Erna Rose Kirk

Erna Rose Huegele Kirk passed into the loving arms of her savior on October 15, 2023, at the age of 103. Erna was born in D’hanis, Texas on May 11,1920.

Her parents were Frank A. Huegele and Mary Elizabeth Nester Huegele who were direct descendants of the Castro Colonies Group who colonized the areas of Castroville, Hondo, D’Hanis and surrounding areas after being awarded a royal grant.

 Erna was a proud member of the Castro Colonies Social Group and enjoyed several trips with them to their ancestral home of Alsace Loraine. This fostered a love of traveling in Erna and she enjoyed trips abroad.

 In 1939, Erna Rose married Donald Milton Kirk. Don would call Erna, “My Rose of San Antone.” They went on to have 3 sons. A woman before her time, she began a career with Billy Mitchell Village, a large 400 plus unit complex. She became manager of the apartments, then owned by George and Dennis Krupp and continued until her retirement in 1990. Retirement didn’t suit her, so for awhile she worked as a night receptionist for Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.

Erna was a long-time member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and St. Victors.

Her survivors include her 3 sons and their wives, Paul (Vera), Rodney (Jeanne), and Michael (Susan). 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 20, 2023, at 5 PM with Rosary to follow at 7 PM at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel. Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Saturday October 21, 2023, beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The pallbearers are her 6 grandsons.

The family would like to thank Alamo Hospice for their excellent care of Erna during her final days.

Contributions can be made in her name to St. Vincent de Paul.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.