Funerals

Marian K. Breen, 90, Life Partner and Wife to Jack of 70 years, Mother of 8 children, Grandmother of 13 children, and heroine to so many, many more, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Marian lived a full and complete life and hers was truly a life well-lived.

Marian was born in 1931 in Chicago and raised as the oldest child and only girl of the four children of Jim and Florence Killian. She went to St. Joseph Parish School and Mallinckrodt High School in Wilmette. Marian left home and attended Marquette University, where she graduated with a Nursing Degree and R.N. in 1952. It was there she met her love and soul mate Jack, a goofy, gangly, smart engineer in the Navy ROTC and whom, as they say, definitely married way above his pay grade with Marian.

Marian worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee while Jack finished his senior year at Marquette and then they married in 1953. They honeymooned by road tripping in a Studebaker Starlight Coupe across the U.S. to Jack's Navy base in Oxnard California where Marian would work as an R.N. at nearby St. Mary's Hospital. And so began a marriage for the ages. In marriage and life, Marian and Jack were equals and stood shoulder to shoulder. Their marriage was a true partnership, with both equally contributing and sharing in the work, responsibility, success, tears and joy of building a wildly beautiful life and family together.

After California, they moved to Foley, Alabama in December 1953, where Jack was stationed next. Here, Marian and Jack had the first two of their 8 children, developed lifelong friends and their love for Gulf Shores, a site of many return trips and much happiness with their family for years.

In 1956, Marian and Jack moved to Columbia, Missouri where Jack obtained his Masters in Civil Engineering and Marian had children 3 and 4 and expertly ran things at home with little money but a lot of love and survival techniques.

In 1959, they moved to Austin, Texas, where Jack got his Ph.D. and then taught at UT and Marian had children five, six, seven and eight. Marian loved living in Austin, originally living in small rental homes and then moving in 1963 to their current home, the first home ever built in the Westover Hills subdivision. In Austin, Marian set and grew her roots and delivered a tour de force performance as a mother, wife, friend and volunteer. She was a rock and a rock star. While raising the huge family, Marian somehow also found time to make a difference volunteering for and leading many causes. Marian served at the Volunteer Health Clinic as a Nurse one night a week for over 40 years; served as the backbone and continuous Treasurer of the St. Paul Family Guild; served as President of the St. Austin's School PTA; served as President and Treasurer of the Austin Aquatics Club; and served as perpetual crew member for Jack's Thistle sailboat racing, for which there was little pay and fewer victories, but many great times on beautiful Lake Travis, one of her favorite places.

Marian was a person of deep Faith in God and lived her life by the fundamental tenets: Love God; Love your neighbor as yourself; Forgive others who have wronged you; Love your enemies. She was Catholic and a longtime member of St. Austin Catholic Church and all the children attended school there. In her church life and social life, Marian was progressive, highly intelligent, open-minded and independent. If she thought something was wrong or needed to be changed, she said so and acted on it. She questioned, probed, and was never, ever silent about voicing her opinion. Life was not always kind to her, especially as she suffered the loss of two children, but the courage and grace she showed in those times was a testament to her faith and fortitude. Although small in stature, her intellect, goodness and spirit were giant beyond compare.

Marian was an incredible athlete and kept herself in great physical condition. She quit smoking in 1954 after almost catching the house on fire and never looked back. She did aerobics and home exercises years before they became common. She was a member of the UT Women's Bowling League. Marian swam, she played tennis, and she ran, walked and hiked. She picked up pilates late in life. She was an avid sports fan, following anything tennis related and loving the Spurs, the Cubs and Longhorn Volleyball and every single team any of her grandchildren played on. All the way into her 90's, and until the accident in March of 2021 that ultimately claimed her, she maintained her fitness and activities at a level that drew marvel from and gave inspiration to all that knew her.

Marian was a doer, a lifelong learner, read voraciously and loved languages, learning Spanish and German well after college. Marian loved life and loved to see and participate in life, traveling to over 40 countries and literally adventuring in every corner of the world. She flew on a hang glider in Chile, rode a camel at the Great Pyramids, travelled by rickshaw in Bangladesh, swam with sea turtles in Costa Rica, camped through the Rockies, climbed the biggest bridge in Japan, and snorkeled the Barrier Reef, just to name a few. But more than anything, Marian loved her family, the crown jewel of her accomplishments. And she loved them actively, most especially her grandchildren, of whom she was so incredibly proud. As they grew up, Marian gladly and lovingly participated in their daily lives: she taught them; she baked and cooked for them, attended and enjoyed every sporting, musical and religious event, was there at every graduation of every level and challenged them to do and be their best. Marian loved them tirelessly and deeply, and they knew it, felt it and appreciated it, seeing her as an incredible woman and an example of how to live a good life to the very fullest. For that and for Marian, we are eternally grateful.

