Joycie Mae

Kahlich

Joycie Mae Kahlich of Cuero, Texas passed away on November 7, 2026. She was born on May 27, 1932 in Gonzales County just outside of Westhoff, Texas. Her parents were Otto August Hilbrich and Ella Catherina Jacobina Afflerbach Hilbrich. She attended Westhoff School followed by Cuero High School where she was an honor graduate of the Class of 1949.

She married Norman Charles Kahlich on May 31, 1953 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff -- a union that lasted for sixty-six years.

Joycie was a "career woman" before it became a thing. She worked at the Cuero cotton mill, Cowey Brothers Motor Company, and the U. S. Postal Service. As a postal employee, Joycie advanced to the position of Postmaster for the Westhoff Post Office. All of the townspeople could count on Joycie for a smile and superb, friendly service for all of their needs.

Joycie was truly a part of the fabric of her community. She was a member of the American Legion Post 369 Auxiliary, where she served as their longtime secretary. She also served as the Secretary for the Westhoff Cemetery Association. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, married, and baptized her three children. She served on the Church Council and truly enjoyed her interactions with Pastors Arnold Windecker and William Hill during her tenure. Additionally, she was a member of the Lindenau Rifle Club and pitched in to help at every Lindenau Feast. Other memberships included the St. John's Lutheran Women of the Church, and Cuero VFW Post 3792 Auxiliary.

After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Joycie enjoyed monthly domino socials with friends over competitive, yet friendly games of "42". She also enjoyed bus trips with Norman to Louisiana to visit casinos in Lake Charles and Kinder. She loved being a grandmother to her grandsons, Zachary and Jameson, and baked hundreds of dozens of homemade cookies for them over the years. Other community groups also enjoyed her baked goods.

Having been a more than capable second baseman for the Westhoff Women's Baseball team, she was also a true fan of the Houston Astros and enjoyed going to games at the Astrodome & Minute Maid Park and rarely missed any telecast. Other hobbies included crossword puzzles, dancing, and listening to some of her favorite country & western artists. Quilting was a new hobby in her retirement years. Like her mother & grandmother before her, Joycie made beautiful quilts that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren treasured. Her last two quilts were for the impending birth of her twin great-grandsons -- matching gingham "Around the World" baby quilts.

Joycie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Norman; her sister, Irene Denny and brother, Melvin Hilbrich.

Joycie is survived by her son, Kerry Kahlich & wife Linda of Seguin; daughter, Kaye Kahlich of Fulshear; daughter, Kristye Kahlich of Cuero; grandson, Zachary Kahlich and his wife Marisa and their sons Rex & Remy of Hoffman Estates, IL; and grandson, Jameson Kahlich and his wife Lauren and stepson Rylan of College Station.

Visitation will be Wednesday morning November 11th at 9:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff with brunch in the fellowship hall. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jan R. Putnam officiating. A private burial service will be held afterward for family members only.

Pallbearers are Jameson Kahlich, Kent Hilbrich, Dr. Kerwin Kahlich, W. A. Afflerbach, Curtis Afflerbach, and David Peters.

Memorial Contributions may be made to American Legion Post #369 P.O. Box 32 Westhoff, TX 77994 or donor's choice.

The family would like to say Thank You to Donna Howell, Andrea Strait, the staff at Alzcare, Dr. Jennifer Gonzales and Hospice of South Texas for the loving and compassionate care that has been given to our Mother. 

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.