mark, and Suzanne relocated to Camp Leroy in New Orleans where Captain Sacco served as an Army dentist.

After moving the family of six – son Chris was born in New Orleans -- to New Braunfels, the young dentist quickly got to work – both professionally and voluntarily.  After joining the New Braunfels Rotary Club, the twenty-nine-year-old became its president in 1964.  Mitch is credited with bringing the first District Conference to New Braunfels and becoming the first club president to attend a Rotary International Conference.  In 1982, Mitch worked with fellow Rotarians to charter a new Rotary Club, and after nearly forty years, is still an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club of New Braunfels.  He can still be found in the Rotary’s Wurstfest booth cooking the beloved Wurst-n-Taschen.

Mitch was also active in the New Braunfels Jaycees and was instrumental in establishing the New Braunfels Junior Miss program, a national non-profit scholarship program for high school seniors that thrived in New Braunfels for many years.

When Wurstfest became a part of the New Braunfels landscape, Mitch soon became a part of Wurstfest.  As president of the Wurstfest Association, he worked with the Community Actors Theatre to create the Circle Arts Theatre from a converted warehouse on the Wurstfest grounds.  Work on the walkway to the Comal River on the Wurstfest grounds was also begun during Mitch’s presidency.  He continues to volunteer at Wurstfest despite his exempt status as an Opa Emeritus.

Mitch has been an active member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce earning his Blue Coat in 1973 and serving as Chair of the Board in 1982.  He was recognized with a Chair of the Board Award in the Field of Community Beautification for his work on Hinman Island and later honored with induction into the Hall of Honor.

Mitch has spent countless hours serving on committees that studied a bond election for school improvements, planned the 125th Anniversary of the founding of New Braunfels, and shifted our city’s government to its current city council, city manager system.  He served on the boards of Guaranty State Bank, the McKenna Memorial Hospital, and then on the McKenna Foundation Board that supports and funds local charities. 

A common thread in the fabric of Living Legends is their diversity of interests and Mitch is no exception.  He has gone on a humanitarian mission to Mexico providing dental care in impoverished areas.  He was deputized by Sheriff Walter Fellers and went on Saturday night ride-a-longs.  Life-long members of the Sophienburg Museum and Museum of Handmade Furniture, both Mitch and Jean have spent countless hours working to help preserve the history and culture of New Braunfels.  The couple were named Honorary Chairs of Folkfest in 2003.

As impressive as Mitch Sacco’s list of professional and community accomplishments is the fact they were undertaken while now raising five children -- daughter Michele was born in New Braunfels.  Mitch, of course, got involved with their activities serving as Booster Club president, Babe Ruth Baseball president, and volunteered with the Boy Scouts, FFA, New Braunfels Little League, and PTA – just to name just a few.  
​
Mitchell James Sacco, Jr., the father of five children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren with the engaging smile and keen business sense has passed his sense of duty and volunteerism on to his children – many of whom are also  involved in our community.  The Braunfels Foundation Trust is thankful Mitch Sacco bought a dental practice in our town:   New Braunfels is a better place because of this Living Legend.
2019 LIVING LEGENDS
Bruce Boyer
bio
Most followers of Superman know that the huge red “S” on Clark Kent’s chest is the Kryptonian symbol for hope — specifically hope for a better tomorrow. While Bruce Boyer may not have superpowers, his hope for a better future for his adopted home of New Braunfels is shown in countless volunteer hours in dozens of organizations in and out of public service. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to name Bruce Boyer a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
 
Bruce Boyer was born in Nebraska. His father, an executive with the Ford Motor Company, was transferred to Houston so Bruce spent most of his growing-up years in Bellaire where he played football and baseball. Interestingly, like many Houstonians, the Boyer family spent time visiting New Braunfels and developed a love for our little community. When Bruce was fourteen, Ford Motor Company moved the family to Pittsburgh, a tough move for a high school kid. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School as a highly recruited football player and in 1969 enrolled at the University of Nebraska, the fourth generation of his family to do so.
 
After graduating from Nebraska, Bruce attended law school and graduate school from Southern Methodist University. Bruce did internships in the legal department at the Comptroller’s Office and on the research staff at the Lieutenant Governor’s office during the 1977 Legislative Session where he met then State Representative Bennie Bock. Bock gave Bruce the opportunity to move to New Braunfels — a decision made easier because Bruce’s parents had retired to New Braunfels.
 
Bruce later served as the New Braunfels city prosecutor, assistant county attorney, and assistant district attorney. Bruce served as the first president of the City of New Braunfels’ 4B Board as well as a board member and past president of the Comal County Chapter of the American Heart Association; the Comal County Children’s Shelter, the New Braunfels Girls Softball Association, the New Braunfels Rotary Club, and the Comal County Senior Citizens Association. As a member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, he served as Chair of the Texas Legislative Conference Arrangements Committee and as President and Grosse Opa of the Wurstfest Association.
 
From 2005 through 2011, Bruce served as mayor of New Braunfels. During these two terms, he spent untold hours in meetings and negotiations that produced significant improvement for the city and the citizens of New Braunfels. Some of these accomplishments include the expansion of the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, the acquisition of Fischer Park, and the development of the Creekside area. Additionally, the purchase of the Das Rec property, the initiation of the Landa Park restoration project, the expansion of Walnut Avenue, the planning and development of the Mission Hill and Highway 46/HEB project, and the development and implementation of the Downtown Master Plan all occurred during Mayor Boyer’s terms.
 
The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the first organization to recognize Bruce Boyer’s super volunteerism. The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce honored Bruce with both the prestigious Honors Hall recognition and the highly coveted Besserung Award.
 
In 2013, Bruce was elected to his first term as Judge of the 22nd District Court where he serves the citizens of Comal, Hays, and Caldwell counties. Bruce is married to Toya Ohlrich and they are the parents of three daughters, Casey Cox, Shelley Bredewater, and Rachel Meier, and seven grandchildren.
 
New Braunfels is the home to many super men and women whose volunteerism is the backbone of our community. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to recognize Bruce Boyer as one of these superheroes with his selection as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Jay Brewer
bio
Jay Brewer tries his best to fly under the radar by shunning the limelight and deflecting praise to others. Fortunately, his impressive volunteer resume prevents him from operating without his community’s detection and gives the Braunfels Foundation Trust the opportunity to recognize him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.

A transplanted Texan, Jay and his mother moved from Mississippi to San Antonio in 1952. He graduated from Harlandale High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered in track and basketball. On his senior trip to Landa Park, the notion that he would one day spearhead the creation of New Braunfels’ first neighborhood historic district most assuredly never crossed his mind.

Jay attended San Antonio College and upon completion in 1957 joined the United States Marine Corps. Following his discharge from the Corps, Jay began a twenty-nine-year career with the General Electric Company. As a sales counselor in the major appliance division in San Antonio, Jay’s territory included New Braunfels. After several transfers, family issues dictated that Jay leave the corporate world, and he and his two children moved to New Braunfels in 1979 where he opened an appliance business on San Antonio Street and was active in the Downtown Merchants Association. In 1982, Jay married Susan Battenberg blended their families, sold his business, and joined a successful distributorship in San Antonio. In 1986, Jay rejoined GE and he and Susan moved to St. Louis, Missouri. After five transfers Jay retired in1998 and returned to the New Braunfels area. This move sparked a sense of community and ignited Jay’s impressive volunteer activities. Living at Canyon Lake for five years Jay became a board member and then president of the Canyon Lake Community Recreation Center which soon became the Community Resource and Recreation Center where he served as its first board President. He also served on the Advisory Boards of both the YMCA of Comal County and Greater San Antonio. He also served on the Tye Preston Memorial Library Capital Campaign.

Moving back into New Braunfels Jay became involved with the renovation of the Brauntex Theatre doing everything from small tasks to the major renovation, serving as President of the Board for five years and then as Chair of the Advisory Board. He currently serves on the boards of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, New Braunfels Housing Partners, Hope Hospice Foundation and Hope Hospice where he served as President of both.

Brewer also served his city and county governments with appointments to the Comal County Historical Commission, the Comal County Communications Task Force, and participated in the inaugural class of the University of County Government. He served on the City of New Braunfels’ Wayfinding Committee, the Downtown Steering Committee, the Mayor’s Strategic Planning Committee, and as a member of the Castell Street Redevelopment Committee.

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce gave Jay their “Volunteer Service Award” and earlier this year Comal County Commissioners Court presented him with the “Jan Kennedy Key to the Courthouse” recognition. The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce bestowed their “Chair of the Board Award” for Jay’s preservation efforts and in 2011 the coveted “Besserung” Award.

Members of First Protestant Church, Jay and Susan, are parents to Jaye Lynn, Michael, Nancy, and Katherine as well as the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
 The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to continue to keep Jay Brewer on our community’s radar by naming him a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Betty Kyle
bio
Betty Kyle is a descendant of one of the hardy first families who built and shaped New Braunfels. Five generations later, this mother, educator, and community volunteer is still shaping this community and to recognize her contributions, the Braunfels Foundation Trust has named her a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Elizabeth Louise Burt was born in New Braunfels and grew up with her sister, Jane, and brother, Shelley, in the 1867 historic home in Comaltown where she lives today.

A 1958 graduate of New Braunfels High School ranked third in her class, Betty was in the Mighty Unicorn Band, a twirler, and on the student council. After graduation, she attended the University of Texas in Austin, graduated with a degree in Home Economics, and began her teaching career at Troy High School outside of Temple.

In 1962, Betty married UT graduate Jack Kyle, and the couple moved to her hometown of New Braunfels with their young son, Scott. Matt, Kathryn, and Jennifer were born in New Braunfels, all reside in New Braunfels, and follow in their mother’s active, community-driven footsteps.

