Herman Max Kelch of Cuero passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008. He was born July 2, 1922 to the late Herman G. and Erna Turk Kelch. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps., the Cuero Volunteer Fire Dept., Cuero Lions Club, and the Travelers Protective Association. He was retired from Sears and had been active in ranching. He was preceded in death by his wife, Idell Mueller Kelch and his parents.



He is survived by two daughters, JoAnn Luddeke and husband Myron of Cuero and Carol Thurk and husband Dorian of Goliad Co.; a son, James C. Hahn and wife Evelyn of Mission Valley; three grandchildren, Dana Freund of College Station, Tyler Luddeke and wife Amanda of Cuero, and Christel Cowan and husband Jeff of Victoria; one great-granddaughter, Kathren May of Nacogdoches; three great-grandsons, Truitt and Wyatt Luddeke of Cuero and Austin Cowan of Victoria; and brother, Walter G. Kelch of Arlington, Texas.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be Wednesday, October 29, 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Byrne officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Tyler Luddeke, Jeff Cowan, Paul Murray, Carwin Laging, James Goebel, and Wes Luddeke.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Tomanec, Don Smith, Andy Christos, Ray Laneave, Pete & Cindy Martinez, Dr. David Hill, Kathren May, Truitt Luddeke, Austin Cowan, Wyatt Luddeke, T.C. Simon and Wayne Fromme.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Cuero, Texas or Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Avenue, Victoria, Texas