Kimball
Elizabeth Ann Kimball, age 64 of Seguin, passed away on November 27, 2025. Elizabeth was born on May 30, 1961, in Seguin, Texas, to Matilda (Gutierrez) and Louis Edward Kimball.
Elizabeth was a 1979 graduate of Seguin High School and enjoyed singing in both the high school choir and church choir. Favorite times were spent among family and friends, watching the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Cowboys or any movie from her large collection that she had at home. She always enjoyed going and playing Bingo.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, George and Julian Kimball and sister, Ana Williams.
Survivors include her sisters, Gilda Dando and husband Web, Maryann
Menchaca and husband Alfred, Linda Bodin and husband Michael, Rosemary Garcia and husband Gilbert, and Diane Kimball; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends, as she knew no strangers.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Tom Jones officiating.
For the visitation Thursday evening family and friends are encouraged to wear San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Cowboys attire!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Santa Program, c/o Seguin Police Department, 350 N. Guadalupe St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Svatek
Margarett Svatek, age 79 of Seguin, passed away on November 23, 2025.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m.
A more complete obituary will follow when all arrangements are completed. In lieu of flowers the family humbly asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Bothe
Wayne Bothe, age 75 of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born and raised in Seguin and was a proud 1968 graduate of Seguin High School.
He lived his life with grit, humor, and stubborn determination. Those who knew him will forever remember his ever-ready smart-ass comments, sharp wit, and the sound of his laughter echoing through the house - and the garage.
Though officially retired, Wayne could never sit still - unless he received the text, “Football and ‘seegars’ at Skip’s,” or it was time for the Thursday night “Holy Smokes” group. He greatly enjoyed sharing a cigar, swapping stories, catching up on neighborhood news, and talking sports with his tight-knit circle of friends. He worked hard his entire life and took pride in his career as a truck driver. He spent more than 30 years driving everyday to Miller Brewing Company in Fort Worth. At home, he was a talented mechanic, always working on his own projects or helping friends with cars and tractors. Whether on the road or in the garage, his work reflected the same determination, and pride that defined him. No matter how long it took him to complete a project, he made sure it was
always done right.
Despite a life full of hard work, Wayne’s greatest joy came from the people and companions he loved most - his family and the four-legged friends who followed him everywhere. The garage is quieter now, and the house a little too still, but we take comfort knowing he is finally at peace. His voice, his humor, and his generous heart will live on in our memories. We loved him deeply, and we will miss him beyond measure.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Ann Bothe. He is survived by the people he cherished most in this world: his wife, Lynn Bothe; his daughter, Alexandrea Bothe, and her husband, Scott Brown; his sons, Colton Bothe and his fiancée, Megan Younker; and Matthew Bothe.
Wayne’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice, and especially to his primary nurse, Karra, whose compassion, humor, and ability to match his quick wit brought him comfort and reassurance during his final weeks. The family is also deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by friends and neighbors during this time. Every thoughtful gesture has meant more than words can express.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels. Donations can be made at: https://www.hopehospice.net/donate
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
VITAL STATISTICS
Schultz
Otto Henry Schultz Jr. was a man of many things, but above all, he was a master list-maker. He kept lists for everything—groceries, repairs, cleaning, goals he hoped to achieve. And, perhaps most notably, he even made a list of things to be done after his passing. In fact, he wrote his own obituary.
Otto Schultz Jr., 82, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2025, with his daughter Kat by his side. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Becky, and their son, Bradley.
Born on February 15, 1943, in Smithville, Texas, to Otto H. Schultz Sr. and Bertha Speck Reid Schultz, Otto is survived by daughters Stephanie Mcgree (Bradley) and Katharine Champion (Randal); grandchildren Lauren McGree, Autumn Champion, and Olivia Champion; his brother Larry (Sharon), sisters Pat Wood and Wilma Chapman, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
In his youth, Otto was artistic and active in drama, earning the lead in his senior play. He was involved in First Methodist Church, singing in the youth choir and maintaining perfect Sunday School attendance. (Church was next door.)
Otto spent 43 years with United Gas Corporation (now CenterPoint Energy), retiring as Division Marketing Manager for South Texas and the Texas
Byrd
John David “Pete” Byrd, age 88 of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 15, 2025. Pete was born on April 12, 1937, in Beeville, Texas to Alta Bernice (Vickers) and John Howard Byrd.
