Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Requests for Info
Received via Website
Received via Website
2016-11-28
Robert Koenning
robert.koenning@hotmail.com
13007 Turnbridge Trail
Houston, Texas 77065
28one-536-4341
I am looking for information on my grandmother, Lorene Wicker, aka Lorene Wenzel, aka Mrs. Bennie Wenzel. We have her cemetery deed number 6425?, and are trying to determine if this is where her lot is located. She is 98 years old now and living with me in Houston.
The deed states her lot is number 24 in section I.
Please contact me with information.
Robert
*****
2016-11-28
Standard reply to Robert Koenning. Email forwarded to MCHC members and others.
*****
2016-11-29
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker (1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell (2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
*****
2016-11-30
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search.
I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
*****
THE FOLLOWING POSTINGS ARE NOT NECESSARILY IN THE PROPER ORDER:
*****
2016-12-01
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
*****
Jack, I cannot thank you enough for this information. This is extremely helpful for us and I thank you for all the time you took to research, explain, and have information corrected.
When that time does come for her, she will have services at Phillips and Luckey of course, but would they also take care of the contacting anyone at the cemetery for the burial? Nor sure if you know this answer
Robert
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 10:06 PM
To: Robert Koenning
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 7:07 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search. I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 10:34 PM
To: robert.koenning@hotmail.com
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker(1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell(2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
________________________________
Subject: RFI: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel
We rec'd the following request for info via the website.
If you have any information please contact them directly and copy me on
the email.
Thanks
Jerry Caywood
>Robert Koenning
>robert.koenning@hotmail.com
>13007 Turnbridge Trail
>Houston, Texas 77065
>28one-536-4341
>
>I am looking for information on my grandmother, Lorene Wicker, aka Lorene Wenzel, aka Mrs. Bennie Wenzel. We have her cemetery deed number 6425?, and are trying to determine if this is where her lot is located. She is 98 years old now and living with me in Houston.
>
>The deed states her lot is number 24 in section I.
>
>Please contact me with information.
>
>Robert
********
Good morning, Robert.
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoy visiting and making improvements to the cemeteries as I have time.
Yes, Phillips and Luckey is able to handle every aspect of the arrangements. As a matter of fact, Wallace Jones, the owner of P&L, presides over the Rockdale Cemetery Committee which is responsible for coordinating with the City on many issues dealing with Rockdale's three city cemeteries. They are; Oak lawn, the historic Old City Cemetery ( http://www.milamcountyhistoricalcommission.org/cemetery_old_city.php ) and of course the International Order of the Odd Fellows(IOOF).
Robert, it has been the MCHC's pleasure to assist your family.
Sincerely,
Jack Brooks
________________________________
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 2016 7:25 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, I cannot thank you enough for this information. This is extremely helpful for us and I thank you for all the time you took to research, explain, and have information corrected.
When that time does come for her, she will have services at Phillips and Luckey of course, but would they also take care of the contacting anyone at the cemetery for the burial? Nor sure if you know this answer
Robert
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 10:06 PM
To: Robert Koenning
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 7:07 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search. I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 10:34 PM
To: robert.koenning@hotmail.com
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker(1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell(2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
.
Robert Koenning
robert.koenning@hotmail.com
13007 Turnbridge Trail
Houston, Texas 77065
28one-536-4341
I am looking for information on my grandmother, Lorene Wicker, aka Lorene Wenzel, aka Mrs. Bennie Wenzel. We have her cemetery deed number 6425?, and are trying to determine if this is where her lot is located. She is 98 years old now and living with me in Houston.
The deed states her lot is number 24 in section I.
Please contact me with information.
Robert
*****
2016-11-28
Standard reply to Robert Koenning. Email forwarded to MCHC members and others.
*****
2016-11-29
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker (1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell (2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
*****
2016-11-30
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search.
I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
*****
THE FOLLOWING POSTINGS ARE NOT NECESSARILY IN THE PROPER ORDER:
*****
2016-12-01
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
*****
Jack, I cannot thank you enough for this information. This is extremely helpful for us and I thank you for all the time you took to research, explain, and have information corrected.
When that time does come for her, she will have services at Phillips and Luckey of course, but would they also take care of the contacting anyone at the cemetery for the burial? Nor sure if you know this answer
Robert
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 10:06 PM
To: Robert Koenning
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 7:07 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search. I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 10:34 PM
To: robert.koenning@hotmail.com
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker(1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell(2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
________________________________
Subject: RFI: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel
We rec'd the following request for info via the website.
If you have any information please contact them directly and copy me on
the email.
Thanks
Jerry Caywood
>Robert Koenning
>robert.koenning@hotmail.com
>13007 Turnbridge Trail
>Houston, Texas 77065
>28one-536-4341
>
>I am looking for information on my grandmother, Lorene Wicker, aka Lorene Wenzel, aka Mrs. Bennie Wenzel. We have her cemetery deed number 6425?, and are trying to determine if this is where her lot is located. She is 98 years old now and living with me in Houston.
>
>The deed states her lot is number 24 in section I.
>
>Please contact me with information.
