Denis Ferdinand Tschirhart of Castroville passed away onFebruary3, 2017in Castroville at the age of 91 years.
“Today heaven gained a beautiful soul. My grandpa is now free of pain and is dancing with Jesus, his Mommy and Daddy and many other family and friends that have gone before him. He was a Godly man and would always tell me how he couldn’t wait to go to heaven. He said my time here must not be up yet. Well today he got his wish! I will cherish all of the memories of us at the ranch, making tamales and working cows. I love you so much Grandpa and will miss you terribly! Until we meet again fly high!”
Denis was born December20, 1925 in Castroville.Hewas born to Ferdinand Albert Tschirhart and Cecelia Veronica Ahr Tschirhart. In 1941 Denis graduated from St. Louis High School. He joined the Navy and was a World War II veteran, serving from 1942 to 1944. Denis was one of the many men from Castroville that were civil service employees at Kelly AFB. He worked there for 25 years. He retired from Kelly AFB in 1971, shortly after his first wife passed away. After retirement Denis moved to his ranch and enjoyed raising cattle and riding his 4-wheeler. In February of 1984 he married Lorraine Yarbrough and they lived at the ranch together for many years. After suffering a heart attack and a stroke he moved into his parents’ home in Castroville to be closer to medical care. When his health continued to decline he moved into the nursing home in Castroville. At one time Denis was a Castroville City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Cecelia Tschirhart; his wife, Mary Dee Bendele Tschirhart in 1969; infant sister, Medard Tschirhart; sister, Dorothy (Joseph) Lindsey and brother, Marvin Ahr Tschirhart.
Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Yarbrough Tschirhart of Castroville; son and daughter-in-law, Ferd G. and Margaret Tschirhart of Castroville; grandchildren, Jennifer Graves, Brian (Jill) Tschirhart and Melissa (Aaron) Gannaway; great-grandchildren, Christian and Trinity Keener, Garrett and Hailey Tschirhart, Holly, Lacey and Carson Gannaway; sister, Maxine M. (Gilbert) Friesenhahn of Castroville; sister-in-law, Pat Schirhart of San Antonio; stepchildren, Deborah Cunningham, LeRoy Caldwell and Mary Hamer; step-grandchildren, Joshua, Rebecca, Bobby, Amanda and Lauren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation was Monday, February 6, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection was Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Denis’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.