Betty returned to the classroom and for twenty-nine years taught Child Development and Family Living and the Cooperative Career Program at Canyon High School. She also coached cheerleaders and was the Student Council Advisor. During these teaching years, Betty was on the Executive Board and Consultant to the Texas Association of Student Councils and a consultant to the National Association of Student Councils.  During her teaching career, Betty was both Canyon High School’s “Teacher of the Year” and New Braunfels Masonic Lodge’s “Outstanding Educator.” In 2001, KENS Channel 5 recognized Betty with the EXCEL Teacher of the Year award. The Texas Association of Student Councils named her their “Advisor of the Year” and she received the “Texas Leadership Consultant Award” Betty retired from teaching in 2002 but quickly found a job as the accountant and manager of son Matt’s law practice.

As a seven-year member of the Braunfels Foundation Trust’s Scholarship Committee, Betty’s experience with and passion for vocational education has certainly helped the committee select students receiving the Trust’s First Step Scholarship for vocational and technical certifications. For the past ten years, Betty has been the vice-chair of the New Braunfels Parks Department Cemetery Committee and assists with the “Soul Searching in the Comal Cemetery” fundraiser and community outreach program. Betty also works with The Headwaters at the Comal project raising funds to protect this legacy for the community. For several years, Betty served on the New Braunfels Arts Council Endowment Committee, and in 1984 Betty chaired the City of New Braunfels’ Water Preservation Board.

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the only organization to recognize Betty’s contributions to her community. The New Braunfels Optimist Club gave Betty their “Friend of Youth” honor and the Comal County Extension Service awarded their “Friend of 4H” award. Lamar Elementary School gave her a PTA Lifetime Member selection. The New Braunfels Independent School District awarded their highest volunteer honor, “The Silver Unicorn Award,” and the New Braunfels Independent School District Education Foundation recognized Betty as one of their Distinguished Alumni in 2016.

The New Braunfels Arts Council gave Betty a special award for her “Dedication to the Arts Community” and the “Community Endowment for the Arts” in 2019. The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce recognized Betty’s community volunteer accomplishments with a place in Honors Hall in 2018.

Betty is a member of First Protestant Church where she has been a board member for nine years. She’s a cancer survivor, a mother, a teacher, a volunteer extraordinaire, and now a Living Legend whose roots are deep in the foundation of New Braunfels.
2018 LIVING LEGENDS
Mike Dietert
bio
Mike Dietert is one of those individuals who does not go around tooting his own horn. Although you will not catch him talking about his many contributions to his hometown of New Braunfels, his volunteer resume does all the talking and illustrates why the Braunfels Foundation Trust selected him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 

Mike was born in Comal County and grew up on the family farm off Watson Lane. After moving into town, he graduated from Canyon High School in 1968. He attended Texas A&M University and graduated from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) in 1972 with a degree in Industrial Arts. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Linda Pfannstiel, in 1969, and they are proud parents to Brandon Dietert and Allison Humphries. 

Mike’s passion for the history and culture of New Braunfels has preserved not only our city’s landscape, character, and story, but has greatly benefitted he missions of multiple historic organizations. Mike has restored the Pfannstiel family’s 1802 home in Comaltown, his great grandfather’s 1860s farmhouse, another 1860s farmhouse, and several other old homes. As a founding member and two-time president of the Heritage Society, Mike for many years spent countless hours building the Heritage Exhibits that for many years transformed the New Braunfels Civic Center into early New Braunfels. Held during Wurstfest, the Heritage Exhibit was a glimpse into the past and a history lesson to schoolchildren and adults, locals and visitors alike.

During the late seventies, Mike helped kick-start the newly formed Conservation Society and served as its president for three terms. A long-time member of the Sophienburg Museum, Mike is currently on the Finance/Building Committee and the Verein membership group.

Mike also shares that common thread found in the fabric of our Living Legends — diverse and multifaceted interests. A member of the City of New Braunfels Planning and Zoning Commission for many years, Mike continues to serve on the City’s Partnership Committee. A forty-year Life Member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and a Blue Coat, Mike served as chair and vice-chair of numerous committees over the years and ultimately as Chair of the Board.

In the early days of the New Braunfels Children’s Museum before its association with McKenna, Mike helped move and build the Museum at three different locations around New Braunfels.

A member of the Wurstfest Association since 1971, Mike served as Wurstfest President in 1992. He is a forty-plus-year member of the New Braunfels Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He has served on the boards of the Hummel Museum, Chase Bank, Citizens Bank, the New Braunfels Independent School District Education Foundation, and the McKenna Hospital Advisory Board. He served as the Major Gifts Chair for the Comal Healthcare Foundation supporting McKenna Hospital in 1997.

The Braunfels Foundation Trust is not the first organization to publicly recognize Mike’s contributions to New Braunfels. The New Braunfels Jaycees named Mike their “Outstanding New Braunfelser” in 1988. In 1986, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce recognized Mike with the President’s Award for Historic Preservation, and the Comal Independent School District named him one of their “Outstanding Alumni” in 2010.

Mike is probably best known for his fifty-three-year employment with the New Braunfels Smokehouse. As a high school bus boy, a college student, and ultimately Vice President and General Manager, Mike has participated in the growth and prosperity of the Smokehouse. With the backing of the Smokehouse, Mike has been able to contribute and participate in the growth and prosperity of his community.

Mike Dietert has quietly, but significantly, contributed to the character of New Braunfels. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to loudly trumpet his praises and recognize Mike Dietert as a Living Legends of New Braunfels.
Jackie Heitkamp
bio
Jackie Bouquet was a sophomore at McNeese State University at Lake Charles, Louisiana, when she met her future husband at an Aggie party at Lake McQueeney over the Thanksgiving holidays. Jackie probably never imagined that she would one day marry an Air Force officer and make New Braunfels her home. She also probably never imagined that her exceptional volunteerism in her adopted hometown would earn her Living Legend recognition by the Braunfels Foundation Trust.
 
Born in Iowa, Louisiana Jackie earned a twirling and band scholarship to McNeese State University where was she head majorette her junior and senior years. When Jackie was a senior at McNeese, Lieutenant Dennis Heitkamp, now stationed at Lake Charles Air Force Base, looked up the girl he met at Lake McQueeney. After graduating with a B.A. in Speech and English, Jackie taught English at Lake Charles High School until she and Dennis were married and began their twenty-seven- year Air Force career.
 
After retiring from the Air Force in 1984, the Heitkamps moved to New Braunfels and Jackie jumped in with both feet and began her career of service. She volunteered for many years at both the Sophienburg Museum’s Christmas fundraiser, Weihnachtsmarkt, and for the Conservation Society as Board secretary, Historian, and a Lindheimer House docent. It is her work with the Heritage Society, however, for which is undoubtedly best known.
 
Jackie is a charter member of the Heritage Society, Inc., with whom she has a thirty-year relationship serving in numerous roles including a thirteen-year turn as Board secretary and twenty-five-year term as Board Historian. Her education background and love of teaching may explain her passion for the Heritage Society’s Docent Program. Jackie has been a docent for thirty plus years, a docent trainer for twenty years, and she has been recognized as Docent Chair of the Year and Docent Trainer of the Year five times.
 
Jackie served as Chair of the Folkfest Antiques and Collectibles for many years. She was mentored by Bobbie Purdam and Nan and Bill Dillen at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture and served as Conservator for damaged furniture restoring pieces in the collection. Learning to repair and sometimes even rebuild the mannequins used for the annual Heritage Exhibits, Jackie served as Mannequin Chair repairing, repainting, and even searching for and collecting over seventy mannequins. Jackie and Dennis chaired both the New Braunfels Sesquicentennial Heritage Exhibit and Folkfest and were recognized with the Heritage Society’s Outstanding Service Award in 2017.
 
Living Legends share a common thread in the fabric of their character — an unwavering focus on a diversity of interests. Jackie is a member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, a Senior Blue Coat, and was recognized with placement in the Chamber’s Hall of Honor in 2000. As a member of the Braunfels Foundation Trust, Jackie has worked on the Arrangements Committee for the Trust’s Living Legends celebration from its inaugural event through 2017. Jackie is a thirty-one-year associate member of the Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and since 1986, a member of the New Braunfels Garden Club serving in all leadership positions at least once! She has been associated with the Friends of the Library for the past thirty years. As a Lions Club State Certified Vision screener, Jackie continues to provide vision screenings for an average of 5000 NBISD and CISD elementary school children at twenty-four campuses each year.
 
As well as raising two children, Mark and Blair, Jackie Heitkamp assisted her husband in countless ways during their air force career. As an officer’s wife, she was instrumental in helping new wives adjust to the demands of service life in remote duty stations. She was not born or raised in New Braunfels but has spent much of her adult life learning and teaching the story of New Braunfels — whether as a docent at the Comal County Courthouse or at Heritage Village — to school children, adults, locals, and visitors alike. Her commitment to continue and preserve that story of New Braunfels is absolutely the stuff of which Legends are made.
Tobin Hoffmann
bio
​Tobin Hoffmann spends every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Scout Hut with the Boy Scouts of Troop 133. One weekend every month, plus every Spring Break and every summer, he takes his Scouts camping all over Texas and New Mexico. Tobin Hoffmann has kept this schedule for thirty- seven years with no signs of stopping.  Tobin is a Scout Master, an Eagle Scout, a Silver Unicorn, a Distinguished Alumni, an Opa, a Rotarian, and now a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 

Tobin Carl Hoffmann is a local boy whose German ancestors settled New Braunfels in the 1840s. Tobin’s parents, Carroll and Helen, passed the legacy of community service to their children who have more than honored that tradition.

For years, the Hoffmann family has decorated the Plaza for the Sophienburg Museum and Archives’ annual July 4th celebration, and Tobin’s Troop 133 has carried the large United States flag in the parade. For years, Tobin and his wife, Judy, and their three children, Catherine, Caleb, and Canaan did the planting, watering, and care of the four island flowerbeds that circled the Plaza until the City of New Braunfels took over.

Tobin continues to amass an amazing body of volunteer work while maintaining his career as a certified financial planner. He is a past president of the New Braunfels Downtown Rotary with a remarkable thirty-four-year perfect attendance record. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and the 2007-2008 Rotarian of the Year.

