Harry Seidensticker Obituary – Comfort resident Harry Seidensticker, 89, died at home on Monday, April 1. Bodo and Hilda Haufler Seidensticker had Harry on October 10, 1934, on their Comfort, TX ranch. He graduated from Comfort ISD in 1953 after 7th grade at Block Creek (Brownsboro). He was a Navy Seabee Reserve from 1952 to 1959 and Active Duty in Guam for the latter two. He checked multiple I-H 10 bridges and overpasses after joining the TxDOT. He never thought that evaluating her parents’ property for the interstate would lead him to his young bride, Mary Louise Becker.
After meeting the perfect wife, he needed a pastor to settle. Harry married Mary in Boerne’s St. John Lutheran Church on August 3, 1963. They welcomed Burt, May 5, 1965, and Kim, July 19, 1967, while constructing their new home on Hwy 473 near Comfort. Harry was Comfort volunteer firefighter president and treasurer. After beginning 4-H, Burt and Kim wanted more room. Their acreage on the north end of the family ranch where Harry was born was becoming home, so they moved. Harry performed his regular job while farming and ranching while his family resided in the garage during home construction.
He spent 29 years on Hill Country Telephone Coop’s board. Harry led the Historical Committee after serving on the Immanuel Lutheran Church council. With a superb crew, Comfort and Immanuel’s history was in the attic, closets, drawers, and bulletproof gun safe. Harry founded the Fredericksburg Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club and enjoyed old farm equipment. He proudly owned the 1936 Model L Case tractor his grandfather bought new and plowed.
Taking the tractor to Rollag, MN for the 1992 Western Minnesota Threshers Reunion with family was memorable. J.I. Case Company turned 150. He joined the International J.I. Case Heritage Foundation board. He accidentally saw US history during a national telephone conference in Washington DC. He was exploring between classes when sirens and cops blocked roads! A convoy with secret service personnel in limousine rear windows passed soon. His hotel receptionist informed him that President Reagan had been shot and hospitalized. Harry left roads after 30 years. Full-time farming, ranching, custom farming, and show pig production commenced. He was Compliance Inspector for two years during Kendall County courthouse construction. The county’s new resident addressing system employed Harry full-time in 1999.
He worked with the Texas Engineering Extension Service. His family was his pride and joy. Seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up, succeed in their occupations, and be devoted to the ranch brought him delight. Life was fulfilled when his family respected the land and ancient farm equipment he left them. Harry’s parents and brothers Fred and Rubin Seidensticker died first. His wife of 60 years, Mary, children Burt and wife Susie and Kim and husband Warren Toman, 6 grandchildren, Jason Stanberry (Felicia), Ryan (Shanise), Brogan (Amy), Alex and Brooklyn Seidensticker, and Anthony Toman, and 10 great-grand Family thanks Methodist Hill Country Hospice for their help and expertise.
Donations to Comfort Immanuel Lutheran Church, Comfort Heritage Foundation, or a charity of choice may replace flowers. Pallbearers Jason Stanberry Ryan Seidensticker Brogan Seidensticker Alex Seidensticker Anthony Toman Aaron Seidensticker Paul Seidensticker Schaetter Funeral Home Chapel will have funeral services on Thursday, April 4th, at 3 p.m. Rev. Katie Rode will preside. Comfort Cemetery will provide graveside ceremonies and interment. On Thursday, April 4, Schaetter Funeral Home Chapel will host Harry Seidensticker’s reception from 2:00 to 3:00. Schaetter Funeral Home arranges.
