Leslie Ann Zuehlke, of Thorndale, passed away peacefully and went to her heavenly home Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, after vigorously battling her cancer with positivity, grace and dignity for the past nine years. She was 58 years and 10 months old.
She was born Feb. 27, 1963, in Arlington, the daughter of Ronald Leslie Goerdel and Barbara Ann (Pope) Goerdel. She was baptized June 6, 1966, by Rev. Paul Eifort at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pasadena, and she was confirmed by Rev. Vernon M Appel May 16, 1976, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale.
She graduated from the eighth grade in 1977, at St Paul Lutheran School in Thorndale and remained a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale for the rest of her life.
Ann attended and graduated from Thorndale High School in 1981. She married Floyd Zuehlke Jr. March 20, 1982, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale.
For most of her working life, Ann worked at Floyd’s Glass Co. in Taylor, where she was an officer and a director. She also served as an art teacher for St. Paul Lutheran School in Thorndale for a number of years.
Ann really enjoyed arts and crafts as well as cooking, all of which she was very proficient at doing. She was also the ultimate baseball team mom during her son’s and their teammate’s many years of Pony League and American Legion baseball games, making sure uniforms were always clean and sandwiches or some other food and drink was available for postgame meals of which there were many. By far her greatest
By far her greatest enjoyment in life came from spending time with her family, and especially the joy that being around her children and grandchildren brought to her. She also really loved gathering with and going places with her many good friends.
When gathered among family and friends, all could count on her for her love and encouragement no matter what the occasion, always available to help, and always there to provide spirit and spontaneity to the event. She loved deeply and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
Ann was a longtime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church LWML and current member of the Thorndale Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as its vice president for many years. She was also very active in the Thorndale Cares Program from its beginning and then for many years after.
Ann showed incredible resolve as she battled her cancer. She fought it with a great attitude, determination and shear will power that was amazing to all, while seemingly always having a smile on her face. She was a great example to others who will be affected with this disease that there is always hope no matter what the situation is. And it was this hope that enabled her to mentally conquer the disease like she did. But Ann always knew that her greatest hope was in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has now fulfilled His promise as she now resides in Heaven.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Goerdel; her sister, Karen Denise Goerdel; as well as her mother and father-in-law, Joy and Floyd Zuehlke.
Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Floyd Zuehlke Jr.; sons, Steven Zuehlke and wife Bryn, and Kevin Zuehlke and wife Alecia; as well as her father, Leslie Goerdel all of Thorndale. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, the source of her joy and her inspiration to persevere, grandsons, Caden, Ty and Jace Zuehlke; granddaughter, Riley Zuehlke all of Thorndale; as well as granddaughter, Emily Ann Zuehlke, who is due to be born next month. Also, a brother, Brent Goerdel and wife Gina of Cedar Park; as well as many muchloved friends, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation is Sunday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. A funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, with burial following in the Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dale Caffey, Meredith Conoley, Eldon Gregory, John Miller, Michael Miller and Stephen Niemtschk.
Honorary Pallbearers are Brian Balusek, Jerry Biar, Kelly Collins, Jody Hilton, Ricky Melde, Felix Mitchell, Larry Roepke, Gary Wiede and Ted Westerman, as well as members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Thorndale St. Paul Lutheran Church Build the Vision Fund or any charity of one’s choice.
