George William Mollenkopf

George William Mollenkopf passed to his eternal glory, after several years of heart issues, at the age of 88 on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Gainesville Pecan Tree Rehab & Healthcare. He was born July 4, 1934 in Windthorst, Texas to George Albert and Elizabeth Steinberger Mollenkopf, the oldest of four children. The family moved from Cisco to Muenster in 1941. The big two story white house on 6th street was moved in from Marysville and became their home. George and his wife Leoba graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1952. They, along with their brother-in-law Ronnie Herr, were honored as 70 year alumni last fall at the Homecoming Game.. George married his high school sweetheart, Leoba Henscheid, on May 18, 1953 celebrating 70 blessed years of marriage last month. They had seven children, including five daughters and two sons, eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He began his 44.5 year working career in the oilfield at an early age with his father. George was evening tour 3-11P.M. driller on rigs of Felderhoff Brothers Drilling Company and for sixteen years from midnight-8A.M. he worked as a pumper for Sohio Oil Company south of Muenster. Working two jobs he missed many family gatherings but we knew he was with us in spirit. George was a loving father and instilled a great work ethic in his family, and provided them with a Catholic education and upbringing. The children remember going to church and dad having his donation envelope sticking out of his shirt pocket for “Pew Rent” as he called it. George and Leoba were faithful attendees of the Mother of Perpetual Help novenas and in later years followed along on the TV. Although a man of few words, he was quite comical and enjoyed being with the family. Our home was full of agape LOVE and always a plentiful table of food. It seemed like “Grand Central Station” at times with people coming and going sometimes even staying for awhile but always checking the pantry for mom’s fabulous homemade cinnamon rolls. In his leisure time he liked to hunt and fish. He was a proud fan of the children and grandchildren in all sports attending as many games as possible. He was so thrilled when Coach Monte Endres suggested that grandson Zach wear his football number 45 in high school which he continued into college. George was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching westerns on TV. On many occasions, the kids were loaded in the station wagon and taken to the Gainesville Hi Ho Drive In to watch a John Wayne movie. George is survived by his wife Leoba, daughters Cheryl and LeAnn Mollenkopf of Muenster, Vicki Scott of Shady Shores, Tina (Ronnie)Weinzapfel of Muenster, son Kirk (Sharon) Mollenkopf of Round Rock, son Hal (Cindy) Mollenkopf of Weatherford, and daughter Jill Swirczynski of Muenster Grandchildren are Amanda (Justin) Klement, Christina (Scott) Ward, Tara (Ray) Zielinski, Carson(Kim) Penepacker, Hillary (Brandon) McEarchern, Kit Mollenkopf, Michael (Lauren) Weinzapfel, Elizabeth (Aaron) Davis, Kierstin Mollenkopf Davis and Kessie Mollenkopf. Great-grandchildren include Olivia Ward, Logan McEarchern, Vivian Klement, Max Zielinski, Ayden Davis, Reed McEarchern, Grayson Mollenkopf, Rhett Zielinski, Mia Weinzapfel, and Elijah Penepacker. He is also survived by one brother, Howard (Ruthie Endres) Mollenkopf of Vancouver, WA, brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie (Alma Henscheid) Herr of Gainesville, sisters-in-law, Regina Henscheid Pels and Carol Miller Henscheid of Muenster, as well as many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents George and Elizabeth, father and mother-in-law Albert and Dora Henscheid, sons-in-law Joe Scott and Dale Swirczynski, Grandson Zachary Swirczynski, brother James and wife Bernice Mollenkopf, Sister Joaline and brother-in-law Virgil Henscheid, brothers and sisters-in-law Ed and Clara Endres, Carl (Boobie) and Rosalie Schilling, Herbie and Dolores Miller, Henry (Curly) Pels and Ervin (Red) Henscheid. Vigil and rosary were held 6:30pm Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic church and led by George’s nephew Deacon Gary Endres. Christy Hesse, Grace and Emily White vocalists, daughter, Tina Weinzapfel, trumpet and Jonathon Toni pianist performed “On Eagles Wings”. Hal Mollenkopf read the eulogy. Mass of Christian burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic church 10:0am Friday, June 30, 2023 presided by Rev. Joe Keating and Deacon Gary Endres. Readings were by Carla Swinggi and Sandy Metzler. Music selections by the above mentioned group included “Be Not Afraid”, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”, “Only in God”, “I am the Bread of Life”, “Ave Maria”, “Song of the Angels” and “How Great Thou Art”. George’s cremains were placed at Sacred Heart Cemetery and dinner followed at the KC Hall served by the Catholic Daughters. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Sacred Heart Capital Campaign Fund 212 East 6th Street Muenster, TX 76252 or to Living for Zachary, https://www.livingforzachary.org/, a sudden cardiac arrest awareness organization that provides free screenings to youth ages 12-22. Please mail to PO Box 867671 Plano, TX 75086-7671 George understood the promise that God gave him and has now joined his many loved ones at peace in Heaven. His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things; enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21

George William Mollenkopf

July 4, 1934 - June 20, 2023