Pete was raised on the farm fields of Sinton, Texas, which served as a foundation for a long, full life of adventure and true grit. He went on to be a collegiate athlete, serviceman, farmer, professional touring musician, horseman, and cattle rancher, before ultimately retiring as City Manager of Nixon, Texas.
Coast. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with, along with the public they served.
He met the love of his life, Becky, on a blind date while he worked in San Marcos and she attended Southwest Texas College, and they enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage.
Community service was important to him—he participated in Kiwanis, the Jaycees, volunteered at Wurstfest, led Boy Scout groups, coached youth sports, and served on the Seguin ISD School Board, where he was proud to help bring air conditioning to the schools. Otto also served six years in the Army National Guard.
In his spare time, Otto could be seen with a Natural Light Beer in his hand while “Gardening”. He was known for his pristine yard and green thumb. He enjoyed traveling with his family, whether it was sleeping in tents on the way to Disney World, or looking out the window of the hotel in San Francisco. Otto made sure he and his family were going to experience it all. That way, he could have more stories to entertain others with.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Memorials Processing St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or a charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Pete was a dedicated father, a devoted husband, a caring friend, and a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife, Fran Byrd; sons, Chris Byrd and wife Heidi, and Josh Byrd; grandchildren, Braydon, Blayne and Brielle Byrd.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to McQueeney Baptist Church, 201 Schumann Rd., McQueeney, Texas, 78123 or to the charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
RFK Jr. Advisers To Vote On Ending Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccines
(Washington, DC) -- Vaccine advisers working under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are poised to vote on potentially ending the practice of vaccinating newborns for hepatitis B. The “Washington Post” says the federal advisers also plan to examine whether the childhood shots are behind the rise of allergies and autoimmune disorders. They met Thursday and are meeting again on Friday reportedly on a plan to vote on ending the recommendation to vaccinate all babies for hepatitis B within 24 hours of birth. A recent study found the birth dose was responsible for a 99-percent drop in childhood infections.
1,000,000 Bags Of Shredded Cheese Recalled
(Hiram, OH) -- More than one-million bags of shredded cheese sold at major retailers are being recalled. The FDA announced this week bags of Great Lakes Cheese Co. shredded cheese are being recalled because they may contain metal fragments. The cheese was sold at Walmart stores as the Great Value brand, Target as the Good and Gather brand, Aldi as the Happy Farms brand, and at other locations. The products were sold in 31 states and Puerto Rico. They have sell-by dates which range from January of 2026 and March of 2026.
Colorado And Louisiana ‘High’ Flu Activity
(Washington, DC) - New data from the CDC is showing a rise in flu activity in select states. According to the data, there has been a five-percent week-overweek increase in positive flu tests but in a few states the rise in cases has been even steeper. Colorado and Louisiana have become the first two states of this flu season to reach the “high” category for flu activity while New York City is showing “moderate” activity. The uptick in flu cases comes as a new subvariant of the virus has emerged and public health experts are concerned low vaccination rates will contribute to a bad season like last year’s.
Shingles Vaccine May Slow Progression Of Dementia
(Palo Alto, CA) -- New research suggests that the two-dose shingles vaccine may slow the progression of dementia. The vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and up to protect against the varicella virus, also associated with chickenpox, which presents as a painful shingles rash in older adults. A study out of Stanford University Medical School adds to growing research that shows shingles shots may reduce overall dementia risk. This was a follow-up study and the main finding is that the vaccine could help slow the effects of dementia including the risk of dying from the disease. The study is published in the journal Cell.
DECEMBER
A Stroll to the Stable
The Seguin Holiday Stroll Committee will be hosting A Stroll to the Stable December 4-7 at the Nolte Building (formerly Wells Fargo) located at 101 E. Nolte in Seguin, offering a free family-friendly self-guided walk through manger-themed displays contributed by community members, with soft lighting, music, kids crafts, a nativity dress-up station, live performances, and a nightly live nativity; hours are Dec. 4 from 12–9 p.m., Dec. 5 from 12–9 p.m., Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.–9 p.m., and Dec. 7 from 2–6 p.m., and volunteers are invited to sign up at JustServe.org/AStrolltotheStable.
We the People Food Drive extended
We the People-Central Texas is hosting a food drive through Dec. 22 to benefit the Christian Cupboard. Donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items may be dropped off at 1916 Bar & Bistro, Austin Street Market (Saturdays-only), Agave Coffee, Seguin Schoolyard, The Gathering Place, Keepers Interiors, Moyesway Shooting Sports, Pecantown Books & Brews, Seguin Art League, You’re So Crafty and Wal-Mart. Needed items include canned goods, cereal, pasta, and toiletries. Visit wethepeoplecentraltx.com for details.
