Ralph Veitenheimer Obituary

Ralph Veitenheimer, age 92, of Windthorst, Texas passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his residence.

A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Reverend Michael Moloney, OFS, Pastor of St. Mary’s and St. Boniface Catholic Churches, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.

Ralph was born September 7, 1933 in Windthorst, Texas to the late Frank Joseph Veitenheimer and Petronilla Ann Brenneis Veitenheimer.

In 1952, he graduated from Windthorst High School and worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army. After his tour of duty, Ralph was a dairy hand and then went into the cattle business. He was a pumper for Heydrick Petroleum and W.L. Lindemann for many years. Ralph also worked for Windthorst ISD.

He married the love of his life, Clara Marie Berend on September 8, 1959 in Windthorst.

Ralph was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and past member of St. Joseph’s Society and the Knight of Columbus. He also served on Windthorst Credit Union Board and St. Mary’s Cemetery Board. Ralph was one of the Veitenheimer Trio who started cooking for the Windthorst Sausage Meal for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Clara of Windthorst; two daughters, Angela Johnston and husband, Nubbin of Windthorst and Cathy Hoffman and husband, Royal of Lakeside City; four sons, Gerald Veitenheimer and wife, Susan of Windthorst, Raymond Veitenheimer of Scotland, David Veitenheimer and wife, Teresa of Windthorst and Kenneth Veitenheimer and wife, Laurie of Scotland; one sister, Margaret Ann Beaman of Windthorst; one brother, Walter Veitenheimer and wife, Trudy of Wichita Falls; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren and one on the way; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Herring, Rosalie King and Therese Morath; brother, Oscar Veitenheimer; and grandchildren, Riley Johnston, Gary Johnston and Holly Johnston.

The family suggests memorials to Windthorst Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, Windthorst, Texas 76389 or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 230, Windthorst, Texas 76389.