August Martin Hannemann

April 15, 1927 – March 17, 2020

August Martin Hannemann was called to be with his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2020 at his home in San Antonio, Texas.   He was born on April 15,1927 to Fred and Caecilia Sagebiel Hannemann in Fredericksburg, Texas, the eighth of nine children.  

Having lost his father at a very young age, he quickly learned the value of hard work and community service from his mother and older siblings.   He was active in the family’s paper route delivering papers on bicycles and motorcycles.   He always had a love for Indian motorcycles and had the opportunity to visit an Indian dealership after his 90th birthday.  He also recalled ringing the bell at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg at noon and on special occasions in keeping with German traditions.

Immediately following graduation from high school in Fredericksburg, August joined the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged following the end of World War II.   He was proud of his service with the Marines and to his country.   He then attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin where he met Pauline Gindorf.  He married the love of his life on June 15, 1952 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.  They were blessed with 65 years of marriage, as she preceded him to heaven in 2018.

Following college graduation, August entered the seminary to become a Lutheran minister.   He was proud to continue with his call to serve the Lord and often reflected on his upbringing in Zion Lutheran of his hometown. They moved to Lamesa, Texas where he was an intern at the Lutheran Church and Pauline taught and was the church organist.  They then moved to Columbus, Ohio for Auggie to finish his degree at Capital University Lutheran Theological Seminary. After Auggie graduated from seminary they returned to Texas to serve several Lutheran congregations including First American Lutheran in Olney, St. Paul in Baytown, Martin Luther in Carmine, Waldeck Lutheran Church, St. Paul in Hondo, St. Peter’s in Elgin, St. John in Paige and St. Andrew in Paint Creek.  This past fall, he was honored by the Southwest Texas Synod for his 65th Anniversary of ordination in Lutheran ministry.

Auggie’s faith was strong and he took great joy in providing spiritual guidance and wisdom to all he encountered.  Throughout his ministry, he was known for visiting.   Even when retired, he could disappear from the house for hours, whether on his bicycle or in his truck, to go see people in the community.  One of the many things he took great pleasure in was participating in many of the weddings and baptisms of his children and grandchildren.  

His commitment to service was not only to the church but included active participation in the Elgin Meals on Wheels program where he served as the coordinator for many years.  He and Pauline were also active members of AARP, Prime Timers and the German Club in Elgin.  He also drove a school bus route for Elgin ISD which brought back fond memories of driving buses during his college days.  Pauline and Auggie moved to San Antonio in October 2012, where he continued to enjoy his favorite activities of meeting new friends, visiting, riding his bicycle and gardening.  

Auggie is survived by sisters in law:  Estelle Zimmerman of San Antonio and Claribel Hannemann of Fredericksburg.  Children – Stephen and wife, Beth Hannemann of Quihi, Joel and wife Lisa Hannemann of San Antonio, Valerie Richey of Houston, and John and wife, Teresa Hannemann of Bulverde.  Grandchildren – Nicole and husband Jeff Hartman, Julia and husband, Jacob Stone, Hallie and husband, Greg Zellman, Kenton Hannemann, Russell Richey, Grace Hannemann and Silas Hannemann. Great Grand Daughter – Paige Hartman and numerous nieces and nephews.

Auggie was preceded in death by his wife; Pauline, brothers and sisters in law; Raymond Hannemann, Eugene and Margaret Hannemann, Hans and Dorthy Hannemann, Fred and Peggy Hannemann, Waldemar Hannemann, Ernst and Mattie Hannemann and sisters: Anita Hannemann, Cora and Hilmar Dittmar.

Visitation will be Saturday March 21, 2020 from 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. in the Fredericksburg Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00a.m. in the Fredericksburg Funeral Home with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenton Hannemann, Russell Richey, Silas Hannemann, Jeffery Hartman, Jacob Stone, Greg Zellman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made  Zion Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels,  or your charity of choice.