Wilbern Fredrick Theodore Kienitz

KIENITZ, W.T. SHORTY Wilbern Frederick Theodore Shorty Kienitz, 78, of Waco passed away Thursday, May 17, 2001 at his residence. Services will be 1:30 PM Saturday, May 19th at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with Pastor Jim Price officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, May 18th at the funeral home Garden Room. Mr. Kienitz was born in Riesel to Fred and Hattie Bohne Kienitz on April 24, 1923. After attending Waco Schools, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. After basic training in San Diego, CA he spent most of World War II as a machinist’s mate at the U.S. Navy’s submarine installation at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. In 1945, he was transferred to the minesweeper, U.S.S.Dorsey, and participated in the Battle of Okinawa. After a typhoon drove the Dorsey onto a reef and the ship began to sink, he and the rest of the crew were forced to abandon ship and spent many hours afloat in the Pacific before being rescued. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. In 1947, he married Francis Ward in Mart. In 1952, he started Crankshaft & Valve Service at 5th St. and Webster Ave. in Waco. On May 11, 1953, he narrowly survived when the building collapsed around him during the Waco tornado. In 1956, Crankshaft & Valve moved to the corner of 7th and Webster and in 1974 to its present location at 324 Cotton. He retired in 1999 after 47 years as owner and operator. At the time of his death, he was a member of Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church. His two brothers, Edwin Kienitz and Louis Kienitz, and an infant sister preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Francis Son: Ted Kienitz and wife, Donna of Waco Daughter: Kathy Kienitz Wardlaw and husband, Bill of Woodway Grandchildren: Andy Kienitz, Candice Kienitz, Sarina Moore and husband, Daniel, Patrick Cody Wardlaw and Christopher Wardlaw Great grandchildren: Dylan Moore and Ryan Moore Sister: Lou Kienitz Strucely and husband, Paul Sisters-in-law: Vanita Kienitz, Doris Kienitz McKay, Virginia Hooper and Carol Sedberry Many nieces and nephews Pallbearers will be Cody Wardlaw, Chris Wardlaw, James Byrum, Dick Dickenson, Roby Carol Barrett and Walter McCaleb. Honorary pallbearers are M.M. Bo Calvert and the employees of Crankshaft & Valve Service. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY