KENNETH WAYNE STUESSEL 1936-2023

Kenneth Wayne Stuessel of Sealy, Texas died June 14, 2023, in Katy at the age of 87.

Kenneth was born May 18, 1936, in Sugar Land to Herbert and Frieda (Krancher) Stuessel. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. In 1955, he graduated from Sealy High School. Kenneth married Doris Hauerland April 4, 1959, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sealy. They remained married for over 55 years until Doris’ death in 2015.

He earned an associate in science degree from Blinn Junior College (Brenham, Texas) in 1957, a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College, now known as Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Texas), in 1959 and a Master of Education from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1963.

Kenneth was employed as a part time longshoreman in Houston, Texas while attending college. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for eight years.

He was a teacher and counselor for 25 years. He began his teaching career in Pasadena ISD at Parks Glen Elementary, South Houston Junior High School, and Sam Rayburn High School. He then served as Executive Director of Boys Harbor in La Porte, Texas for 5 years. He went back to teaching for 2 years at J. Frank Dobie High School (Houston, Texas). After teaching at J. Frank Dobie High School, he served as Ranch Manager of the Rocking S Ranch in Burton, Texas for 5 years. He once again returned to teaching at Brenham High School for three years and Burton High School for 1 year. He moved back to Sealy, Texas and began teaching at Katy ISD’s OAC for 8 years and served as classroom teacher and guidance counselor at Mayde Creek Junior High in Katy ISD for five years.

While teaching at Katy ISD, Kenneth began working part time driving 18-wheelers for Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, Texas. After retiring from Education in 1993, he continued working at Blue Bell Creameries in a full-time capacity for 12 more years, for a total of 23 years. Upon his retirement from Blue Bell, Kenneth stated that driving a truck was “one of the easiest and pleasant jobs” he held during his work life.

Kenneth was a Lions Club member in Burton and Sealy for over 30 years and served as the Burton Lions Club President. He was also a member of the Optimist Club.

Kenneth is survived by son Eric Stuessel and wife Karen of Sealy; daughter Jennifer Caskey and husband Johnny of Katy; daughter Jenine Stuessel of Katy; grandson Kyle Parrish and wife Amanda of Houston; grandson Kevin Parrish and wife Cherie of Frisco; granddaughters Jessica and Jenna Caskey of Katy; great-grandchildren Elijah, Ruth and Margaret Parrish of Houston; Blakely, Knox, and Blair Parrish of Frisco; sisters-in-law Geraldine Stuessel of Sealy, Billye Hauerland of Burton, Sharon Hauerland of Meridian and numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents Herbert and Frieda Stuessel and brother Aubrey (Mutt) Stuessel.

Kenneth was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and uncle. Throughout his life he wore many different hats and had a great work ethic. He always enjoyed working with his tractors and farm equipment on his properties, along with helping others like mowing the city park with his tractor for years. He always gave his time to share his knowledge and experience with family and others. Kenneth and Doris enjoyed dancing throughout their lives and proudly led wedding marches for family and friends. Later in life, they listened to polka music regularly from their large collection of polka CDs and on TV. Even in his later years of life, Kenneth remained inquisitive, enjoying watching science and nature shows on TV and inspecting his property with help from his family. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sealy Lions Club, P.O. Box 403, Sealy, Texas, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Knesek Family Funeral Chapel-Sealy, 768 4th Street, Sealy. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Knesek Family Funeral Chapel-Sealy, 768 4th Street, Sealy.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapels – Sealy. www.knesekfuneralhome.com