VIOLA DOENGES

1921 - 2021

Things were not looking good on April 18, 1921, in Hallettsville, Texas, when the first child of Joseph E. and Agnes Kolos was born. After a difficult at-home delivery, the doctor and caring neighbors cautioned the young Czech immigrant couple not to expect their infant to live beyond a few days. One hundred years, six months, and three days later, three subsequent generations gather to celebrate the remarkable life of Viola K. Doenges, who died peacefully on October 21, 2021, in Austin, Texas.

The family moved to Yoakum and welcomed Viola's baby sister, Agnes. The girls attended St. Joseph School. After graduating from St. Joseph's as valedictorian, Viola earned a bachelor's degree in history at the University of Texas, Austin, in 1942. She was secretary of the University Czech Club.

Viola served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. There she met her future husband, Harry L. Doenges, Jr. They were married in February 1946 and settled in Philadelphia, where their five children were born: Joseph, Michael, Susann, David, and Vincent. In 1955, the family moved to Houston and joined Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

A devoted wife and mother, Viola was the heart of the family. Her abundant kindness extended to friends and neighbors. She gathered discarded produce from the grocery store to give to needy families. She never met anyone whose life story she didn't want to know. Viola enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles, and the beauty of nature. She read extensively and corresponded with others. She volunteered at the public library, where she rescued books otherwise destined for destruction.

Harry and Viola moved to Austin in 1999. After Harry died, Viola lived with her children in Austin, Georgetown, and San Antonio.

Although her memory declined, Viola never lost her positive attitude and sweet disposition. Whenever asked how she was, her stock answer was: "couldn't be better."

Viola is survived by her five children and their spouses: Joe and Martha Doenges, Mike and Carol Doenges, Susie and Randy Russell, David and Soumaya Doenges, and Vincent Doenges; and her sister, Agnes K. Perry. Her grandchildren are Josef (wife Melissa) Doenges, Karl Doenges, Elizabeth Doenges, Mary Doenges, Curtis Doenges, David Russell, and Harry D. Doenges. Her great-grandchildren are Gregor Doenges, Marielle Doenges, Anna Lisa Doenges, and Christina Doenges, of Tampa, and Maximilian Doenges, Wilhelm Doenges, and Wolfgang Doenges, of Georgetown.

The family is grateful to Viola's longtime primary care physician, Dr. David G. Joseph, and his staff, as well as other providers, who kept Viola healthy through the years. They also thank AGE of Central Texas and Hospice Austin for their compassionate support.

A Rosary and Mass will start at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 27, at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240. The service will be livestreamed.

Burial to follow at Boerne Cemetery.

Arrangements by Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. Words of comfort may be shared at www.holtfh.com.