Jo Ann Kothe

1933 - 2025

Mrs. Kenneth K. Kothe, nee JoAnn Mandry of Fredericksburg, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 91 years.

JoAnn Mandry was born on July 29, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas to George P. and Clara Johana Heubaum Mandry.

JoAnn was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, working for Kelly Air Force Base after graduating high school. She met the love of her life, Kenneth, during a Paul Jones dance in Bandera. On November 5, 1960, she and Kenneth were married in San Antonio and she spent the next 63 years loving every minute with him before he passed in 2024.

After marrying, she moved to the Kothe Ranch in Fredericksburg where she soon found ranch life was quite different from city life! She was chased by roosters, bottle fed sheep and goats, helped put out feed and all other things associated with ranch life. Over the last 20 years, she enjoyed building a herd of trophy whitetail bucks. However, her pride and joy was the group of Elk that Kenneth bought for her.

JoAnn and Kenneth were partners in work as well as life. After a few years of marriage, she and Kenneth owned Behrends Garage and then moved into the hospitality business. They started with the Sunday House Inn & Restaurant and went on to build other hotels locally, including the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express and various others throughout Kerrville and West Texas.

JoAnn was a business woman, a community supporter, but most importantly, a loving wife and mother. She was the backbone of the family, giving support and guidance to all. She raised a daughter and son and welcomed six grandchildren. Her love for her family was always first.

As a proud member of the Fredericksburg community, JoAnn cared deeply about preserving its history. She and Kenneth donated one of the limestone buildings at the Pioneer Museum in 2005 from the Sunday House Inn property. She was also a big supporter of the Texas Rangers Association and the Hill Country University Center.

Mrs. JoAnn Kothe is survived by a daughter and spouse:

Karen and Todd Enderlin of Plano

Six Grandchildren: Ethan Enderlin, Evan Enderlin, Everson Enderlin, Cameron Kothe, Rhyse Kothe and Reyn Kothe, numerous nieces and nephews

Mrs. JoAnn Kothe is preceded in death by her parents: George P. Mandry and Clara Heubaum Mandry; husband, Kenneth K. Kothe; son, Craig Allen Kothe; siblings: Arthur Mandry, Mildred Mandry Lee, Geraldine Mandry Spence, Clarice Mandry Goff, Malcolm Mandry, Marilyn Mandry Smith, George Mandry and Horace Fred Mandry.

Visitation for Mrs. JoAnn Kothe was held on Sunday, March 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the chapel of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg.

Visitation was also held on Monday, March 3, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church with Funeral Services at 1 p.m. with the Rev. David Priem officiating.

Graveside services and interment followed in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Stevie Kothe, Arthur Mandry, Fred Mandry, Ethan Enderlin, Evan Enderlin and Everson Enderlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in her memory to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.schaetter.com