Elmer L. "Bugga" Schmidtzinsky

1942 - 2025

Elmer Louis "Bugga" Schmidtzinsky, of Fredericksburg, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the age of 83 years.

Elmer was born on March 30, 1942 to Louis and Alma (Vogel) Schmidtzinsky at Keidel Hospital in Fredericksburg. He attended Rocky Hill School where he got his nickname. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1960.

After high school, Bugga was eager to serve his country in the Texas Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1966. He then went to work at Mooney Aircraft in Kerrville as a mechanic. Bugga worked for Edgar Keller Construction for over 20 years and after retirement he became a full time farmer/rancher. He took great pride raising quality Angus cattle, sheep, and pecans. He was a proud steward of the land that has been in his family since the mid-1800's.

Elmer married Theresa Henke from Mason on June 24, 1967, in St. Mary's Catholic Church. Together, they had two daughters and one son:

Robin (Scott) Jennings of Danbury, Texas, Cindy Schmidtzinsky of Fredericksburg and Wade (Tessa) Schmidtzinsky of Fredericksburg.

He also has five grandchildren: Jenna Jennings, Briar Schmidtzinsky, Mark Wade Schmidtzinsky, Evelyn Schmidtzinsky, and Marlee Schmidtzinsky. He has one great-grandchild, Hudson Schmidtzinsky.

Elmer is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, as well as his brother, Roy (Marilyn) Schmidtzinsky, of Fredericksburg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brother-in-law, Penn (Mabel) Henke.

Elmer was a man of strong faith. He belonged to St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Joseph's Society.

The family would like to thank Votive Hospice and Knopp Nursing Home for the loving and compassionate care he received the last two months.

Visitation was held for Bugga on Thursday, October 2, from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Schaetter Funeral Home.

Rosary services were held at 5 p.m.

Funeral Mass was held on Friday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Ian Robbins officiating.

Graveside services and interment followed in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Nebgen, Michael Granville, Scott Crenwelge, Darrell Jenschke, Chad Rode and Matt Jepson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund, St. Joseph's Society, Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show Scholarship Fund, or to the charity of your choice.

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

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