Marian is survived by her loving Husband, Jack; children, Mary, Michael (and wife Anna Lozano), Dennis (and wife Carol), Sheila Peters (and Husband Ed Peters), Sean (and Wife Roslyn) and Kerry (and Partner Mark); grandchildren, Alyssa, Amy, Brett, Collin, Carol, John, Florencia, Connor, Logan, Ryan, Dillon, Finn and Leighton; her brothers Jim ( and Wife Marge) and Ed Killian and many beautiful nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her daughter, Eileen and son, Christopher; her parents, Jim and Florence Killian; and her brother, Steve.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Marian at St. Austin Catholic Church at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 and also livestreamed. Masks are required please. In lieu of a reception, the Family will visit out front of the Church following Mass. Please park at the Garage at 500 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Austin, Texas 78701.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Marian's name to the Volunteer HealthCare Clinic, 4215 Medical Pkwy, Austin, TX 78756 or to the Christopher Breen Memorial Scholarship at St. Austin's School, 800 Herndon Ln Austin, TX 78704.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Marian's Celebration of Life on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. 

Francis Adrian (Frank) Knopf, Jr. Frank was born on October 26, 1930 in Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Canandaigua, New York. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After serving in the Army, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he married Mary Ann Niemiec in 1956. They had one child, a son, Dan. Frank spent most of his career working for General Motors in the field of aerospace engineering, retiring in 1993. He moved to Austin, Texas, in 2004. He was predeceased by his wife, who died in 2007, and is survived by their son Dan and an extended family in upstate New York. He was deeply loved and is sorely missed.

A memorial mass for Frank will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 12:00 PM at St Austin Catholic Parish, 2026 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705. Free parking is available for attendees at 1900 San Antonio Street, Austin, Texas, across the street from the Otis Hotel.

At the request of St. Austin's Parish, masks are required at the Memorial Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed at staustin.org/mass starting ten minutes before 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Weed-Corley-Fish South for the Knopf family.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Mr. Knopf's Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 6, 2021. 

Paul was born on November 26, 1984 in Austin to Cheryl and Keith Johnston. He grew up in Austin where he attended Barton Hills Elementary School, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Middle School and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy before earning his BA in English and a minor in business administration from Trinity University and then a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Texas State University.

Scouting was the beginning of Paul’s drive for high adventure. He began as a Cub Scout and ultimately earned the Eagle Rank with Troop 11 along with his brother Aaron. His camping and hiking adventures wetted an appetite for exploring the wide world. His extensive international travels enhanced his work performance. Paul worked as a sales consultant for small businesses while at Apple,Inc. He took pride in providing a unique vicarious experience with each client’s personal background especially international clients. He visited 30 countries beginning with his family tagging along Keith’s UT scientific meetings. However, future independent travel was his passion! He made friends with nearly everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. 

Paul was extremely creative receiving fine reviews in the third grade with his “Toon Land” short story series. His many journals are a lasting gift to us enhanced with real time narrated videos. Tennis was a common bond with his father and grandfather for many years as they elevated each other’s game. Paul was Cheryl’s concert pal. He introduced her to ACL, an international music festival, ironically taking place during his upcoming memorial service. Paul and Aaron especially connected as rescue dog owners to Pablito and Tootsie. 

Paul was a loving brother and son and one of the most loyal, kind, and generous friends imaginable. Paul wanted to help people sometimes more than himself. He embraced peacemakers, those whom are pure in heart, the merciful, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and the poor with far greater concern for people than material things. Numerous testimonials about his loving actions and Christian faith comfort us and bring hope. We were exalted to discover with Paul’s passing that he became an organ donor. Yes Paul was a giver and may he rest in peace!!

Memorial donations  may  be made to St Vincent de Paul Social Ministries, St Austin Catholic Church or Univ. of Texas McKetta Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

Funeral services will be at St. Austin Catholic Church 11 a.m., CST Saturday, October 2nd with masks required, COVID protocols, and parking is available at 500 W. MLK. Given the risks of travel and gatherings, you can be with us by tuning in to the live stream of the service on the St. Austin website at Mass.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later safer time.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Paul's Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 2, 2021. 

