George L. Berckenhoff of Sealy passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the age of 87. George was born on May 30, 1935 in Mouton, Texas to Liberat “Lee” and Lillie Berckenhoff, (nee Svetlik). He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic and Baursville Public Schools before entering the US Army in 1957. While serving in the Army, he was stationed in Poitiers, France where he managed supplies, trucking, and warehouse inventory logistics. Upon honorable discharge from military service, George moved to Houston and began working at JMH Grocery in Bellaire. Shortly thereafter, in October 1959, he went to work for Houston Coca-Cola & Bottling Company as a route delivery driver. It was during this time that he met his wife of more than 58 years, Lorene Berckenhoff (nee Mazac), at The Bill Mraz Ballroom in

Houston. George and Lorene were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy on August 22, 1964.

George’s career with Coca-Cola spanned 33 1/2 years until his retirement on April 30, 1993. He retired from Coca-Cola as the Brittmoore Area Cold Drink Supervisor. His loyalty for the Coca-Cola brand ran strong and deep and he refused to ever drink a Pepsi or Dr. Pepper product. After his retirement from Coca-Cola, he found a second career ranching for the Frank Koy Family Ranch in Sealy, where for more than 25 years he tended to their cattle, shredded and fertilized the pastures, and any other necessary tractor work. This second career was more of a hobby as he truly enjoyed spending time with “Mr. Frank” and Terry Koy discussing the buying/selling of cattle, the hay fields, and the constant need “for more rain”.

In 1985, George joined the San Felipe-Frydek Volunteer Fire Department where he served as treasurer for 35 years until his retirement in 2020. He looked forward to attending the monthly meetings and keeping the department’s books and records. George was also an active member of the Sealy American Legion Post 442 and Sealy Knights of Columbus Council 3313. He and Lorene were members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where they attended mass weekly; however, most fellow parishioners will best remember them for their volunteer efforts each fall when they would cook the BBQ sauce for the annual Church Bazaar.

George’s love for dominos and taking care of his cattle and pastures occupied much of his time. However, he always found time to listen to “Polka Time” from 8 till 10 each morning on El Campo’s KULP radio station. The highlight of which was listening to the “trading post” and “cattle markets report” segments. His afternoons were often filled by watching re-runs of Mollie B and/or the Big Joe Polka Shows on RFD-TV. Evenings had the television tuned to news and then “the ball game” which usually meant the Texas Rangers or Houston Astros.

George is preceded in death by his father and mother, Liberat “Lee” and Lillie Berckenhoff and younger brother Leroy Berckenhoff. He is survived by his wife of more than 58 years, Lorene Berckenhoff (nee Mazac); their two sons and their wives, Stephen and Tina Berckenhoff of Katy and Mike and Tami Berckenhoff of Spring. Five grandchildren; Holly Berckenhoff of Virginia Beach, Virginia, James Berckenhoff (wife Caylee) of Katy, Brian Berckenhoff (wife Kelsey) of Katy, Wyatt Berckenhoff of Nacogdoches and Colton Berckenhoff of College Station and one greatgrandson, Caden Berckenhoff of Katy. George’s surviving siblings are brother Robert (wife Annie Mae) Berckenhoff of Moulton, sister Edith Rerich of Weimar, sister Vickie (husband Jim) Netardus of Shiner, and brother Pete (wife Jerilene) of Sealy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Sealy, The San Felipe-Frydek Volunteer Fire Department, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the entire Immaculate Conception Church’s parish family, the Knights of Columbus, and KJZT fraternal organizations for their prayers and mass intentions. An additional expression of gratitude for Dr. Sherman (MD Anderson), Dr. Mammen (Memorial Herman), Dr. DeLeon as well as Hospice and Ms. Glenda for their compassionate care. Lastly, George’s family thanks all of you for your love, support, thoughts, and continued prayers.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Brothers Funeral Home with visitation at 5 pm followed by rosary at 7pm Thursday November 10. Followed by Funeral Mass at 1pm Friday November 11. Location Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Sealy, Texas.