After giving 18 years and 16 days of joy and happiness to his family and friends, Tyler Dean Bludau joined the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Tyler was born to Stephen James Bludau and Renee Bonorden Bludau on May 7, 1991. Tyler shared his parents with his friend, companion, and sister, Christa Rae Bludau. He is survived by his fishing buddy, Grandpa Frank Bludau; favorite Kolache Queen, Grandma Bernadette Bludau; camp buddy, Papa Harold Dean Bonorden; and Garfield game competitor, Nanny Mary Bonorden. An avid sportsman, Tyler loved hunting and fishing. His dad remembers Tyler's most successful fishing trip on Memorial Day 1998 spent with Grandpa Bludau on the San Antonio River where they caught 24 fish in 24 hours. Some of his happiest moments were spent at various camp houses with his family and friends. Tyler not only enjoyed outdoor sports, he also played passionately for the Brahma baseball and football teams. He understood success comes from hard work and dedication and could often be found hitting in the batting cage to help his team. His efforts earned him All-State honors, top team batting average of a .388, and a trip to the regional-quarterfinals baseball playoffs. A team leader, Tyler stepped up to the plate when the team was in a recent pinch and helped the baseball team gather equipment for the playoffs after it had been stolen.

Intelligent, dedicated, and a goal setter, Tyler celebrated many successes in his 18 years. Once a goal was set, Tyler worked hard to attain it which was evident by his very successful high school years. Four years ago, he set a goal to win the San Antonio and Houston Commercial Steer Programs. On Feb. 18, 2009, for first place honors, Tyler brought home a $10,000 scholarship and a 16-foot cattle trailer from the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. One month later, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo presented Tyler with a beautiful Ford truck as the Grand Champion Commercial Steer contestant.

Tyler shared a very special love and relationship with his family. He never grew too old to show his love. His mother recalls how he loved to be rocked when he was little. Even as a teenager he didn't hesitate to plop in her lap for a hug. She also recalled how Tyler enjoyed his "talks" with his dad, often commenting that he loved the time he spent with Dad. These father/son talks occurred many places including the steer pen, baseball field, camp house, tank pier, and cattle pasture, but Tyler and Steve's most memorable "talks" occurred while driving to camp. Recalling one of those moments, Steve fondly mentioned the 2001 deer season. "We were hunting for a special eight pointer. We saw it three times before we could get a shot. The most amazing thing about the hunt was sitting on a tripod together. Tyler would switch from sitting on the floor to crouching on my knee as he patiently awaited the buck." Christa recalls how Tyler changed from just a brother to a best friend. She recalls their special moments as they sat by the river just talking and the text messages from Tyler asking for advice. Christa and Tyler were looking forward to spending next year at Texas A & M together. He will still be there supporting her with his spirit. Tyler was very appreciative of the love and guidance his family provided. Renee commented, "Anytime I did something for him, he always responded with sincerity, 'thank you mom, for all your hard work'."

Regardless of one's age, meeting Tyler was memorable and impressionable. Tyler's closest high school friends enjoyed his dry humor and sarcasm which kept their conversations interesting. Colby Schindler said, "Tyler is the only person I know that could stir so many emotions in just 5 minutes. One minute I was exasperated as Tyler tried to prove me wrong and the next minute I was laughing at his dry humor." Garrett Henke remembers all of Tyler's excuses, but when victory ensued, his swagger shown through. He loved to dance and all the girls remember as a great dancer. Morgan Teltschick loved their many lunch dates and their never ending conversations, be it in person or text messaging. Emilie Jansky added, "His quirky, mischievous, wonderful smile will stick with me forever." Tyler gave the same dedication and commitment to his friends as he to did to all aspects of his life. As Chad Bujnoch commented,"I can not think of one time when Tyler told me no when I asked him to do something for me. He was a true friend." Although busy with life, Tyler kept things in perspective. He always relied on the most important cornerstone of his life, his strong faith in God. Now, Tyler continues his diligent hard work while sharing his love as he watches over his family and friends with God above.

Service: 3 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Visitation: 3 pm, Tuesday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; and 7 am, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Officiate: Rev. John Peters and Rev. Michael Rother. Pallbearers: Colby Schindler, Chad Bujnoch, Garrett Henke, Brice Sitka, Frank Bludau III, Chad Bludau. Honorary pallbearers: Brahma Baseball Team and coaches. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials: Hallettsville Baseball Community Improvement, Phase 3, c/o City Hallettsville, 101 North Main Street, Hallettsville, Texas 77964; or Donor's Choice.