Elda Caroline Federwisch

Elda Caroline Federwisch, age 102, went to be with her Lord in Heaven in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Elda was born Elda Caroline Fenske, in Riesel, Texas, to her parents, Ewald and Ida Fenske, on July 27, 1923.

She was married to Reinhold C. Federwisch at Riesel Lutheran Church on February 12, 1941. At the suggestion of her sister Betty Poppendorf, Reinhold & Elda moved to Manor Lake in West Columbia where he went to work as a grounds keeper and she became a cook, doing what she loved to do. Later, the family moved to Houston, Texas, and managed and operated Berry Courts Motel until it closed. Then they moved to manage and operate Reynolds Motel on Telephone Road, in Houston, Texas, until it was closed. Next, Elda went on to work as a cook at Pasadena hospital until she retired. She lost her husband Reinhold when he passed away in 1983, after 42 years of marriage.

Elda and Reinhold had four children, Cecil Herbert, Carolyn Jean, Reinhold Caeser, Jr., and Janice Gale. They were blessed with eight grandchildren, Paula Kay, Tommy, Kevin, Randy, Glenda Ann, Tim, Caroline and Christine. They were also blessed to have 17 great-grandchildren, and a few great-great grandchildren.

Elda found joy in preparing meals for family and friends, and was delighted in having family get-togethers for holidays or for any occasion. She spent her time keeping her house, working in her garden, flowerbeds, and tending to her loving family and pets. She always enjoyed the moments that her grand-children would spend with her having sleep overs and fun times together.

Elda recently celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by her family and friends, having an ice cream party including her favorite strawberry ice cream.

Elda was preceded in death by her parents, Ewald and Ida Fenske, her siblings, Julius Fenske, Bruno Fenske, Louis Fenske, Betty Poppendorf, Selma Steig, and Herbert Fenske, her husband Reinhold C. Federwisch, her daughter Janice Gale Hardman, her son-in-law, James F. Schiller, and her grandson Tommy Federwisch.

She is survived by her children, Cecil & Susan Federwisch of Houston, Carolyn Schiller of Houston, Reinhold Federwisch, Jr. of Houston, 7 grandchildren, many great and great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at Littlepage Funeral Home, 711 E. Texas Ave., Mart, Tx 76664, with Interment at Riesel Cemetery, Highway 6 at Broadway St., Riesel, Texas, immediately following.