A member of and past Chair of the Board of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Tobin was inducted into the Chamber’s Hall of Honor. He was further recognized for his commitment to the youth in Comal County with the Chamber’s President’s Award. He is a member of the Braunfels Foundation Trust and the Wurstfest Association where he serves on the Scholarship Committee. He is a member of the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters organization that helps connect resources within our county during a public disaster by working with organizations and non-profits like the Red Cross and Salvation Army to aid disaster victims.

Tobin is a long-time member and served on the Board of Directors of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives. He participated significantly in the restoration of the Emmie Seele Faust Library, and an audio tour at the Sophienburg Museum features the voice of none other explaining the founding of New Braunfels. He served as a member of the City of New Braunfels Bond Advisory Committee and during his tenure on the Downtown Advisory Board, trees were planted downtown and at the Courthouse and sidewalks were improved.

Tobin counts among his many honors selections as the United Way’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year, the New Braunfels Independent School District Education Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni award, and the New Braunfels Independent School District’s Silver Unicorn award. Significantly, his volunteer work was recognized by one of his professional partners, Ameritas, with the Rosen Award. Bestowed annually on someone who demonstrates both long-term success in their practice and long-term commitment to their community and the causes of humanity, the Rosen Award comes with a grant to a charity of the recipient’s choosing.

Tobin’s impact in leading and training young men to be good citizens and leaders through Boy Scouts is unrivaled. As a scout himself in Troop 133, Tobin earned his Eagle Scout 1975. After graduating from Texas State in 1981, he returned to New Braunfels to pick up where he left off. With the help of fellow former Troop 133 members, Mike Kohlenberg, Jack Reinarz, and the late Nathan Rheinlander, Tobin and company rebuilt the Troop and activated all pack levels within the Boy Scouts. He has helped hundreds of boys earn their Eagle Scout and our community has benefited greatly from the many finished Eagle Scout projects. Hundreds more boys have been mentored. In 2007, the Boys Scouts of America bestowed their highest volunteer honor, the Silver Beaver.

Finally, on and off since 2001, Tobin has battled a rare form of cancer. Six weeks after his first surgery in 2002 to remove much of his shoulder, he was on a mountainside camping with this Boy Scouts. A subsequent surgery followed in 2016, but Tobin again went on with life in typical Tobin-style — with grace, humor, and offering encouragement to others in the same boat — all at on hundred miles per hour. The Braunfels Foundation trust is therefore proud to name Tobin Hoffmann, a Living Legend for his legendary service to New Braunfels.
2017 LIVING LEGENDS
Marian Benson
BIO
Our beautiful city was founded by a German prince whose betrothed back in Germany never set foot on Texas soil. It is said that Princess Sophie feared not being a princess in newly settled New Braunfels and so stayed home. If only Princess Sophie had known what Marian Benson knows: that an extraordinary volunteer resume and some hard work can get one named a princess in New Braunfels. Marian Benson was named a Princess of the City of New Braunfels not once, but twice, for her devotion and many contributions, and now The Braunfels Foundation Trust names her a Living Legend. 

Marian was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, while her father was serving in the Air Force. Marian’s mother was very involved not only in their church but also in the schools and activities of her four children and passed the “volunteer gene” down to her daughter, Marian. The family then lived in Denton, the hometown of Marian’s father, and in 1954 moved to Austin where Marian graduated from McCallum High School. After graduation, Marian attended Trinity University and then landed a job as a flight attendant with Braniff Airlines in Dallas.

Marian met her late husband, Howard, during this time, and the couple began their married life in Dallas later welcoming daughter Debbie and son Chris. While in Dallas, Marian was very involved in her church, but her first real volunteer “job” was as reader for Recording for the Blind at the University of Georgia. The Bensons moved to Georgia so Howard could complete his doctorate in Political Science, and following his graduation in 1973, they relocated to New Braunfels when Howard began teaching political science and law enforcement at Southwest Texas State University — now Texas State University — in San Marcos.

In 1983, with the experience gained at the Dallas Apparel Mart, Marian opened a ladies clothing boutique and her thirty-year love affair with downtown New Braunfels began. She owned and operated “The Collection” for twenty-eight years in downtown New Braunfels and was active in much of its revitalization because of her association with both the New Braunfels Downtown Association and the New Braunfels Mainstreet Association. Marian helped establish and guide many of the Festtage celebration events, such as the Plaza Tree Lighting and Wassailfest. She was a member and past president of the New Braunfels Downtown Association and on the board of the Texas Mainstreet Association. Marian co-chaired the City’s Bandstand Restoration Project via the New Braunfels Mainstreet Partners, a non-profit on whose board she still serves and created to perpetuate the restoration of downtown. She served on the Civic Center Renovation Advisory Committee and is the past chair of the Downtown Implementation Committee. Marian also served as a board member and chair of the Texas Retailers Association who named her their “Downtowner of the Year” in 1989.

Marian earned her Bluecoat, and in 1999 and a life membership with the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. She served as Chair of the Board of the Chamber and received not only their Chair of the Board Award for Economic Development, but also the Besserung Award — or outstanding citizen award — in 2005. The Chamber named her “Small Businessperson of the Year” in 1991, recognized her in the Hall of Honors, and bestowed the Princess of the City of New Braunfels recognition. Marian currently serves on the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee.

Marian is past president of the New Braunfels Rotary club, past board member of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives and the Christus Santa Rosa Foundation, and a volunteer with the SOS Food Bank. She’s been on the church choir and served as an elder at her church, New Braunfels Presbyterian.

Marian is currently serving on the boards of the New Braunfels Housing Authority and the New Braunfels Area Community Foundation where is a founding member. She serves on the Chamber’s Texas Legislative Conference Arrangements Committee, is a volunteer driver for Family Promise, a Braunfels Foundation Trust baroness, and is the co-chair on the Sophienburg Museum’s Weihnachtsmarkt Vendor Committee.
Douglas R. "Doug" Miller
BIO
The Braunfels Foundation Trust named Doug Miller a Living Legend of New Braunfels not because he was our State Representative in Austin for four terms. That is just one of Doug’s former titles, and his service in the Legislature is only one example of his many contributions to New Braunfels.
 
Miller was born in Gonzales and moved to New Braunfels where he attended kindergarten at First Protestant Church and Goodwin Elementary. After graduation from Canyon High School in 1972, Doug enrolled at Southwest Texas State — now Texas State — where driving a school bus helped pay for college. During this time, he started a band, The Sounds of Country Music, which later became Doug Miller and the Rhythm Riders. In his senior year at SWSTU, Doug joined the New Braunfels Police Department as a reserve police officer and three months before his graduation in 1976 was hired as a full-time Patrolman. A few months later, Officer Miller threw a party at his apartment’s clubhouse and danced with a girl who would become his wife. Fortunately, Anne Louise Mund met Doug’s dad two days before he passed away, and the couple was engaged a month after that first dance and married a year later.
 
In 1978, Doug began his insurance career with the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, son Douglas II was born, and he began his civic activities. At the urging of his brother, Joe, Doug joined the New Braunfels Jaycees where he was recognized as the “Outstanding Young New Braunfelser,” “Jaycee of the Year”, and served as president. That same year, at age 24, he got a green vest, becoming a member of the Wurstfest Association. In 1979, Doug bought the Ferguson Insurance Company and a few years later joined with Frank Witting to open Miller and Witting Insurance Agency. Doug is currently President of Miller and Miller Insurance Agency.
 
In 1981, Doug ran for the New Braunfels City Council losing by exactly one hundred votes. Disappointed but not discouraged, Doug ran again and was elected to the Council in 1987. A year later, he was elected Mayor, and Doug and Anne Louise welcomed daughter Amanda.
 
Although Doug would lose his next election as county commissioner, his public service was not over. In 1993, Doug was appointed to the Board of the newly established Edwards Aquifer Authority which he had helped create. In 2008, after fifteen years on the Edwards board and serving as its Chair, Doug was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, serving four terms.
 
Doug was recognized in 1988 with the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce’s outstanding citizen honor, The Besserung Award and inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2007. He was both the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung’s “Citizen of the Year” and the Comal Independent School District’s “Outstanding Graduate” in 1997. He received the NBISD “Silver Unicorn Award” and along with Anne was the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year in 2003. Additionally, Doug has served as president of the Comal County Fair Association, Wurstfest Association, Comal County United Way, and the NBISD Education Foundation. Additionally, he was Chair of the Board of the Greater New Chamber of Commerce.
 
Doug is a major in the Texas Guard and was awarded their “Outstanding Service Medal” in 2012. He is a thirty-year member of the Downtown Rotary Club and a Baron in the Braunfels Foundation Trust, a member of Oakwood Baptist Church, current Chair of the Texas Legislative Conference, and Finance Chair of the 175th Anniversary Celebration of New Braunfels.
 
Police officer, mayor, state representative, and musician are a few of Doug Miller’s titles. He is also a husband, father to Amanda and Douglas, and proud grandfather to McKinley and Korbyn. Doug has served our community with distinction and the Braunfels Foundation Trust is honored to bestow a new title on Doug — Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Bette Offermann Spain
BIO
​Growing up as the daughter of an Air Force pilot, Bette Offerman lived many places. The Braunfels Foundation Trust believes that it is extremely fortunate then for our community that Bette came home to New Braunfels to live. Her contributions have improved our schools, made our city a richer place in which to live, our Christmases a little merrier, and absolutely qualify her to be named a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
 
Bette was born in Harlingen where her father, Donald, was stationed. Bette’s mother, Marie, has deep roots in New Braunfels, and the Offermans lived here for a short time before living in Bermuda, Pittsburg, Los Angeles and Sembach Air Force Base in Germany. Returning from Germany, Bette lived in New Braunfels with her grandparents and finished her freshman year in high school. The Offermans’ last official assignment was the ROTC program at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M Commerce. After high school graduation, Bette enrolled at East Texas State earning a Bachelors in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Physical Education. In July of 1972, Bette married Michael Spain.
 
Education has always been of huge importance both professionally and personally to Bette. She began teaching Special Education in the Dallas Independent School District while earning her Masters as an Educational Diagnostician. In 1976, the Spains relocated to Austin where husband Michael began law school, Bette taught, and daughter Cate was born. A job with a law firm took the family to for Richmond, Virginia, but soon the pull of Texas brought the Spains to San Antonio. Bette began volunteering for the Any Baby Can organization and at Santa Rosa’s Children’s Hospital serving as a member and president of their Auxiliary Board.
 
