Gilbert Milton Senkel

Gilbert Milton Senkel of Leander, Texas died peacefully on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 with family at his bedside. He was born September 22, 1935 in Taylor, Texas. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Austin.

Gilbert retired from the City of Austin Fire Department in 1996 after 20 years of service. He was recognized for distinguished service several times during his career.

He was also a pecan grower and won numerous awards over the years at the Travis County Pecan Shows. He loved to garden and shared his “bountiful” crops of vegetables and pecans with family and friends.

He was a wonderful craftsman and master carpenter. He could build and fix anything and everything. His favorite hobby in the last several years was custom cars. He built two custom cars and exhibited them at many shows as a member of Lake Area Rods and Classics.

Gilbert was part of Shady Pines Supper Club, a group of dear friends who got together monthly at a favorite restaurant to share stories and friendship.

He loved the outdoors, and made numerous trips to Colorado and other states backpacking with his brother Clarence as well as friends. He loved wildlife and he took care of many native birds as well as deer on his property. His pet Yorkie “Killer” was much comfort to him after the passing of his wife, Angie in 2002.

He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband and brother. He had many friends, too many to list here, and everyone remembers him for his kindness and down to earth nature. He was always there to help family and friends in need and he loved them dearly.

Mr. Senkel is predeceased by his beloved wife Angie Senkel, his sister Frances Hawley, his father Albert Senkel and his mother Mabel Rydell Senkel. He is survived by his daughters Cheryl Schoeneman (David), Rhonda Senkel, and Karen Morris (Alan); three grandchildren Christina Mistry (Daraius), Lauren Allen (Zachary), and Taylor Morris; two great-grandchildren Ava Mistry and Ethan Mistry; his sister Dorothy Stevens (Edgar); his brother Clarence Senkel (Martha); and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Seton Cardiac Care and St. David’s Rehab Hospital as well as St. David’s ICU staff for their excellent care and compassion during his final days. The family would also like to thank those whose friendships were such a blessing to him.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow Ave. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Due to his love for his church, the outdoors and wildlife, donations may be made in his memory to the following respectively: Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757; the National Audubon Society; or any wildlife conservation fund.

Psalms 84:3-4

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young,

a place near your altar,

O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you.