Rev. Albert E. Flathmann Jr., 77, of Hallettsville, died September 2, 2007. He was born on December 1, 1929 to Albert & Mary Zinkhan Flathmann Sr. in Marion, Texas. He married Virginia Spill Flathmann on September 2, 1962 in Winters, Texas.

Pastor Al was a man who loved God and who passed on that faith to his children and grandchildren. He was a good husband, father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor that showed itself, even in the most difficult circumstances. His infectious laugh was legendary. He had a tender heart and a compassion seen in a lifetime of service.

Pastor Al was a member of the Texas German Society, served the American Legion as Chaplain and was a volunteer cancer driver. He served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for 20 years. After returning he served in many parishes throughout Texas, including Winters, Eagle Lake, Sublime, and Vsetin. After retirement he was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville and continued to minister in nursing homes in the area

Al loved life and loved his God and Savior. His whole life was dedicated to spreading the good news that Jesus Christ had died to save from sin and bring new life.

He married his darling Virginia Rose Spill Sept. 2, 1962 in Winters, Texas, and on the day of his death his last words were "Happy Anniversary", celebrating their 45 wonderful years. Together they raised their 5 children, teaching them the value of God's Holy Word, the Bible, through morning and evening devotions, prayers with each meal, singing of hymns and songs, and a life style of ministry.

Al's goal of sharing the gospel took many different forms. It began when he took his family as missionaries to Papua New Guinea, walking from village to village ministering. He also taught in schools and seminaries. Later after returning to the U.S., he served as pastor to several congregations. He also loved to visit people in nursing homes and the shut ins.

We will remember Al as a man of laughter, perseverance, faith in God, and gentleness. He loved to play games and crack jokes. He accepted whatever the Lord's will was and whatever sufferings God sent him, with peace and patience and thankfulness, choosing to serve and bless everyone around him - from the cleaning lady in the hospital to his doctors, to friends and family, even strangers.

We thank the Lord for blessing us with a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and man of God! May Dad's rich heritage continue to all generations. May Al's life of service and sacrifice be an inspiration to all of us.

Albert is survived by: wife Virginia; 5 children, Mary Ohlman & husband Vaughn, Elizabeth Carlson & husband Marcus, David Flathmann & wife Annetta, Larry Flathmann & wife Kim, and Jonathan Flathmann & wife Isla; brother Henry Karl Flathmann; sister Pauline Flathmann Wendel; and 14 grandchildren.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents.

Service: 10 am, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Visitation: 12 Noon, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home with family receiving visitors from 5 pm to 8 pm that day. Officiate: Rev. Herb Beyer. Pallbearers: Alton Chudej, David Kelsey, George Vayliss, Paul Wendel, Marcus Carlson, L.A. Muehr, and Willie Burrow. Graveside Service: 10 am, Thursday at Lutheran Cemetery in Winters, Texas. Memorials: Project Friendship Torreon Mexico, Zion Lutheran Church of Sublime, Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin, St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville, or Donor's Choice.