Moving home to New Braunfels, Bette found herself back in the classroom volunteering at Cate’s schools and tutoring in the HOST programs at Lone Star and Seele schools. Bette organized and charted the first National Junior Honor Society at New Braunfels Middle School. She continued to guide that program for several years and was recognized with a PTA Honorary Life Membership. Bette is still volunteering weekly in the library at granddaughter Sophie’s school and hosting an annual gingerbread decorating party.
 
In 1994, Bette was elected to the New Braunfels Independent School District school board serving three consecutive terms and holding all officer positions including president. Bette also graduated as a Master Trustee from the Texas Association of School Boards Leadership Program. In 1999, she initiated a proposal to the school board establishing the now-thriving NBISD Education Foundation and served on its first board. The NBISD recognized Bette for her significant contributions with the coveted Silver Unicorn award.
 
Diversity of interests is common to Living Legends, and Bette is no exception. Since 1997, Bette has volunteered on the Sophienburg Museum’s Weihnachtsmarkt Committee. She served, among other things, as event chair and for ten years compiled a cookbook given to shoppers. In 2004, she became Chair of the Museum’s gift store, and although her diagnosis of Muscular Sclerosis altered her volunteering with Sophie’s Shop, it hasn’t stopped her from supporting the Committee by delivering home-cooked lunches to volunteers during Wurstfest and Weihnachtsmarkt!
 
Bette served on the McKenna System Board guiding the hospital before, during, and after its sale to Christus Santa Rosa and remained a member of the McKenna Foundation Board for several years. Bette graduated from the Chamber’s Leadership Class in1993 and was instrumental in creating the New Braunfels Youth Leadership Program. Bette is involved at New Braunfels Church and volunteers with the “Cross Cares” program that partners with Gruene United Methodist Church’s homeless project.
 
Bette and husband, Michael, have one daughter, Cate, and two grandchildren, Sophie and Ruxin. The New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung recognized Bette with their Unsung Hero Award in 2003, and the Braunfels Foundation Trust is delighted to also sing her praises and name Bette Spain a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
2016 LIVING LEGENDS
Clinton Brandt
BIO
Clinton Brandt has worked around electronics, radar, and navigation systems both in the military and as a civilian for most of his life. He has navigated through his personal life with such extraordinary service to family, church, community, and country that the Braunfels Foundation Trust has named Clinton Brandt a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 

Brandt was born in 1932 in Fashing, Texas. Originally from the New Braunfels area, Clinton’s father lost his job as a taxi driver during the Depression, and as conditions worsened, the family moved to a farm near Fashing where they lived in a converted hay barn.

As the Depression wound down, the Brandts returned to New Braunfels and six-year-old Clinton started school in a one room schoolhouse off Highway 46 near Smithson Valley. When the family moved into town, Clinton attended schools in New Braunfels and graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1951. While working at the downtown Capital Theatre, Clinton met cashier, Doris Wegner, and the two developed a relationship that has lasted a lifetime.

The day following graduation, Clinton began his basic training in the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base and later at Sheppard Air Force Base. Eventually, Clinton was sent to Airborne Electronics school where after twenty-one weeks he was asked to become an instructor.

When the Air Force needed volunteers to go to Korea in 1954, Brandt answered the call. Toward the end of the conflict, Brandt was sent to a troop carrier squadron in Japan, was quickly promoted and put in charge of the squadron’s electronics. During this time, he continued making innovations to a variety of radio and navigation systems. For his service, Clinton was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. 
Clinton returned to New Braunfels in 1955, and he and Doris were married. He began his career with the Federal Aviation Agency working on several types of ground navigation systems until his retirement some thirty years later.

Brandt’s volunteer service hasn’t been limited to just one area of interest. In 1990, Brandt was elected to the New Braunfels City Council and a year later served as Mayor. He was Fund Drive Chairman for the United Way in 1988-89, and this year marks the thirtieth anniversary that he and Doris have been delivering Meals on Wheels. Brandt is a member of and served as President of the Evening Lions Club in 2004-05. He became a member of the Wurstfest Association in 1973 and has served on almost every committee. He served on the Board of Directors, as Wurstfest President in 1988, as Grosse Opa and currently is an Opa Emeritus.

With five children in school, Brandt involved himself in the volunteer opportunities available in the NBISD. He was a member of the New Braunfels High School PTA, did a two-year term as Band Booster President, and volunteered with the New Braunfels Little League. He and Doris taught Sunday school, and Brandt served as Superintendent of Sunday School and on the Church Council at First Protestant Church.

Clinton Brandt’s professional career was really always about getting people to the right place at the right time. This is probably why he was so intrigued with the restoration, repair, and maintenance of the mechanical tower clock at First Protestant Church. This clock, installed in 1905, is one of the few remaining mechanical clocks in the United States. When the clock stopped working sometime in the late 1970s. Brandt volunteered to use his expertise and determination to fix and maintain it. Every week for the last thirty-years, Brandt has wound and maintained the iconic eight-day clock.

For all these extraordinary contributions, The Braunfels Foundation Trust felt it was high time to name Clinton Brandt a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Lucille Garcia
BIO
It is not by accident that New Braunfels is a great place in which to live. The character of this city has been shaped in part by volunteers whose sense of service has given us beautiful parks, food banks, youth programs, Rotary Clubs, Wurstfest, and given visitors a charming, historic place to vacation. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is recognizing Lucille Garcia as one of those extraordinary volunteers and is naming her a Living Legend of New Braunfels for her many contributions. 

Lucille Davis Garcia was born in New Braunfels, the ninth child of Willie and Lillie Ramsey Davis. Raised in New Braunfels, she attended Booker T. Washington School through the eleventh grade. She attended Hicks Beauty School in San Antonio and after graduation was employed at a local beauty shop for sixteen years.

Lucille married Jesse Garcia and together they began their family and their long records of volunteerism in New Braunfels. As the parent of four children and, like her fellow Legend Iris Schumann, Lucille got her start with the numerous volunteer opportunities in the New Braunfels Independent School District. Her membership in PTA began in 1968 and she was recognized by the Lamar PTA with a Life Membership Award and by the New Braunfels Independent School District with their highest volunteer honor, the Silver Unicorn Award in 1972.

A common thread running through the fabric of our Living Legends is their wide-ranging interests, and Lucille Garcia is cut from the same cloth. She volunteered with the American Red Cross Organization for more than twenty-five years at the Eden Home. Additionally, Lucille served as Board Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Eden Heights. She was the Treasurer for the Community Service Center and served on the Board of the New Braunfels Housing Authority for over thirty years. She has served on the Board of Directors of her fraternal organization, the Grand Court of Calanthe, and on the Comal County Historical Commission. A lifelong member of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lucille has been the church secretary since 1969.

For all of her volunteer efforts, however, her association with Teen Connections is undoubtedly how Lucille is best known. Teen Connections is a non-profit organization founded by Lucille and other community leaders in 1981 to provide a safe and secure alternative to the “streets” for homeless, abused, or at-risk youth. At their very first meeting at the old First Federal Savings and Loan Building in downtown New Braunfels, Lucille was elected Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Additionally, Lucille founded the Connection’s Thrift Shop devoting countless volunteer hours from 1984 to 2000 managing the Thrift Shop, her devotion was recognized when the Thrift Shop was renamed in her honor. In 1989, Lucille became an employee of Connections and remains on staff as the receptionist at the Counseling Center.

The Chamber of Commerce awarded Lucille the President’s Award in 1987 for her involvement in youth activities and placed her in the Hall of Honor in 1991. Lucille has been the recipient of several proclamations from the City of New Braunfels including the most recent in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day March.

Lucille and Jesse have four children, Esther Ramsey, Brenda Spriggs, Marian Garcia-Perez, Jesse (Bubba) Garcia, Jr., and three grandchildren.

Like her fellow Living Legends, Lucille is proud and grateful for her heritage, and she never let it deter her from participating in her community’s volunteer opportunities. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is grateful of and proud to recognize Lucille Garcia for her selfless service to our community.
Iris Timmermann Schumann
BIO
​Iris Timmermann Schumann has spent much of her adult life in the determined, passionate pursuit of preserving New Braunfels’ history. She has catalogued and recorded the documents, photographs, and artifacts of her beloved hometown and taught others to do the same. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is determined that her contributions will not be forgotten and preserves her place in the history of New Braunfels by naming her a Living Legend. 

Iris Timmermann graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1948, and after a year at Texas Women’s University, left college to marry her sweetheart, Merritt Schumann. When Merritt returned home from military service in Korea, the couple decided to remain in and make New Braunfels their home. Raising five daughters in the New Braunfels Independent School District offered ample opportunities for volunteer work, and Iris took on leadership positions impacting students in the NBISD. She served as president of the Seele, New Braunfels High School, and NBISD City Council PTAs earning a PTA Life Membership Award in 1970. She was an active Band Booster and received the NBISD’s highest volunteer honor, the Silver Unicorn Award in 1985. For twenty-nine years, Iris volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader and served on local and area councils. She and Merritt taught Sunday school, vacation church schools, and led youth fellowship programs at First Protestant Church.

After her first child left for college, Iris herself returned to school graduating with a Bachelors in Education in 1974 and a Masters in History in 1980 from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State). She taught History at SWTSU and worked in the University’s emerging Archives program eventually becoming the Acting Archivist. She received a Texas Archivist Designation in 1980 and was in the first class to receive National Archives Certification from the Society of American Archivists in 1986.

