Adolph Edwin Linke

Adolph E. Linke, age 98, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015. He was born March 20, 1916 in Frelsburg, Colorado County, Texas to the late Louis and Marie Schmidt Linke. He served his country in the U S Army during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Rifleman and Field Lineman with the 314th Infantry Regiment. He was also an Interpreter for the unit, helping interrogate German prisoners and civilians in combat zones. His family was very proud of his service, and he loved to share his military war experiences with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. After returning from WWII, he went to work as a Gauger for Sun Oil Company. He retired after working for over 45 years. He was also a rancher and liked to work his cattle. He enjoyed gardening, and spending his time with his family. He was very special to them and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his sons, Olin (Gola) Linke of Plano and Leonard (Carolyn) Linke of Victoria; daughters, Joys Linke Baird of Carmine and Sue (Joe) Coffey of Bloomington; and brother-inlaw, Otis Shiller of Bloomington. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren: Cecil and Sue Linke Jr. (Kristen and Cecil III), Suzette and John Villarreal (Alexis, Avery, Wyatt), Clint and Stephanie Linke (Austin), Wesley and Marne Baird (Megan, Logan, Dylan), Darrell and Jenny Baird (Emma), Stephanie and Kevin Ward (Landen, Caden), Joe and Tammy Coffey (Katelynn, Kaleb), Shawn and Kevin Little (Haylie, Dawson, Sam, Kate, Dillon), Paul and Christie Linke (Lacey, Kimber, Laurel), Treacie and Travis Smart (Corrie, Savanna, Kyle, Ali, Maddie) and Rachel and Javier Ospina (Claudia, Nicolas). He was preceded in death by parents; wives, Violet Shiller Linke and Regina Beck Linke; daughter, Debbie Corliss; grandson, Ricky Corliss; brothers, Eddie Linke, Charlie Linke, Albert Linke and Leo Linke; sisters, Alma Schultz, Tillie Schultz, Lizzie Lindermann and Lena Buxkemper; and special friend and companion, Bernice Pruitt.

Visitation will be held 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am Monday, January 12, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Barney Matocha and Mr. Donald Angerstein officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by the Victoria Veterans Council will follow at Crescent Valley Cemetery. Service as pallbearers will be Cecil Linke, Clint Linke, John Villarreal, Wesley Baird, Darrell Baird, Joe Coffey, Kevin Ward, Kevin Little, Paul Linke, Travis Smart, and Javier Ospina. The Family would like to extend a special thank you to his cargivers, Estella Fuentes, Elfie Stading, and Dottie Reynolds Nelms (deceased). Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas or Trinity Lutheran Church. Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com