Elsie Muegge

A very sweet and amazingly gifted lady left us on January 30, 2019, loved by numerous family members and friends, this McGregor native was a dear friend to all. In her own way, she made us all feel loved and special. She was the keeper of the family records, birthdates, weddings, anniversaries and even divorces. Her sentimental way of safeguarding the heritage of her family roots made her the matriarch of the Hesse family for years.

Elsie Martha Hesse Muegge was born on May 17, 1920, in McGregor, Texas to Emma Emilie Lorenz Hesse and Karl Oscar Max Hesse. Elsie was one of five girls and one boy that comprised the Hesse family. As a young student, she attended South Bosque School and then completed her education by graduating from McGregor High School in 1939.

She met Lonnie Henry Muegge in McGregor; they were married on February 22, 1947, at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Waco. They resided in McGregor for their entire married life and were proud McGregor citizens. Elsie grew up in Zion Lutheran Church; after her marriage, she and Lonnie joined First Baptist Church McGregor. She was involved in arranging and creating alter floral arrangements and adding her creative touch to table and banquet décor for events at First Baptist and for friends.

Her working career started on the farm where she grew up, located on the McGregor South Loop. She and her siblings worked in the fields with their hardworking father. One of her many talents was making delicious biscuits from scratch; so because of this, she did not have to go to the hen house to gather eggs in the mornings.

As an adult her career included working at the Bluebonnet Ordnance plant in McGregor, McGregor Floral and Merle Norman Cosmetics, Robert’s Photography in Waco, Kendra Flowers in Waco and Irene’s Flowers & Gifts in McGregor. She was extremely creative, always making “something out of nothing”, like toys out of wood and Christmas ornaments out of #303 can lids which she saved. Her skills ran the gamut from sewing dolls and doll clothes, crocheting, to quilting and embroidering pillow cases. She and Lonnie enjoyed gardening, canning their bounty rewards, shelling pecans, fishing and dancing to the music of Johnny High. Her green thumb she, inherited from her mother, was proof of her artistic touch plus love of flowers and plants. Her yard was always in bloom with a story about each and from where it had come.

She has joined those who preceded her in death; parents, Emma Emilie Lorenz Hesse and Karl Oscar Max Hesse; her husband, Lonnie Henry Muegge; her sisters, Bertha Hildegard Schwettmann, Ernestine Lydia (Hennig) Fricks, Gertrude Rosa Reinhardt, Myrtle Louise Hennig, and brother, Richard Julius Hesse.

She is survived by sisters-in-law, Betty Parr Muegge of Wharton, Texas, Lorene Muegge Jacobs of Coryell City, Texas and Mary Nell Hesse of Denton, Texas. Nieces and nephews include Pam Hennig Wilson of Waco, Texas; Kathey Hesse Hannah (and husband, Mark) of Denton, Texas; Mike Reinhardt (and wife, Cindy) of Killeen, Texas; Ronnie Reinhardt (and Bonnie Hartessle) of Harker Heights, Texas; Marla Jacobs Kelsey (and husband, Buck) of Llano, Texas; Melva Jacobs Williamson of San Antonio, Texas; Mona Jacobs Carter (and husband, Andy) of Arlington, Texas; Eric Muegge (and wife, Cheri) of Wharton, Texas; Karen Rees of Wharton, Texas; John Muegge of Gatesville, Texas, James Muegge of Gatesville, Texas, and Janet Muegge Lanham (and husband, Drew) of Little River-Academy, Texas; and her beloved dog, Coco.

Especially dear friends include Annie and Frank Leos, Juana and Abel Benitez, Anna Mae Rogers, Keith Rollins, Amy and David Brydon and children, plus many other neighbors and friends.

Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at First Baptist Church McGregor; visitation at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m. with interment at McGregor Cemetery immediately following. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution in Elsie’s memory, the family has suggested McGregor Fire Department, Meals on Wheels or First Baptist Church McGregor.

The family would like to thank Heartis Waco, Rheadene Weber, Phan, Bluebonnet Hospice for the care of our dear Aunt Elsie.