Leona Flora Beckerman Prause was born March 3, 1923 to Lydia (Blank) Beckerman and Emil Eilert Beckermann in Yoakum. Leona married Gilbert E. Prause on Aug. 25, 1940 and enjoyed being together until Feb. 21, 2005.
She experienced the struggles of the Great Depression and was the proud wife of an Army soldier during World War II. She often spoke of their early life together and how she missed “Papa” while he was gone to war. They lived a short time in Cibolo, Texas after the War, but then soon moved back to Yoakum to start their own farm and ranch. Mom enjoyed the outdoors working in the fields but always found time to raise a garden full of vegetables. She enjoyed the beauty of flowers and the singing of birds. She was an excellent cook and was an outstanding seamstress. She enjoyed life and family and always focused on the positive things in life. After raising her own children, she was quick to lovingly answer to the name of “Nannie”, as grandchildren were welcomed into her life.
As time passed she smiled with excitement as great-grandchildren were born and she proudly held them so close. She enjoyed the excitement of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas along with all the good food that came along with the occasion. She realized that the years were passing by, but believed strongly in her faith in God and always ready to face another day. She enjoyed each visit from family and friends, and she would always have a fresh homemade cookie or a piece of chocolate candy to share when visitors came.
We are thankful for the many memories that we have of “Nannie” and the guidance that she provided throughout many wonderful years. She will be dearly missed by all who live and respected her for the kindness she shared.
Survivors are daughter, Jeannette (Jeanie) Knezek (Ernest); sons, Leslie Prause (Gay) and Donald Prause (Marjorie Petru); grandchildren, Robert Knezek (Kathy Gardner), Karen Garrett (Jack Garrett), Brian Knezek (Abbie Hahn), Lorna Herman (Robert Herman), Scott Prause (Aimee Prause), Kevin Prause (Valerie Coronado) and Michelle Alvarez (Daniel Alvarez); great-grandchildren, Emily Gardner, Kailee Knezek, Kelly Garrett, Cody Garrett, Kinley Knezek, Kaci Herman, Ashley Prause, Brett Prause, Aiden Alvarez and Maryn Alvarez.
Preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Gilbert Edmund Prause; sister, Erna Beckerman Buesing; two daughters-in-law, Marilyn Eilers Prause and Diane Reeves Prause.
Visitation was 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 11 at Thiele Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Service was 2 p.m., Sunday, June 12 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Pastor Sarah Shanks officiating. Burial followed at Hermann Sons Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Robert Knezek, Brian Knezek, Jack Garrett, Cody Garrett, Scott Prause, Kevin Prause, Robert Herman and Daniel Alvarez.
Honorary Pallbearers were grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Janie Brown and Family of Caretakers.
Memorials may be given to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Donor’s Choice.
Arrangements by Thiele Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.