Dory was very passionate about life and her work with children and her dogs and fosters. Dory was passionate, determined, energetic, committed,involved, hands on, devoted, hardworking, loyal, explosive, joyful, and playful. She applied these traits in her personal and professional lives.

Early on August 9, 2021 after a valiant fight against an aggressive tumor, Dory's battle ended. She fought hard and did it her way, as always.

Dory was born in Springfield, MA and after completing nursing school in Worcester she moved to Austin in 1980 and began her nursing career of more than 40 years with Seton Healthcare. She started in the Brackenridge ICU, then the PICU at Children's Hospital of Austin and finally at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. Dory was a force of nature and her influence in positive patient outcomes is evident with ripples extending well beyond nursing, advanced life support education, and simulation.

In October 2020, Dory was honored as the inaugural Ascension Texas Healthcare High Reliability Organization Hero for her passion to patient safety. She will be deeply missed not only for her passion for safety but for her wisdom, collaboration, and excellence in all things. No one who knew Dory, personally or professionally, was left unchanged by the experience.

She leaves behind her mother Angie Collette, brother Jay Collette, sister Michelle Pronocki as well as her life partner Patrick Connolly, MD and her Austin family Kathleen, Kristin, Andrea, Matthew, and Caitlin Schneider. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins as well as her precious dogs Brees and Ella and many dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Dell Children's Foundation or Cocker spaniel Rescue of Austin and San Antonio.

Funeral services will be at St. Austin Catholic Church 10 a.m., CST Wednesday August 18th with masks required and COVID protocols. Given the risks of travel and gatherings, you can be with us by tuning in to the live stream of the service on the St, Austin website at Mass.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later safer time.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Ms. Collette's Celebration of Life on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. 

Michael Jimenez, age 68, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021,
surrounded by his wife, stepdaughter, and granddaughter.

Mike was born in El Paso, Texas to Lucy and Simon F. Jimenez. He was a scout, a lover of the
outdoors a nd physical activity, and an avid Bruins football fanatic.

After high school graduation, Mike joined the Marines where he became a helicopter mechanic.
When he left the service, he began a career in mechanics while attending the University of
California at Los Angeles. Aviation became his life long vocation.

At six foot four, Mike rarely walked into a room unnoticed. His father always said that he never
let the grass grow under his feet. Throughout his life and even through his last days here, Mike
never ceased to take life by the horns and extract as much out of it as he could.

Michael is survived by his wife Janice Gordon, adoring step children, Michael and Ashley, and
adored granddaughter, Taylor; his brother Simon Jimenez; his sister Teresa McCaine and her
husband James; his sister in law Diane Jimenez; his niece Esther Gutierrez, her husband Keith,
and their children; his niece Patricia Jimenez Long, M.D., her husband Steven, and their children;
his niece Jennifer Clark, her husband J.R., and their children; and his nephew Daniel Jimenez, his
wife, Brook, and their children.

He was predeceased by his mother Luz Celia Jimenez, father Simon F. Jimenez, wife Randi Lee
Jimenez, step mother Hortencia Jimenez, step mother Maria T. ( Jimenez, and sister Isabel Jimenez.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Mr. Jimenez's Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

Manuel Muñoz Ruiz, age 94, of East Austin, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021, surrounded by his daughters in his home.

Manuel could only be described as a great man - a great father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. And above all, he was a great husband to the woman who captured his heart, Alyce Arechiga Ruiz. From the moment they met until his final breath, he loved her. She preceded Manuel in death 23 years ago, and he lit a candle for her every day.

He was born April 20, 1926, in Creedmoor, TX, to Maria Muñoz Ruiz and Bonifacio Ruiz. He was the oldest of eight children. Preceded in death by his sister Angie Aguirre.

Manuel worked hard all of his life, beginning in the fields and taking him into the restaurant work, tile setting, and into Seton's halls before finally going into business for himself as a landscaper. Where he put in long hours in the Texas heat, making other people's yards look beautiful.

Manuel had an incredible sense of humor that showed up in big and small ways. When you least expected it, you found yourself in the middle of a joke he had been coming up with all day. More importantly, when you were welcomed into his yellow house in East Austin, you were home. He took care of everyone - he was a friend to all of his kid's friends; if they needed help, he helped them, and if they needed money, he gave them work. Most of all, he took care of his family. He took care of them until the end. And when it was time to say goodbye, he again made it easy for everyone by calling them back home where they all grew up, felt safe, and cared for.