Her love for her historic hometown is probably best illustrated by her volunteer work at the Sophienburg Archives. Iris volunteered as the Archivist at the Sophienburg and for thirteen-years served as Archives Chairman replacing her mentor, an ailing Fred Oheim. Mr. Oheim’s dream was to establish an Archive for New Braunfels, and Iris used her education, professional knowledge, and considerable energy to establish the systems still used today for recording, interpreting, and preserving vital information. She introduced the first computer software, taught genealogy, and helped procure the Old City Hall Building when the Archives outgrew the Emmie Seele Faust Library. Iris was instrumental in the success of “Reflections” the oral history radio program produced by the Sophienburg for broadcast on KGNB that is still actively recording and preserving the recollections of New Braunfels citizens. As Chair of the Plaza Fountain Revitalization during the City’s Sesquicentennial, Iris helped fundraise and ensure the fountain’s exact historical restoration.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The New Braunfels ISD Education Foundation named her a Distinguished Alumni in 2007. The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce recognized Iris’s contributions with a President’s Award for Historic Preservation in 1986, a place in Honors Hall in 1995, and ultimately with the Besserung Award — often referred to as the outstanding citizen’s award — in 1999.

Iris and Merritt raised five daughters, Lynn, Kay, Jeannine, Christine, and Anne, along with thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In her application to the City of New Braunfels for a seat on the Historic Landmark Commission, Iris noted that although “my employment resume is very light…” she did have some volunteer experience at the Sophienburg Archives. Iris got her seat on the Historic Landmark Commission, New Braunfels got a first-class archive where research is done daily by scholars and citizens alike, and the Braunfels Foundation Trust gets to recognize Iris Schumann for her many contributions to her beloved hometown.
2015 LIVING LEGENDS
Carter Casteel
BIO
The flood of 1972 was a devastating event in the life our beloved city. The loss of life and property was unparalleled in our history. Out of that loss, however, New Braunfels gained a treasure and one of our newest Living Legends, Carter Casteel. 

Frances Carter Barron was born in Monahans, Texas, and was raised in an oil camp between the towns of Wickett and Monahans where her father, Frank, was employed by Gulf Oil as a field superintendent. Her mother, Ilda, a woman of charm and intellect was a schoolteacher and when elected city secretary, became one of the first women elected to public office in West Texas. She died in 1957 when Carter was only fourteen. The Barron’s legacy to their daughter was a strong work ethic, independence, and a dedication to service that has defined her life.

Carter graduated from Monahans High School in 1961 and headed to the University of Texas in Austin where she promptly met Tom Casteel. The two were married the following year, and they welcomed daughter Cheryl born during Carter’s junior year. Carter graduated in July 1965 with a Bachelors in Government and History and started as a classroom teacher at Porter Junior High in Austin while earning a Masters from Southwest Texas State in 1971.

The 1972 flood severely damaged the home owned by Tom’s mother on the Guadalupe River. When Tom’s mother decided to sell her home, Tom decided he and Carter were buying it and moving to New Braunfels. Carter landed a job teaching civics at Canyon High School where she taught for nine years. In 1982, she started at St. Mary’s School of Law and graduated 1985 and began practicing law. Carter served as a Comal Independent School District Trustee for six years from 1984-1990 including a term as president. In 1990, she became the first woman elected Comal County Judge and during her eight years on the court helped improve infrastructure, law enforcement, roads, as well as managing the increasing growth of Comal County.

In 2003, Carter began serving the first of two terms representing Comal, Kendall, Bandera, and Gillespie counties as District 73 State Representative earning the Republican Freshman of the Year nod by her colleagues in the House and an honorable mention in 2005 as one of “Texas Monthly” magazine’s Ten Best (legislators).

Carter’s list of civic, legislative, and non-legislative accomplishments and memberships over the years are almost countless. She was recognized in 2004 as the “Herald-Zeitung’s” Citizen of the Year and in 1990 received the Chamber’s prestigious Besserung Award. At one time or another, she’s been a member of the Comal County Bar Association, Comal County Fair Association, Conservation and Heritage Societies, and the Sophienburg Museum just to name a few. She’s been on the Board of Directors for the Comal County United Way, New Braunfels/Comal County Crime Stoppers, Connections, Eden Association, Chair of the Board of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, KLRN, and of multiple Republican Women’s Clubs in the area. Carter is a Rotarian, a member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, and a Blue Coat Ambassador.

Carter practices law with her children and law partners, Barron Casteel and Cheryl Casteel, at their firm Casteel and Casteel. She and Tom are members of First United Methodist Church and are the very proud grandparents of five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Another flood in 1998 caused the Casteels to move again, but this time thankfully only to higher ground. Carter has brought distinction and honor to our community through her service as a teacher, trustee, county judge, legislator, and volunteer. We’ve benefitted immensely from her service and thank her by naming her a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Carl Feltner
BIO
In 2001, Carl Feltner was asked by fellow Braunfels Foundation Trustee Tom Burris to chair the Arrangements Committee responsible for planning and executing a unique and newly formed fundraiser. The Living Legends event would be an evening to honor and celebrate those citizens of New Braunfels whose extraordinary volunteerism and service had contributed to and created the fabric and character of our community. Not only did Carl chair the inaugural event, but in typical Carl fashion, chaired the next five Living Legends events as well. In 2011, he was named Honorary Chair of the event and for his extraordinary service inside and outside the city limits of New Braunfels, Carl Feltner is now a Living Legend himself. 

Carl Feltner is a local boy and the youngest of five brothers. He graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1947 and left his hometown for military service — a common thread found in the fabric of our Living Legends — as an officer with the United States Army overseas in France. After returning home to New Braunfels in 1953, Carl joined the Army Reserves accumulating thirty-three years of duty when he retired as a Sergeant Major. Counted as one of his accomplishments in the Reserves, Carl oversaw the construction of the Fort Sam Houston Recreation Area at Canyon Lake.

Carl’s forty-plus year career with the United States Postal Service began in 1953. He rose through the ranks from letter carrier in downtown New Braunfels to Supervisor of Mails. His work as Supervisor is credited as being instrumental in our community working with Bexar Metro out of San Antonio to establish 911 emergency service to the area.

Carl is married to the former Roma Erben and the couple have two sons, Bryan and Stephen. They are current members of Cross Lutheran Church and former members of Grace Lutheran Church where they have faithfully served on numerous committees and Boards including Chairman of the Board of Elders and Congregation President to name a few. Carl was also President of the Local Aid for Lutherans Association for many years. He and Roma also served as Sunday school teachers for many years.

In 1967, Carl became a charter member of the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club. He was project chair for the creation of Eikel Park, and he has held all club offices including president. He was named Lion of the Year, a Melvin Jones Fellow, and was honored with a Life Member by Lions International. He also became a Life Member of the Lions Camp in Kerrville in 1976.

Carl founded the Community Service Center that served those needing a helping hand in our community. Proud of his German heritage, Carl has been a member of the Wurstfest Association since 1979 and secured a commemorative postal stamp cancellation for Wurstfest’s 25th Anniversary and for several Wurstfests thereafter.

A member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Carl served as a Board Member and Chair of the RAP Council (Retirees Are Progressive). Carl also served on the Bar-B-Que Committee that served over 5,000 people during the New Braunfels Sesquicentennial in 1993-1995. Appointed by the Chamber Board in 1996, he served as Braunfels Foundation Trustee for many years. He earned his Blue Coat in 1998 and was honored with induction into the Chamber’s Hall of Honors in 2003.

Carl has lent his time and talent volunteering for the Sophienburg Museum Capital, the United Way Capital Fund, and McKenna Memorial Hospital Campaigns, as well as helping at Folkfest, Weihnachtsmarkt, and at the old Hummel Museum where he and Roma chaired Hummelfest. He has been a member of Post 179 of the American Legion for over sixty-two years.

Carl Feltner is an example to us all, and The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to honor him as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
Carol "Bucky" Warwick Smith
BIO
​There’s a very good chance that if you grew up in New Braunfels and know how to swim, Bucky Smith had something to do with it! Like her friend, fellow swimmer and Living Legend, Bud Dallmann, Bucky’s contributions to our community inside and outside of the pool are numerous and so extraordinary that the Braunfels Foundation Trust has named her a Living Legend of New Braunfels. 

Carol “Bucky” Warwick Smith literally grew up in the spring-fed pool in Landa Park. Her mother, Margarthe, was an accomplished violinist and her father, Firman, an engineer and professional baseball player. The couple relocated to San Antonio when Mr. Warwick’s baseball career ended, and he went to work for the San Antonio Public Service Company. The company was completing construction on the LCRA Building in Landa Park, and Mr. Warwick became superintendent of the utility company’s operations there. The Warwicks moved to New Braunfels and most summer evenings would find them swimming in the spring-fed pool with baby Bucky tethered to a tube behind them.

Bucky graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1946. An accomplished violinist in her own right, she played in orchestras in elementary school, junior high, high school, and college. Her teen years were spent at the Landa Park Pool working as basket girl and lifeguard, teaching swimming lessons, and swimming competitively. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio where she not only swam but helped coach the swim team. Bucky transferred to North Texas College and after graduation in 1950 joined the aquatic team called the Corkettes that put-on ballet shows at the famous Shamrock Hotel in Houston. She returned to her hometown to organize the first aquacade for the Miss Texas Pageant held in the Landa Park spring-fed pool. According to the August 8, 1950, Herald-Zeitung, “Although the talent of the contestants was good, the numbers staged by Bucky Warwick and her Aquacadets stole the show.”

Bucky’s graduated with a degree in Medicine Technology and would work in labs at Wharton Regional Hospital and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to name a few. Then of course, there was Scouting.

Bucky became a Girl Scout at age seven and has been continuously active in Scouting for seventy-nine years. She has held all administrative positions both locally and council-wide, was an assistant and leader for at least ten different troops. She was elected to represent Texas at the National Girl Scout Camp of the West with her daughter, Catherine, and as a delegate to the National Girl Scout Convention. In 2003, she was honored with the Girl Scout’s “Women of Distinction Award.”

A 1964 founding member of the New Braunfels Republican Women, Bucky has held most offices — including twice serving as its President. For the past forty-nine years, Bucky has worked in and managed the Republican Women’s booth during Wurstfest.

Bucky has been a precinct chair and has volunteered as a clerk or a presiding judge in every election period since 1964. She’s been a county delegate to the State Republican Convention numerous times and was elected as an Alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2004.