>
>Robert
********
Good morning, Robert.
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoy visiting and making improvements to the cemeteries as I have time.
Yes, Phillips and Luckey is able to handle every aspect of the arrangements. As a matter of fact, Wallace Jones, the owner of P&L, presides over the Rockdale Cemetery Committee which is responsible for coordinating with the City on many issues dealing with Rockdale's three city cemeteries. They are; Oak lawn, the historic Old City Cemetery ( http://www.milamcountyhistoricalcommission.org/cemetery_old_city.php ) and of course the International Order of the Odd Fellows(IOOF).
Robert, it has been the MCHC's pleasure to assist your family.
Sincerely,
Jack Brooks
________________________________
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 2016 7:25 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, I cannot thank you enough for this information. This is extremely helpful for us and I thank you for all the time you took to research, explain, and have information corrected.
When that time does come for her, she will have services at Phillips and Luckey of course, but would they also take care of the contacting anyone at the cemetery for the burial? Nor sure if you know this answer
Robert
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 10:06 PM
To: Robert Koenning
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Hi, Robert.
I visited Rockdale City Hall this morning and spoke with Ms. Sandra Ellis regarding your deed and plot assignment. The 4-5 person plot, depending on how closely the individuals are interred, is 25 ft. wide. The site is recorded in the name of the person purchasing the same. In this case, Ms. Lorena made that purchase(see attachment #1). According to Sandra, the deeds are no longer assigned numbers, like yours, but are tracked by purchaser and/ or the plot location in the cemetery. Therefore, the information that you need is; Mrs. Lorena Wenzel, Section I-4-4.
Lot number 24 in Section 1 is incorrect. Now, back to the Section I-4-4, the first 4 is the fourth 25' plot in that row and the second 4 is the 4th particular location of a individual interment counting from the left of that overall plot.
If you're still scratching your head, I understand. Ok, now I'll lay your plot out for you where I believe that it will make sense. We're now at plot I-4 and in the first interment location on the left side of the plot is Nora Glass, Dec. 1, 1907- Sept.12, 1985(I-4-1). Next is Walter Glass, Oct. 25. 1901-July 11, 1981(I-4-2). See headstone attachment # 2 for preceding interments. Next is Bennie W. Wenzel, May 3, 1909-June 14, 1965(I-4-3). Next is Lorena A. Wenzel, May 22, 1918- (I-4-4). See attachment # 3. Overall plot view attachment # 4. There is one remaining vacant unassigned interment location in the plot at the extreme right(I-4-5).
Attachment # 5 Google Earth view of IOOF Cemetery(left in landscape for more detail). Attachment # 6 rather crude courtesy map of cemetery.
There was one discrepancy where Walter Glass was double posted in both I-4-2 and also I-4-4(Ms. Lorena's slot) in city hall's cemetery record book. After a field visit to the cemetery, I returned to city hall and Sandra corrected that error for me. I also visited Phillips and Luckey Funeral home and asked Ms. Gracile to correct their Xerox copy of the same records, which she did. It should now be smooth sailing should your family need those two plots in the future.
Best regards,
Jack Brooks
From: Robert Koenning <Robert.Koenning@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 7:07 AM
To: John Brooks
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Jack, sorry for the confusion. The cemetery is the I.O.O.F. in Rockdale that I am referring to. She calls it the city cemetery.
She has not passed yet, and hopefully has quite a few more years with us, but yes, she was born in 1918 and was married to Bennie Wenzel. I am most certain this is the plot she is talking about. I am just trying to be pro-active in case that time comes sooner than later for her to be buried. I certainly want to thank you and all involved in the search. I look forward to more info that you find.
Sincerely,
Robert Koenning
________________________________
From: John Brooks <bjohnr2010@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 10:34 PM
To: robert.koenning@hotmail.com
Cc: Jerry Caywood
Subject: Re: Lorene Wicker/Wenzel Cemetery Deed/ Cemetery Location
Mr. Koenning.
Your inquiry made no mention of a cemetery name, but I believed that it is one of our larger Milam County City Cemeteries. I researched our local reference; 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas by Norinne Holman. I found 19 Wenzel's interred in the Bushdale Cemetery and two Wenzel's, two Wenzell's and a Martha Wicker(1892-1961) in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale. I then realized that Bennie W. Wenzell(2@ L's) (1909-1965) h/o Lorene A. was interred in IOOF. Lorene A. showed an incomplete inscription (1918- ). 98 years of age was certainly the final check that I needed.
I then went to the Find a Grave website and found a discrepancy in our reference, since the joint headstone photo only had one "L" in Wenzel, as you had written. After the ten's of thousands of headstones and death certificates that Ms. Holman inventoried, I'll certainly give her a pass for tacking-on an extra "L".
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wenzel&GSiman=1&GScid=1248286&GRid=138357596&
I hope to visit Rockdale City Hall, Thursday, to verify the cemetery plat map and a following field visit to the cemetery to confirm that Section I and plot 24 is correct. If the small courtesy map is still available, I'll mark the site, scan it and send it to you as well.
Respectfully,
Jack Brooks
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