Oct. 10, 1934 – April 1, 2024

Seidensticker

Harry Seidensticker of Comfort, Texas, passed away on Monday April 1, 2024, at his home at the age of 89 years.

Harry Seidensticker was born to Bodo and Hilda Haufler Seidensticker Oct. 10, 1934, at home on the ranch in Comfort. He attended the Block Creek (Brownsboro) school through seventh grade, transferred to Comfort ISD and graduated in 1953.

He was in the U.S. Navy Seabees Reserve from 1952 to 1959 and served on active duty, stationed in Guam for the last two years of that time. He began work with the Texas Highway Department and later was inspector of many of the bridges and overpasses on Interstate 10.

Little did he know that while surveying her parent’s property for the future interstate, his path would lead him to his young bride, Mary Louise Becker. Soon he was ready to settle down, had found the right gal, all he needed was a preacher.

Harry and Mary were married Aug. 3, 1963, in St John Lutheran Church in Boerne, Texas. The construction of their new home off Highway 473 in Comfort was well underway, and this is where they welcomed Burt, on May 5, 1965, and Kim, on July 19, 1967. During this time, Harry became a Comfort volunteer fireman, at times holding the positions of president and treasurer.

As Burt and Kim got involved in 4-H projects, it was obvious that they needed more room. Their property on the north end of the family ranch where Harry had been born was becoming more like home, and soon the decision was made to make the move.

With his family living in the garage during the new home construction, Harry was working his regular job while farming and ranching. Soon he was elected to the board of directors for Hill Country Telephone Coop where he served for 29 years.

Harry also served on the church council for Immanuel Lutheran Church and, in later years, was chairman of the historical committee. With an excellent group of members, the history of Comfort and Immanuel was found in the attic, in closets and drawers, and is now preserved for posterity in a fireproof gun safe.

Antique farm equipment always had his attention and Harry became one of the charter members of the Fredericksburg Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club. He was the proud owner of the 1936 Model L Case tractor that his grandfather bought new, and he had learned to plow with.

In 1992, with the help of family, he enjoyed a memorable trip taking the tractor to Rollag, Minnesota, to attend the Western Minnesota Thresher’s Reunion.

This was also the celebration of 150 years of the J.I. Case Company. Here he was elected to the board of directors of the International J.I. Case Heritage Foundation.

By accident he had a chance to witness a piece of history.

Between seminars at one of the national telephone conventions in Washington, D.C., he was enjoying a little sightseeing when, suddenly, sirens were blaring and police cars were everywhere, blocking off streets.

It wasn’t long before a motorcade rolled by with secret service agents sitting in the back windows of the limousine. When he got to the lobby of his hotel, he found out that President Reagan had just been shot and they were transporting him to the hospital.

After 30 years Harry retired from the highway department. He then went into full-time farming and ranching, custom farming and show pig production.

When the new Kendall County courthouse was under construction, he accepted the job of compliance inspector, which lasted two years. In 1999 Harry worked full time for the county in the addressing system for new residents. Working with the Texas Engineering Extension Service occupied some of his time as well.

His pride and greatest joy was his family. Watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up, excel in their chosen fields and become equally connected to the ranch brought him much pleasure.

The interest and appreciation that his family has for the legacy he left them in the land and the antique farm equipment made his life complete.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Fred and Rubin Seidensticker.

He is survived by 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-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Methodist Hill Country Hospice for its kind support and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Comfort Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 427, Comfort, Texas 78013, the Comfort Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 433, Comfort, Texas 78013 or a charity of choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 2-3 p.m. in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow beginning at 3 p.m. in the chapel, with the Rev. Katie Rode officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jason Stanberry, Ryan Seidensticker, Brogan Seidensticker, Alex Seidensticker, Anthony Toman, Aaron Seidensticker and Paul Seidensticker.

Graveside Services and Interment will follow in the Comfort Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.schaetter.com.