The New Braunfels Independent School District’s awarded Bucky their highest volunteer honor, the Silver Unicorn Award. She has been Chairman of the Board of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce as well as helping design and build six Heritage Displays seen in the Civic Center during Wurstfest.

Bucky has four daughters, twins Missy and Debbie, Carol, and Catherine, plus thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

When Bucky was little, she was called “Little Becky” after her grandmother, Rebecca. Mr. Warwick called her, “Nubby.” Somehow the two nicknames morphed into “Bucky” and that has been her name until now.

Now Carol “Bucky” Warwick Smith is a Living Legend.
2014 LIVING LEGENDS
Dr. Fred Frueholz
BIO
Dr. Frederick Frueholz, Jr., was born in New Braunfels on December 12, 1927, into a family of physicians. Emigrating from Germany, Drs. Frederick Frueholz, Sr. and Bertha Frueholz, set up their family medical practice in the iconic home on Seguin Street where Dr. Frederick Frueholz, Jr. resides to this day. It would be an understatement to say that Dr. Fred, as he is affectionately known, has roots that run deep and wide in the landscape of New Braunfels.
 
Living only a couple of blocks from the Comal River, young Frederick split river time with piano and voice lessons. He attended Carl Schurz Elementary where he participated in the band. He was a Boy Scout and eventually earned his Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm. At New Braunfels High School, Dr. Fred participated in band and drama. As a junior, he helped start and organize the Unicorn Stables, a popular weekend activity center in downtown New Braunfels offering food and fun for New Braunfels high school students. He also served as the first president of the organization.
 
Dr. Fred graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1945 and went on to study at the University of Texas in Austin. Although architecture was — and still is — of great interest to him, he received a Bachelor of Science and an acceptance to the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston. While studying at medical school, Fred kept his architecture passion alive by designing his fraternity’s new house! 

Although there was never really any doubt where the young doctor would hang his shingle, after graduating from medical school Dr. Fred began an internship at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. Dr. Fred was a member of the National Guard and taught in the Medical Corp at Fort Sam Houston. He would soon leave for a two-year commitment in France where he served at the Army’s 28th General Hospital eventually returning home to New Braunfels as a captain.

The family’s growing medical practice required more examining rooms and office space., so Dr. Fred designed the new medical office that was built directly behind the family’s home. The Frueholz practice treated generations of New Braunfels families, but an injured knee forced Dr. Fred’s early retirement in 1987.

A full-time family physician’s day is long, but Dr. Fred’s service to New Braunfels extends far beyond his medical practice and includes his involvement and commitment to First Protestant Church. Singing in the choir began in this youth and continued into adulthood. He has served on the Church Council, and on Building Committees, just to name a few.

In addition to architecture, music has always been important to Dr. Fred. It is not surprising that he served on the board of the Mid-Texas Symphony, and organized the Symphony Chorus. He founded and served as the president of the Heritage Chorale, now known as the Community Chorale. He sang with and was a member and president of the Texas Bach Choir. He continued his education over six summers studying architecture and history at Oxford University in England.

His knowledge and love of the history of New Braunfels resulted in his establishing and organizing the Comal County Historical Commission. He served as the Commission’s first chair and continues to serve on its board. To recognize his contributions to historic preservation, the Comal County Historical Commission established and bestowed on Alton Rahe in 2014 the first Frederick J. Frueholz Jr. Historic Preservation Award. The award honors individuals for their significant dedication to historic preservation. Additionally, Dr. Fred is a member of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives and the Heritage and Conservations Societies of New Braunfels.

Dr. Fred was a member and president of the McKenna Hospital staff, as well as the Comal County Medical Association. He was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. With several other prominent community leaders, Dr. Fred was involved in establishing the New Braunfels National Bank — now Wells Fargo — where he also served as board member.
Dennis Heitkamp
BIO
A fifth generation Texan and a descendent of seven founding New Braunfels families, Colonel Dennis Heitkamp retired after twenty-seven-years in the United States Air Force to his hometown of New Braunfels. Dennis would then begin a banking career with Texas Commerce Bank — later JP Morgan Chase — and amass a remarkable volunteer resume of service that has secured his place as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
 
Dennis graduated early from New Braunfels High School in 1952 and entered Texas A&M in 1952 graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. At Texas A&M, he was recognized as one of ten Distinguished Military Graduates and was awarded an Air Force commission. His flying experience spanned a period of eight years including sorties in Viet Nam with the remaining nineteen years spent in Command, Operations and Maintenance of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. His significant military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals, eight Air Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with seven Gold Devices, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. While in the Air Force, he received an MBA from Ohio State University
 
Dennis’s service to his community is as impressive as his service to his country. He has served at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was instrumental in transitioning the Fund Drive from the former Comal County Community Fund to the successful United Way. He served the United Way in various capacities for many years and was recognized as the Comal United Way Volunteer of the Year.
 
His love of his hometown and his heritage is seen in his service to the Heritage Society where he has been board member, treasurer, and President. Dennis and his wife, Jackie, have co-chaired both the Heritage Exhibit and Folkfest events and were honored by the Heritage Society as Grand Marshalls of the KinderMasken Parade. Dennis also served as vice president of the Conservation Society and a board member and president of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives. An Opa Emeritus, Dennis served on the Wurstfest Association Board and as Grosse Opa. After the disastrous 1998 flood, many suggested cancelling the upcoming Wurstfest, but as President, Dennis rallied the Association to clean and repair the Wurstfest grounds so the many non-profit organizations would not be negatively impacted. Following the successful Festival, the Association donated all its profits to the community.
 
Dennis has been involved in countless areas of the Lions Club from the local to the state levels serving in the highest leadership levels for over twenty years. His service to those with special physical needs is evidenced by his service at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville and for which he was recognized with his induction into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame in 2013. Dennis is a Chamber Senior Blue Coat, a Life Member of the Chamber, and a recipient of the Chairman of the Board Award for Historic Preservation. He has received the Besserung Award for community building and was installed in the Hall of Honor. He has served as both member and chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, is credited with creating the idea of Leadership New Braunfels and was on the founding committee for the Youth Leadership New Braunfels program.
 
He has served as the Finance Chairman and Fund Drive Chairman for the Sesquicentennial Commission, Chairman of the Comprehensive Master Plan, Public Facilities, Public Services, Capital Improvements and Finance Subcommittee.
 
Dennis has served as both Vice President and President of the Braunfels Foundation Trust. He was instrumental in having the ownership of the Historic Hinmann House transferred to The Braunfels Foundation Trust and in establishing that historic facility as the Home of the Communities in Schools of South-Central Texas. Because of this leadership, the Braunfels Foundation Trustees allows Communities in Schools to operate rent-free from that location. Communities in Schools awarded him their prestigious Friends of Children Award and the Braunfels Foundation Trust recognized him as the Honorary Chairman of the 2012 Legends Banquet. He has been recognized by the New Braunfels ISD Education Foundation as a Distinguished Alumni.
 
Dennis Heitkamp is living proof you can go home again and make a difference. For that, he is now a Living Legend.
William J. Kolodzie
BIO
​During his forty-four years as a surveyor, William J. “Bill” Kolodzie dropped countless survey pins to help him set the reference points that mark the distances and angles needed to measure and calculate boundaries. When Bill accepted Superintendent Dr. E.A. Sahm’s offer to teach math at New Braunfels High School in 1949, he dropped a pin that would forever mark the beginning point of an extraordinary life of service and commitment to New Braunfels.

Bill Kolodzie’s story begins in Karnes City, Texas, where he was born on November 2, 1925. Bill grew up with two sisters, and like most boys of his time, spent time hunting and fishing. He also had part time jobs selling the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies Home Journal to his neighbors. Bill played football, was in the band, and graduated from Karnes City High School in 1943.

Bill began college at Southwest Texas State Teachers College, but the United States Army, it appeared, had more urgent need of him. He was drafted in November on his eighteenth birthday and would spend his nineteenth birthday freezing in the forests of Belgium completely surrounded by German troops. After nearly a week of being heavily shelled with artillery, mortars, and small arms fire, Bill was able to make it to an aide station. After recuperating at a hospital in England, Bill rejoined his outfit in Germany and participated in the conclusion of the Allied Invasion. Bill was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and after thirty years was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor.

Back home in Karnes City, Bill met Joyce Schulle and returned to his studies at Southwest Texas State. The two were married on December 30, 1946. Bill graduated with a BS in Math and Physics in July 1949 and was hired to teach Math at New Braunfels High School. In 1951, the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades moved to the new high school on Guenther Street, and Bill stayed at the junior high and taught General Math and Algebra to 8th and 9th graders while working on his Masters in Math and Education Administration.

In 1955, Seele and Lone Star Schools were built. Bill was asked to be the principal of Seele and oversaw the construction as well as the selection of the first ten teachers for the 220 children at the school. In 1958, Bill moved to Lamar Elementary as principal, where he stayed until 1966. Bill worked after school and on the weekends helping A.M. Moellering, a teacher at Carl Schurz and certified land surveyor, and in 1966 became a professional land surveyor.

Bill has been a member of the New Braunfels Lions Club for more than forty-seven years having nearly perfect attendance. He has held all offices of the club, chaired many, many committees, and his participation in District and State Lionism has been exemplary including service at the Lion’s Camp for Crippled Children.

Bill was a member of the Board of Director of the Comal County Fair Association, including six years as Parade Chairman. He is a Life member of the Parent Teachers Association of Texas, an active forty-five-year member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, and a life member of the Chamber’s Blue Coats.  He was Chairman of the first Water Conservation Committee in 1952.

Bill has been a member of the Wurstfest Association for twenty-eight years and has served as Past President, Grosse Opa, and now as an Opa Emeritus. He is a past board member of Ducks Unlimited, a past member of the Advisory Board of the New Braunfels National Bank, and a past member of the first Board of Directors of District 21 Educational Service Center.

Bill and Joyce were active members of First United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir. Bill has been a thirty-year member of the Downtown Association, a past member of the Design and Review Committee, Main Street Project, and a past member and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Bill is a life member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association, and a past member of the Board of Directors of the South Texas Longhorn Breeders Association. He is a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, a member of the Texas Society, Bill Hightower Chapter. In January 2008, Bill was elected President of Friends for the Preservation of Historic Landa Park.

