James Friesenhahn

James S. Friesenhahn, 84, of Taylor, Texas passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019.

James was born on May 17, 1935 in Three Rivers, Texas to Dorothy and Hugo Friesenhahn. He was the third child of two brothers and two sisters, and a devout Roman Catholic. As a child, he attended school in a one-room school house in Panna Maria, Texas along with his siblings, in addition to working on the family farm. He graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Taylor, Texas where he met Genevieve Tomsu.  James was drafted into the Army shortly thereafter, where he was stationed in Korea. After an Honorable discharge from the Army, James and Genevieve married on June 11, 1960 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor, Texas, and had two daughters, Theresa and Dianne.

James’ professional career spanned 33 years at the Texas Highway Department where he traveled extensively throughout the State of Texas preparing bridge cost estimates and bridge projects for letting. Additionally, he developed railroad flashing light signal programs as well as the handling and inspection of all phases of project development to final railroad inspections. Upon his retirement in 1993, James and Genevieve traveled the U.S. and abroad, attending countless polka festivals, polka dancing (his love) and enjoying wonderful German and Czech music and food. James was a member of the St. Louis Knights of Columbus, Councils #2244 and #5967, Austin, Texas; Associate Member of the KJT #112, Austin Texas; Catholic Life Insurance Union member; St. Anne’s Altar Society, Taylor, Texas; and past member of the Williamson County Beekeepers Association. Of his many hobbies, his favorites included gardening, fishing, beekeeping, and polka music.

James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Genevieve Tomsu Friesenhahn of Taylor, Texas; daughter, Theresa Veilleux and husband, Marty; daughter, Dianne Friesenhahn; and brother Larry Friesenhahn and wife, Joanne Crawley as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Dorothy Friesenhahn; brother, Wilburn Friesenhahn; and sisters, Barbara Friesenhahn and Anne Hildebrand.

The Friesenhahn family would like to express our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to the staff, numerous caregivers, as well as Tranquility Hospice at Georgetown Living Certified Alzheimer’s Facility for the care, compassion and dignity given to James during his stay.  Our loving thanks to each of you who cared for and assisted him, especially during his final days.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Wed, December 4, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd NW, Taylor, Texas, 76574. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 301 East 4 ^th Street, Taylor, Texas, 76574 with Rev. Keith Koehl officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Church Cemetery on Old Thorndale Road, Taylor, Texas.  Following the burial, the family will host a reception in James’ honor at SPJST Hall, 5025 FM619, Taylor, TX, 76574. All are invited to attend.