Gerald O. Spohnholtz

Family-Placed Obituary

Gerald O. (``Capt.,' ``Sasquash,' ``Papa,') Spohnholtz, 70, passed away Sunday, February 29, in Burnet, TX. Gerald was born September 23, 1933, on a farm in rural Stevens County, MN, the only child of Henry and Helen (Wagner) Spohnholtz. He graduated from Alberta High School in 1951 where he excelled in all sports. He attended and played football at North Dakota State University at Fargo. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and was honorably discharged at Fort Hood, TX in 1956. Jerry married Rita Schuster, his high school sweetheart in 1955. He joined the Austin Texas Police Department in April 1957. As a Sergeant he served as firearms instructor. He was a firing range officer for four years and was an expert marksman. After being promoted to lieutenant, he worked on the street and served as the lieutenant of the jail. He was promoted to captain in the uniform division in 1973. In 1976 he attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Gerald continued to serve as a captain (watch commander) with APD until his retirement in 1986. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Retired Officers Association. Upon retirement he moved to Sunrise Beach, TX, where he loved his lake house and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Lake LBJ. He served as a lieutenant in the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department for five years and was responsible for a fire truck with a crew. He also served as the fire department's board president from 1989-1993. He adored his two grandchildren and was a skilled fisherman and hunter. As a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Sunrise Beach, he was active in church activities. He loved to watch western movies and spend time with his best friend, Ernie Hinkle. He was a skilled handyman and could repair anything. Survivors include Rita, his wife of 49 years; two daughters, Jan Herbst of Waco, TX, and Lisa Smith and her husband, Dr. Ted Smith of Waco, TX; two grandchildren, Nicole and Ryan Smith, who will miss their Papa greatly; along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Putnam Funeral Home in Kingsland. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Sunrise Beach at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2004. A private family interment will be in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, Burnet, TX. Memorials may be made to the Retired Police Officers Association of the Austin Police Department or to the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are made by Putnam Funeral Home, 145 Texas Avenue, Kingsland, TX, 325-388-0008.