Manuel is survived by his six children: George Ruiz and wife Lydia Ruiz, Kathryn Ruiz, Amelia Ruiz, Lucille G Ruiz, Alyce Marie Ruiz, and Manuel Ruiz Jr and wife Anna Ruiz; six siblings Frank Ruiz, Candelario Ruiz, Inez Ruiz, Tony Ruiz, Linda Ruiz, and Josie Castellanos; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

This obituary is courtesy of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. To leave condolences for the family,  visit Cook-Walden's website.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Mr. Ruiz's Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

Dr. Katherine Lindley Spaht Dodson, a proud native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and resident of Austin, Texas, died January 26, 2021. Born June 30, 1977, Lindley attended St. James Episcopal Day School and was a 1995 graduate of Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge and a 1999 magna cum laude graduate in chemistry of Washington and Lee University, where she met her husband, Frederick Drew Dodson.

Lindley dedicated her life to helping children. She was a 2003 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, later serving as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and as an urgent care physician at Boston Children’s Hospital. Lindley and Drew married in 2006 and moved to Austin in 2007 where she was a pediatric hospitalist at Dell Children’s Medical Center and a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics at Dell Medical School. She was named Dell Children’s Medical Center’s top pediatric doctor in both 2012 and 2017. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2017 and was honored to become the practice owner in 2020. The mark she leaves as a trusted pediatrician to countless Austin families and as a treasured colleague and mentor to the Austin medical community will endure and her generosity and gifts of her time, talent and kind heart will be greatly missed.

While her professional career was remarkable, her family always came first. She taught them to love, laugh and pray every day and be thankful for their many blessings. She also taught them about all things Louisiana, which was always in her heart. She loved festivals and any excuse to wear a costume. She was a diehard LSU Tiger fan and a lifelong ambassador for Mardi Gras, celebrating with king cakes and beads every year.

Lindley was a shining light of compassion, warmth and dedication. She was committed to leading a life of caring for others as evidenced by the way she loved and cared for her family, friends and patients. Accessible, funny, caring, determined, brilliant, and selfless, Lindley had an impact on everyone she met. She was the epitome of beauty, both inside and out. Her laugh, like no other, came easily, and her joyfulness and spirit were infectious. To know her was to love her. And our hearts are forever broken by her absence.

She is survived by her beloved husband Drew and adoring children Shaw, Tucker, and Loretta; her parents, Paul Holden and Katherine Shaw Spaht; her brother Paul Holden Spaht, Jr. and his wife Claire; her brother William Carlos Spaht and his wife Julia; nieces Eliza Spaht, Peyton Spaht, Cappa Spaht, and Virginia Spaht; and nephew Robert Holden Spaht. She is also survived by her aunt, Mary Jane Spaht Gill; her uncle, Carlos Gustave Spaht II and his wife Jan; her uncle William Marshall Shaw, Jr.; cousins John P. Everett III, Mary Elizabeth Omeed, and Midgie Carolyn Spaht; and friends truly beyond measure. Lindley was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, William Marshall Shaw and Jean Craighead Shaw, and paternal grandparents, Judge Carlos Gustav Spaht and Loretta Andrus Spaht.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that the community please consider donating at 
 

Dodson Foundation

Dell Seton
Children's Hospital
Remembering
Dr. Lindley Dodson

St. Austin Catholic Parish
In Memory of 
Dr. Lindley Dodson

Here are links to the video of Dr. Dodson's Celebration of Life and the Worship Aid for the service. 

John Albert Kirisits, 92, died on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Born June 12, 1928, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of John and Mary (Fabsits) Kirisits. Mr. Kirisits lived in Buffalo and then Tonawanda, New York, for many years before moving to Austin, Texas, in 2015. He was a long-time social studies teacher at Lancaster Central High School who enjoyed gardening and helping others.  Mr. Kirisits was dedicated to his faith and had a special devotion to St. Ann and to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Mr. Kirisits is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Ehrmann) Kirisits.  He was predeceased by his daughter Julie Kirisits and his sister, Ann (Kirisits) Hudspith.  He is survived by his son, Thomas Kirisits (Mary Beth), and his daughter Mary Jo Kirisits (John Lovelace), and his five grandchildren (Emily, Hannah, and Matthew Kirisits; Abby and Jack Lovelace).

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics. 

Video of the funeral Mass. 

A video of the celebration of Joan's life and the worship aid  for the serrvice conducted Saturday, September 19th, 2020. 