Bill Kolodzie’s life is a map of how to live a life of service and commitment. The Braunfels Foundation Trust is proud to name him, A Living Legend of New Braunfels.
2013 LIVING LEGENDS
Gladys Bartling
BIO
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart.” While the author of these words did not have our Living Legend Alice Bartling in mind when he wrote them, to the many in our community who have benefited from the SOS Food Bank, he surely could have! Although Gladys is probably best known for her work with the SOS Food Bank, giving her heart through food is just one of the many gifts Gladys has given her community and why The Braunfels Foundation Trust has selected her as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
 
Gladys Staats Bartling was born on the family farm near Schumannsville in Guadalupe County. Like most children of the time, she started school at Union Wein County School speaking only German. The family, including sister, Adelaine Biggers and brother, Alton, would eventually move to town. Because of an illness, Gladys started school again, but this time at Carl Schurz Elementary. Gladys graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1953 at age sixteen and ranked number three in her class. Following graduation, she attended Durham Business College and began working as a secretary bookkeeper at Bock Motor Company.
 
Gladys married Korean War veteran Helmuth Bartling in 1954. The couple spent many happy years following the activities and sporting adventures of their nieces and nephews including church youth trips. While working at First Protestant Church as an executive secretary and bookkeeper, Gladys and Helmuth were encouraged to, and enlisted the help of, Reverend Richard Kuretsch to adopt their two children, Gordon and Julie.
 
For fourteen years, Gladys volunteered in various positions in the PTA including City Council PTA president. For her contributions, she was awarded Texas PTA’s highest honor, Life Membership Award. A leader in 4-H, in Scouts, in Church Youth, and in the Aggies Mother’s Club, Gladys ran for and was elected to the New Braunfels ISD School Board in 1983. She served on many Long-Range Planning Committees and received the NBISD’s highest volunteer honor, the Silver Unicorn Award.
 
Gladys has served as a volunteer for the Crisis Line, Guadalupe County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, Comal County Aids Task Force, and for the original Texas Information and Referral Task Force that initiated the 211-telephone help line.
 
In 1988, Gladys initiated and coordinated with First Protestant Church and a dozen other churches in the community to create perhaps her most well-known accomplishment: The Spirit of Sharing or SOS Food Bank. A little more than five years later, the Food Bank, with the support of seventeen churches and agencies in New Braunfels, had its own home at 248 West Merriweather. Families receiving assistance are given “Basic Bags” of food which are supplemented with canned goods and bakery and other items, depending on the number of family members. The “Basic Bag” contains frozen meats, one dozen eggs, flour, rice, sugar, beans, pasta, tomato sauce, oatmeal, and peanut butter.
 
In 1990, Helmuth passed away, and Gladys was persuaded to volunteer with the Comal County Senior Citizens Center to help create a new Senior Citizens Center. As director of that organization, Gladys opened the doors in 1991 to yet another community resource in New Braunfels.
 
A member of First Protestant Church, Gladys sings in the Sanctuary Choir, is active in Women’s Fellowship, and chairs one a bereavement committee. She is currently on the Salvation Army Board of Directors, the President of the SOS Food Bank, a docent with the Heritage Society, and a member of the Sophienburg Museum, Comal County Genealogy Society, and Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation. Gladys is also an alumnus of the New Braunfels Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, a member of the American Legion Post 35 Auxiliary, VFW Post 7110 Auxiliary, and President of the AARP Chapter 1823. Gladys was a member of the 1993 Leadership New Braunfels class and among her other accomplishments, received the Herald-Zeitung’s Unsung Hero Award in 1993.
 
In her spare time, Gladys works part-time for Cell-U-Insul, Inc., occasionally for Caterall, and since 2001 at Wurstfest.
Myra Lee Goff
BIO
She has taught newcomers and reminded locals about the history of New Braunfels and Comal County through her numerous books and newspaper columns. She has taught generations of New Braunfels elementary and junior high school children about the history of their city and state and even taught some of us how to yodel. Myra Lee Goff is our teacher, our historian laureate, and now a Braunfels Foundation Trust Living Legend.
 
Myra Lee Adams was born in New Braunfels and is a fifth generation New Braunfelser. She grew up, like many of her generation, learning to swim in the spring-fed pool at Landa Park and in a household where German was spoken. She graduated from New Braunfels High School where she began her writing career with a column in the Town and Country News and as a special correspondent for the San Antonio Light. She left New Braunfels for Texas Christian University and earned a degree in Social Studies with minors in English and German. Myra Lee also met her future husband, Glyn Goff, as freshmen at TCU and the two married their senior year. After graduation, the newlyweds returned to New Braunfels where Myra Lee began teaching school.
 
Although she had a secondary degree, Myra Lee was hired to teach music, art, and fourth grade at Lamar Elementary, a school she herself had attended as a child. After teaching at Lamar for three years, Myra Lee left teaching temporarily to raise their three children: Karen, Patricia, and James Marcus. In 1963, Myra Lee returned to teaching at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School. The following year, she began teaching sixth grade music, art, and social studies at Carl Schurz Elementary. Although she began piano lessons at age seven, taught music to hundreds of children, and still plays the piano today, Myra Lee never learned to read music. She played everything by ear and none of her teachers ever knew! Her students certainly never knew and were the beneficiaries of end-of-school music programs that bordered on Broadway productions!
 
In 1970, all sixth graders were relocated to New Braunfels Middle School, and Myra Lee moved with them. At New Braunfels Middle School, Myra Lee taught Fine Arts which included art, music, drama, social studies, and English. She ended her teaching career at NBMS in charge of the Gifted and Talented Program and the Odyssey of the Mind and Knowledge Masters programs.
 
Retirement brought Myra Lee back to her writing career and a partnership with Rosemarie Leissner Gregory that produced several books about the history of New Braunfels and Comal County. The two women authored Kindermaskenball, Past and Present, the History of First Protestant Church, and the narrative for New Braunfels, Comal County Texas, A Pictorial History. Myra Lee recently wrote another book on the history of the Comal County Fair, It’s Fair Time, The History of the Comal County Fair, and a feature section for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung about the history of the Comal County Courthouse to commemorate the Courthouse renovation.
 
Since 2006, Myra Lee has written her column “Around the Museum and Archives.” Written for the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, the column appears in the Herald-Zeitung every other Sunday and is about the people, places, and events in the history of New Braunfels.
 
Myra Lee received the Silver Unicorn Award from the New Braunfels Independent School District, the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award from the New Braunfels Independent School District Education Foundation, and the Sophienburg Museum and Archives named her their Volunteer of the Year. She has been a member of the First Protestant Church Choir for thirty years, a Sunday School teacher, the Grand Marshall of the Kindermaskenball Parade, and the Grand Marshall of the Comal County Fair Parade.
Jan Kennady
BIO
​A broken leg and a trip to the emergency room in 1977 might have been one of the luckiest “breaks” in Jan Kennady’s life. It was certainly a lucky break for New Braunfels, because we gained a volunteer extraordinaire, a mayor, a county commissioner, a preservationist, and a Living Legend of New Braunfels.

During a family football game at Canyon Lake, Jan broke her leg and met Dr. Donald Kennady, the on-call doctor, at McKenna Hospital. After a long-distance romance, the two married and Jan moved from Houston to make New Braunfels her new home. She briefly worked part-time at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church but resigned when her job schedule began to interfere with her volunteer commitments!

Jan threw herself wholeheartedly into her new community. She has served in over twenty-five civic, cultural, political and educational organizations in Comal County during the past thirty-three years. At the local level, she was President of Community Service Center, Comal County Medical Auxiliary, Comal Garden Club, New Braunfels Book Review Club, New Braunfels Republican Women, Mid-Texas Symphony Guild, Hospice New Braunfels, New Braunfels Council of Garden Clubs, New Braunfels Toastmasters, Communities in Schools, Homespun and Upstarts. At the state level, she’s been President of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians Auxiliary, the Texas Women’s Education Foundation, and the Texas Federation of Republican Women. One of her most recent volunteer jobs was serving as campaign co-chairman to build the current Tye Preston Memorial Library in Canyon Lake.

After being asked to run for city council and serving one term as a council member from 1993-1996, Jan became the first woman elected mayor of New Braunfels. City council meetings began to be televised as she had pledged to do during her campaign. Under her leadership, she adopted the first comprehensive plan approved in several years, built the New Braunfels Public Library, partnered with Comal County to restore the historic Faust Bridge, and remodeled a building to house the Police Department.

Jan was elected President of the Texas Federation of Republican Women for two terms in 1996 and traveled to over 150 counties. She decided to run for and was elected as County Commissioner, Precinct 4 where she worked on the adopted county strategic plan, the parks program, transportation projects, and historical preservation. Her most significant work for county citizens was spearheading the efforts to guarantee the restoration of the historic courthouse and its Rededication Ceremony held on January 22, 2013.

Jan has been honored with dozens of outstanding awards, including the Circle Arts Theatre Standing Ovation Award, the Good Samaritan Award from the Community Service Center, the Toastmasters President’s Award, the Girl Scout’s Women of Distinction Award, and the PTA Life Member Award. She’s been the Herald-Zeitung’s Citizen-of-the-Year, received the President’s Award from the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, was named a Princess of the City by the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, and a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Award from the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Her picture hangs in the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Honor, and she has received the esteemed Besserung Award from the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce — just to name a few of her many honors.

Jan has three children, Lisa, Rocky and Vance, and five grandchildren, J.J., Jessica, Tess, Hunter, and Cameron, and one great grand-daughter, Lexie. She and Don have lived in New Braunfels for thirty-three years now, and she considers being a part of this charming, dynamic city a gift beyond her wildest dreams. She is thankful every day for the warm and wonderful people who welcomed her with open arms, and it is a pleasure of the Braunfels Foundation Trust to welcome her as a Living Legend of New Braunfels.
2012 LIVING LEGENDS
Lorenz Bading
BIO
Lorenz Franz Bading was born September 13, 1916, on the family farm about seven miles north of New Braunfels. Lorenz’s dad was very mechanical-minded—a builder, carpenter, and innovator. When working with his dad inventing and/or building a wind-powered gristmill, molasses press, a portable grain-threshing machine, and a variety of small implements, Lorenz learned many skills, including leadership, organizational skills, effective communication, and creativity. The Bading family was quite musically inclined, and this passion was instilled in Lorenz early in life when he started playing the accordion at about age 12.
 
