Virginia Ruth Rothermel

Virginia Ruth Kneschke Rothermel, age 91, departed this earthly life and entered her Heavenly home on January 24, 2024.

The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday February 6th at 11am at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Donna Krueger officiating. Rite of Christian burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be on February 5th from 4:00 - 6:00pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Virginia was born in Brenham, Texas to Fritz and Elsie Linnemann Kneschke on March 4, 1932. She was baptized on November 20, 1932 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brenham and confirmed in the same church on March 20, 1947 by Rev. Theo. R. Streng. On December 2, 1950, Virginia was united in marriage to Bryan Rothermel at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brenham by Rev. Theo. R. Streng.

Virginia proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord, Savior, and Redeemer at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brenham. She served on the Altar Guild preparing Communion and as sponsor for the acolytes. Virginia kept the church and communion records for several years and served as a member of the Messenger Newsletter Assembly Committee for over 30 years. She faithfully attended adult Bible study for over 50 years.

Virginia was a graduate of Brenham High School. She was elected as a cheerleader in her Junior and Senior years when there were only four cheerleaders.

She was an avid bowler for many years, bowling on the same League team for over 30 years. Virginia won the 1st place trophy in the Annual Benefit Bowling Tournament in 1977. Bryan & Virginia enjoyed playing 42 dominos with family and friends and hunting and fishing at Flag Pond.

She served as a leader in Cub Scout Pack 742 and the Webelos Scouts sponsored by St. Paul's. She also worked with the Goodfellows on the interviewing committee and calling committee. Virginia was a faithful blood and plasma donor at church for those that had a special need.

Virginia was the usher at the Simon Theatre during the 1940s. It was there that she met Bryan who was the projectionist. Later they began dating and were married in December 1950. They were blessed to celebrate 72 anniversaries together.

Virginia enjoyed traveling with Bryan, including cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, and the Danube River. She traveled to Europe many times to England, Germany and France. It was special to witness the Passion Play of Jesus Christ at Oberammergau in Bavaria, West Germany on the Luther Tour.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Bryan Rothermel; her parents Fritz Sr. and Elsie Kneschke; sister Evelyn Roark; brothers Harry, Fritz Jr. and August Kneschke.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law Gary and Beth Rothermel of Brenham; Michael and Andrea Rothermel of Bend, Oregon; David and Paulina Rothermel of Rome, Italy. Grandchildren Rachel and Phillip Rogers of Austin; Sarah and Kevin Teeter of Goshen, Kentucky; Stephen Rothermel and Micah Nethery of Austin; Samantha Rothermel of Waco; Ryan Rothermel of Bend, Oregon; and Jack and Lucia Rothermel of Rome, Italy. Great Grandchildren Noah and Winter Rogers and Corinne and William Teeter. Sister and brother-in-law Rosalie and Keith Davis of Winnie and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be JR Allen, Phillip Rogers, David Rothermel, Donnie Rothermel, Stephen Rothermel, and Keven Teeter. All Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will be considered honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 305 W. Third St., Brenham.

Funeral services for Virginia Rothermel are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main Street in Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www. MemorialOaksChapel.com