Rosario (Rose) Baxter lived a full and graceful life. A native Austinite, she was the daughter of Panteleon and Adela Mercado. At an early age she played violin in the University of Texas Junior String Project while attending University Junior High School; graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1956 where she was a Red Jacket, and in 1960 she earned a Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Her father and immigrant mother made sure Rose and her siblings attended college and became respected professionals in architecture, education and graphic arts.

Rose had a long art career. Her portfolio included fashion illustration, book design and illustration and botanical watercolors. She worked with Lady Bird Johnson in the early years of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, designing the Center’s first fundraising materials. Her botanical artwork graces the homes of Texans across the country.

She leaves behind her husband of more than 52 years, David; son Jason, sister Alice Mercado-Castro and husband Zeke, as well as sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy and Richard Hamner. Alice and Rose’s brother Jose died in 2016. Aunt Rose remains in the hearts of her beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great niece.

Rose and her family are especially grateful to Dr. Kunjan Bhatt, Laura Calais and Christa Lincke of the Austin Heart Hospital; Cheryl Soto of Encompass Home Health; Radhika Nayak and Paula Pratte of Hospice Austin. Their gentle and compassionate care eased this journey for Rose and her loved ones. During the pandemic, her Circle C neighbors pitched in to help and keep Rose safe at home; her family will be forever grateful for their kindness.

The family urges you to contribute generously to Hospice Austin, the work they do for our community is invaluable.

A video of the celebration of Rose's life and the worship aid for the serrvice conducted Saturday, September 5th, 2020. 

Patricia (Pat) Ann Molander, 82, of Austin, Texas was peacefully called home by our Lord on July 4, 2020.  Born in Binghamton, NY, she was the eldest of four children of the late Willard and Blanche (Mullen) Holbert. Her life journey took her to Lexington KY, Austin TX, Mahwah NJ and Kingsland TX before returning to Austin to be closer to her family.
 
A steadfast servant of the Roman Catholic faith, Pat had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary who “welcomed Jesus with all her heart and followed him every day of her life, even when she did not understand, even when a sword pierced her soul” (Pope Francis 8/25/19).  As long as she was able, she continued to pray the Rosary with a little help and receive the Holy Eucharist.
 
Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Some of the gifts she shared with the entire family were a dry sense of humor and that of a great cook.  She took much pleasure in hosting many Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and labored over six different types of traditional Christmas cookies that were the best!  As an avid reader, she enjoyed mystery books, especially Mary Higgins Clark, and books on Catholic faith, history, meditations and prayers.  Retirement years also afforded her the opportunity to travel abroad, even visiting her “native” Ireland.
 
Music brought her much joy.  Proud of her Irish heritage, she often sang and danced to her favorite Irish tunes, including one of her favorites, Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral, an Irish lullaby her mom would sing to her as a child.  The sacred music played during mass at St. Austin Catholic Parish and singing the hymns by heart lifted her soul.
 
Pat willingly offered her time and talent to the community as an active and involved volunteer.  She served as President of the Ladies of Charity of Austin 1972-1973 and later as a board member.  She was also a board delegate to both Marywood Children and Family Services, and Catholic Charities.  She performed the duties of Eucharistic minister at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Kingsland, TX.  Her most recent volunteer efforts was with the “New Adventures” respite group at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, providing activities for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This was providential as Pat eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Her beautiful smile, gentle touch and kind and loving heart welcomed all.  She cherished all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren – loving them and all her family dearly.
 
One of Pat’s favorite sayings in her later years was “You always need something to look forward to.”  Friends and family look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
 
Pat is survived by her children and their spouses: Tim Adams (Carmen) and Tom Adams (Cindy); her children’s father and former spouse Joseph Adams of Utah; seven grandchildren Jake Adams (Sarah); Kristin Adams Link (Val); Kyle Valcourt (Heather) and Celeste Gonzales (Jonathan) of Minnesota; Heather Adams, Amber Adams and Taylor Adams.  She is also survived by six great-grandchildren:  Jameson and Hanna Adams; Eva, Camila and Merrick Link; Mackenzie Bassett of Minnesota; and by her much endeared sister, Sally Visconti of New York.  Additionally, she is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her very much.  And last but not least, her Yorkiepoo dog, Koko.
 
She was predeceased by her devoted husband Jerry Molander, her parents, and two siblings Shirley Ranieri and William (Billy) Holbert.
 
Our family is grateful to the Sodalis Memory Care of Dripping Springs staff, Ryan Carpenter of Austin Geriatrics Specialists, Laura Dutton of Liana Living and all her Magnolia Hospice aids and nurses, especially Katie Lyke who treated Pat with the utmost dignity and compassion.  Special thanks to Fr. Bruce Nieli for his visits with Pat during her Alzheimer’s illness and to all the Paulist Fathers and staff at St. Austin Catholic Parish.
 
The family respectfully requests donations in Pat’s honor to the St. Austin Gabriel Project (crisis pregnancy outreach); the Paulist Fathers; or Relevant Radio (Catholic radio).

Video of and the Worship Aid for Mrs. Molander's Celebration of Life, Saturday, July 18th, 2020.

Robert William “Bob” Riess, 88, of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on April 4, 2020. He was born on July 5, 1931 to Carl Aaron Riess and Nellie Rebecca Riess (Sutton) in Austin. Bob graduated from Austin High School in 1949, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bacteriology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1954 and a Master of Arts in Zoology from UT Austin in 1969. He was honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserve as a Hospitalman 2 nd Class in 1964. Bob spent 40 years working as a research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin in the Department of Zoological Sciences before retiring in 1997. Bob’s specialty was performing research and teaching others in electron microscopy with emphasis in molecular biology.

Slight in stature but athletic, at UT Austin Bob was given the nickname “Mighty Mouse” as he lettered in cross country and track at UT in 1951 specializing as a 2-miler and participated as a member of the Wrestling Club in 1954. He continued his love of long distance running until a late age. Bob’s hobbies included collection of various Texas reptiles, creating a cactus garden, avid photography, and a love of the Texas Hill County.

Bob attended St. Austin’s Catholic Church in Austin, Texas for over 78 years where he was proud to have served as an altar boy and later as collection leader and greeter.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Carl A. Riess and Nellie Rebecca Riess (Sutton). He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Cruz Riess, his daughter Diane Dawn Riess of Austin, his son R. Barrett Riess and wife Margaret Taylor Riess of Grapeland, Texas, granddaughters Tanja Lea Riess of Austin and Julie Michelle Riess of Houston, grandsons Adam Albert Riess of Chillicothe, Ohio and Cameron Scott Riess of Santa Ana, California, great granddaughters Samantha Lea Flinchum and Brenna Lea Riess Milan of Austin, and great-great grandson Henry William Flinchum of Austin. A private burial service was held at the City Cemetery in Luling.

Video of and the Worship Aid for Mr. Reiss' Celebration of Life, Saturday, July 4th, 2020. 

Rev. Gregory Romanski, a Catholic priest for 43 years, died on April 10, 2020 in Austin at the age of 71. He was born on February 10, 1949 in Alma, Michigan to Alex J. and Helen L. Romanski. Rev. Romanski attended Villanova University and Washington Theology University.

Rev. Romanski was ordained for the Paulist Fathers on May 14, 1977 and served in parishes in New York City and Greensboro, North Carolina before coming to Austin in 1989. Rev. Romanski was incardinated in the Diocese of Austin on May 20, 1999. His first assignment in the Diocese of Austin was as Administrator at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin. A year later, he was appointed as Pastor there. He also served as Chaplain for the Catholic Physicians Guild of Central Texas and Pastor at St. Martin de Porres parish in Dripping Springs. He retired in August of 2009. 
 
In addition to his priestly ministry, Rev. Romanski served as a Staff Specialist for the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR). He was the director of the HIV Prevention Program, the director of the Communicable Disease Program, and the director and Discipline Head for infection control for TXMHMR. He also held a number of certifications with national organizations involved in infectious disease prevention. 
 
Rev. Romanski was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his brother, James Romanski of Elgin. 

Video of and the Worship Aid for Fr. Romanski's Celebration of Life, Saturday, June 27, 2020. 

If you chose to have the celebration of your loved one's life livestreamed, we offer this language often requested by families planning services.

We are grateful for your expressions of sympathy, comfort, and concern. Thank you for wanting to stand with us in our loss, but your safety is most important. In this time of pandemic when travel and gathering pose serious risks, we invite you to be with us by tuning in to the livestream of the service on the website in the Mass Broadcast window. Here is a link to that portal: https://staustin.org/mass.

If you choose to post information about your loved one in our virtual Memorial Garden, we offer this suggested language to share how to find the Garden.

[Name] will be remembered at the St. Austin website for 90 days. There you'll be able to revisit the service through a link to the video, access the worship aid, and read the obituary. The Memorial Garden is at https://staustin.org/funerals.

If you wish to share a private link (not publicly available on our website or YouTube), we can email you that link later in the day, after the ceremonies conclude. 

All broadcasted events can be made available for download on request.