Viola Hartensteiner

Viola (Genzer) Hartensteiner, age 92, of Schulenburg, Texas, passed away peacefully December 9, 2024, from complications of pneumonia. She was born December 31, 1931, to Joe Genzer and Rosie Rerich Genzer, in Holman, Texas.  She moved to Houston in 1951 and bought her first home at age 19 in the Spring Branch area.

Viola met her husband, Herman, upon his return from the Korean War and they were married in 1953 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston.  They subsequently formed Hartensteiner Construction Company, where Viola managed the office work while Herman oversaw field operations.  After raising their five children in Houston, they purchased their retirement farm in Schulenburg and permanently moved from Houston to Schulenburg in 1982.   

Following their move to Schulenburg, Viola stayed busy with a variety of tasks.  You might find her canning pickles, frying chicken or working on her favorite sewing project.   No matter the activity, her Catholic faith and family were always prioritized.  The Hartensteiner house was always open to guests, where Viola could assemble a large meal in a matter of minutes. 

Viola is survived by her daughters--Carol Rektorik and husband, Gary of Schulenburg, Kathy Pyka and husband, Greg of Dripping Springs; son--Mike Hartensteiner and wife, Jan of Cypress, daughter-in-law--Wanda Hartensteiner of Richmond; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 1 step-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Hartensteiner; sons, Steve and Donald; parents; and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. from the church, with the parish rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. by CDA Sisters.  Entombment will follow in the St. Rose Catholic Cemetery.

A special thanks to the caregivers of Brookdale Beckett Meadows in Austin where Viola resided over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.