Lorenz married Lottie, his wife of almost 72 years, on January 28, 1939; their first daughter Laurel was born in 1941 and their second daughter Lanette in 1947.
 
Lorenz was one of the “Greatest Generation,” having honorably served his country in World War II. The increase of international unrest influenced Lorenz to enlist in the New Braunfels-based 133rd Field Artillery Regimental Band of the Texas National Guard in April 1937. With the activation of the Guard into Federal service in 1940, Lorenz became a full-time soldier. With the Allied invasion of North Africa, Lorenz served in the 36th Division in preparing for the invasion of Italy. On September 9, 1943, now famously known as Salerno Day, Lorenz landed on the beachhead on that first day of the campaign to liberate Italy. He served with the 36th Division throughout the Italian campaign as it progressed through France, Germany, and Austria, until the war’s end in May of 1945. Lorenz exhibited considerable organizational and leadership skills as he rose to assume the duties and responsibilities of First Sergeant and Band Leader of the (sole remaining) divisional band (originally 11 regimental bands). After overseas service, Lorenz was promoted to Warrant Officer and further served his nation by reorganizing the 36th Division Band now headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, ultimately completing 11 years of active duty service from 1937 to 1948. Since 1945 Lorenz has devoted 67 years (to date) to preserve the legacy of the 36th Division. Over the years Lorenz has made presentations before local grade school and high school students and also band members of the 36th Division Infantry Band in Austin, TX about the history of active duty of the 36th Division from 1937 to 1948.
 
After serving his country, due to Lorenz’ interest in building, and with his leadership and command skills gained in the military, in l945 Lorenz took a position with Richards and Krueger Lumber Company as a residential homebuilder and eventually became a manager and partner in the company. His entrepreneurial abilities enabled him to establish his own company, Homes by Lorenz, in 1968. He continued this enterprise for 57 years. Lorenz was highly respected as a reputable builder and still receives calls from past clients seeking his advice on home construction or remodeling and commending him on the quality of his work. Similar to his leadership and organizational abilities in the military, he founded and served as President of the Comal County Builders Association and was also a representative for local, state, and national Homebuilders’ Associations.
 
In addition to his military and personal career, Lorenz served his community by his extensive involvement in many other civic and community organizations. He was President of the New Braunfels Rotary Club. His interests in resource conservation in his community led him to his involvement in the Crystal Clear Water Supply Corporation, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors for 29 years from 1980 to 2009. Lorenz joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion and served as Post Commander of the VFW. He remains active as a Life Member of both. Lorenz participates to this day in efforts to ensure that all veterans, past and currently serving, receive the appreciation and recognition they deserve. To further encourage patriotism and education, for many years he graded essays submitted by students of local middle schools and high schools in the “Patriot Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” competitions sponsored yearly by the VFW Post #7110.
 
Music was always an essential part of Lorenz’ life. Even before the war Lorenz played in several community bands and orchestras, including the New Braunfels Municipal Band. Following World War II, he organized and led a Big Band dance orchestra for 40 years.
 
Lorenz’ family has been involved in local agriculture since they arrived in Texas in 1848 and he has been devoted to preserving farmland as a resource for the community and the nation. A fifth generation farmer and rancher, Lorenz was recognized by the State of Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage Program for having kept his family farm in continuous agricultural operation for more than 100 years (for Farm I founded in 1881 and Farm II founded in 1852) and 150 years (for Farm II). It is noteworthy that Farm I is the oldest farm in continuous cultivation by a single family in Comal County. Over the years Lorenz has developed a strong reputation for the quality of his breeding cattle. Buyers have traveled statewide to purchase his animals for their herds. Lorenz has worked with various city and county government entities regarding land use and planning to ensure that conservation issues are incorporated into their plans.
 
In conclusion, a letter written May 12, 1945, by one of the men in his military unit told of how Lorenz was the man who kept the unit from never faltering in any of its duties; how Lorenz was an inspiration to the servicemen; how the writer tried to incorporate some of Lorenz’ finer points, such as his exemplary character and morals, into his philosophy of life. It concluded by stating that in time of war the Army needed men like Lorenz for its officers. Throughout his life that same exemplary ideal has been a part of Lorenz’ character in serving his community and his country.
Helgard Suhr-Hollis
BIO
Helgard Suhr-Hollis was born in Potsdam, Germany. She lived in East-Germany for many years and moved with her family to West-Germany in 1949. She attended school in Düsseldorf (Abitur) and graduated from the Höhere Fachschule (College) in Cologne with a Bachelors in Home Administration.
 
She immigrated with her friend Christel to New Braunfels in October 1962. She fell in love with the town, founded by Germans. In 1963 she married W. Frank Suhr and they had three children: Frank, Brigitte and Monika. Later, her second marriage was to Dr. Patrick Hollis in 1996 and she has two stepchildren, Shawn and Erin.
 
Helgard stated to volunteer at Seele Elementary school, was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years and worked with her son’s Boy Scout troop for 8 years. She is a co-founder of the German American Society and the Marsch- und Wandergruppe and was president of both organizations for many years. She organized 22 concerts for German Choirs, bands, artists and folk-dance groups. She is a member of the German American Heritage Society of Washington, DC, and officer of the NB Partnership Committee, a charter member of the NB Heritage Society and docent there for more than 25 years. Helgard is a life member of the Sophienburg Museum and she has volunteered at its Archives for 20 years. She is a long-time member of the NB Conservation Society and was in charge of the two fund drives. She has been a member of the NB Rotary Club for 20 years, serving as president in 2007-2008, and for 14 years was chair of the International Lane. She went on Rotary mission trips to Guatemala and Mexico. Helgard is a Life member of the Chamber of Commerce, a Blue Coat for 24 years and was Blue Coat of the Year 7 times. She organized a city-wide effort to get 1,200 chairs for the Civic Center and raised more than $18,000 for the chair campaign. Helgard was on the committee to raise $200,000 to remodel the City Gazebo and helped raise funds for the Prince Solms Statue at the Civic Center. Her hobbies are traveling, walking, reading and being a volunteer.
 
Helgard received the Order of Merit from the President of Germany and the German American Friendship Award from the German Ambassador. From the Chamber of Commerce, she received the Besserung Award, the President’s Award and her picture is in Honors Hall. She received the Silver Unicorn Award for the New Braunfels ISD and the Builder Award from the New Braunfels Masonic Lodge.
Fred Willard
BIO
​When I look back on my life, it is so clear to see how the Sovereignty of God led me to New Braunfels. Toward the end of my military service in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, my attention was focused on choosing a place in Texas to live and practice dentistry. Although I did not have New Braunfels specifically in mind, like so many others I liked central Texas. I remembered Dr. Vernon Cook who practiced in San Marcos; when I called him, he told me about Dr. Roger Bolton’s practice on Dittlinger Street in New Braunfels being for sale. Had I been looking at New Braunfels a year earlier, I could not have chosen it as Drs. Don Bedford and Carroll Shelton had both recently opened practices. When I arrived in New Braunfels, there were seven general dentists practicing in a town of 14,000 people. They were Drs. Bedford, Bielstein, Browning, Fischer, Lewis, Sacco and Shelton. We had three dental specialists: Dr. J.D. Larkin, Prosthodontics, and Drs. O.A. Stratemann and Nelson D. Kahler, Orthodontics. Having grown up in Giddings, a small town ninety miles from here with a strong German influence, the German heritage here was a comfortable fit. I opened my practice on March 1, 1965, in Comal Town as that area surrounding the hospital was called. In October 1967 I was the first tenant in the Landa Professional Center at 457 Landa Street. In 2000 I sold my practice to Dr. Horacio Lucero with whom I still work at Mission Hill Dental on Hwy. 46 West and Big Oak. I have never regretted moving to New Braunfels. I love the people; I love the place.
 
In fact, we have been so very blessed to live and work and raise our two sons in New Braunfels. I am glad to tell others that I live in the “Beauty Spot of Texas” as an original license plate frame on my Model “A” Ford proclaims. Evidently our forefathers were proud to use that slogan back in the 1930’s and 40’s.
 
Because I live in New Braunfels and derive my livelihood from the people here, I have always believed that I should give back to my community. My wife often states that I am the only person she knows who feels he needs to pay for the space he occupies on Earth. I am keenly aware that there are others in my profession who have felt the same and who deserve this honor more than I do. I am convinced that Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” is ingrained in my being and really should be in each of us who lives and works in a special community. We cannot all accomplish the same things, but we can all do a small part to make life better.
 
In closing, besides dentistry, I would imagine locals will remember me for singing in community choirs and barbershop quartets and choruses. Some might associate me with old and special interest automobiles. If I were to choose the two major accomplishments in which I have been involved, one would be the planting of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA). The other is the founding of the New Braunfels Area Car Club Swap Meet and Car Show. In both, the Lord gave me the vision, but I know neither of these endeavors would have grown and prospered without His leading. I give Him all the glory for two totally unrelated and unequal activities, one of a totally spiritual nature and the other purely secular. What a wonderful life I have had!
2011 LIVING LEGENDS
Bud Dallman
William Louis Schumann
2010 LIVING LEGENDS
Janelle Berger
Milton Kaderli
Bobbie Purdum
2008 LIVING LEGENDS
Arno Becker
Roxolin Krueger
Jack Ohlrich
2006 LIVING LEGENDS
Wib Amacher
Carroll Hoffmann
Herb Skoog
2004 LIVING LEGENDS
Linden Anderson
Joe Rogers
Merritt Schumann
2002 LIVING LEGENDS
Tom Burrus
S.D. David, Jr.
Doyle Krueger
2001 LIVING LEGENDS
Elliot Knox
Tom Purdum
Stanley Woodward
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