“Honky Tonks and Mistletoe” Heart of Texas Christmas Show
The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theater will be hosting “Honky Tonks and Mistletoe” Heart of Texas Christmas Show at 2:00 p.m. on December 7 at 425 N. Austin St., Seguin. Enjoy performances by Dottsy, Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, Justin Trevino, and Kaye Tolson as they sing their favorite Christmas songs. Tickets can be purchased at thetexas.org.
Refuge III Church Free Giveaways
Refuge III Church will be hosting its free giveaway event from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 7535 Elm Creek Rd. in Seguin. The church will be distributing new and gently used coats, blankets, and toys, along with offering snacks, drawings for free gifts, and gift cards. For directions or additional information, call 1-210827-1605.
North Poll Stroll
The City of Seguin will be hosting its annual North Poll Stroll on Saturday, December 6th at the city square. Walnut Springs, a new United Methodist Faith Community, delights in joining the festivities by hosting a “Reverse Vendor” booth. Rain or shine, hot or cold, they will be handing out Children’s Christmas books for free to any who
ask. they will also have books for a variety of age groups. They would love to have you drop by their booth on Saturday, December 6th. and pick up a book. They will be there from 10a.m. until 2 p.m.
Hermann Sons Life – Seguin Lodge Christmas Party
Hermann Sons Life – Seguin Lodge will be hosting its annual Christmas Party at 12 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Hermann Sons Hall located at 2918 W. Kingsbury St. in Seguin. The lodge will provide holiday ham, and members are encouraged to bring side dishes or desserts to share. An open bar will be available, followed by a performance from the HSL Seguin School of Dance and a visit from Santa with goody bags for the children. Bingo, door prizes, and a progressive pot drawing will close out the afternoon. This free event is open to members and their families. For more information, contact Seguin Lodge President Tim Kolbe.
Guada-Coma ICA Christmas Party & Fundraiser
The Guada-Coma ICA will be hosting its Christmas Party & Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at “The Big Red Barn,” located at 390 Cordova Rd. in Seguin, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and lunch served from 12:30–2 p.m.; ICA members and guests are welcome to enjoy live and silent auctions, with $20 meal tickets that include a 12-oz ribeye steak and refreshments, and those attending are encouraged to bring auction items and desserts, with RSVPs for meal tickets due by Monday, Dec. 1 to Allan Bode at 830-305-1325 (call/text).
KWED Christmas Angel Contest
KWED Radio will be hosting its annual Christmas Angel Contest, accepting letters now through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at the KWED studios at 609 E. Court St., offering families in Guadalupe County the chance to nominate themselves or someone they know to receive $500 cash this Christmas. The contest invites residents to submit a letter explaining why a family could use the assistance, with all entries required to include the nominator’s name, address, and phone number; the winning letter will be read live on air before Christmas and featured along with photos in the Seguin Daily News, and entries may also be submitted anytime through the studio’s front-door drop slot.
Byron Zipp at Silver Center
The Silver Center will be hosting Byron Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on December 12th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Snowflake Class
Seguin Art League will be hosting its Snowflake Class from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Seguin Art League Gallery located at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Instructor Ellen Craine will teach participants how to create intricate paper snowflakes using fine paper and advanced cutting techniques. Supplies are included, the class is limited to 10 adults, and an SAL instructor can provide a kid-friendly version at no extra charge with advance notice from a paying attendee. For more information, contact Seguin Art League President Sara Rosales.
32nd Annual Holiday Home Tour
The Seguin Conservation Society will be hosting the 32nd Annual Holiday Home Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at eight historic sites across Seguin. The self-guided tour features grand homes from the late 1800s, craftsman bungalows, the Sebastopol House limecrete structure, and the restored Texas Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance at Gift & Gourmet, Keepers Interiors, and the Seguin Chamber Office, or $25 at each site on the day of the tour. For more information call 830-560-0949.
Third Thursday in Downtown Seguin
The Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) of Seguin invites the community to it for Third Thursday. Enjoy food, music, and shopping during the event, which runs Thursday evening, December 18 in downtown Seguin. Businesses will be open late until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. There will also be several shopping and dining options available that night.
Drive Through Living Nativity
The Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting a Drive Through Living Nativity at 5:30 p.m. on December 20 at 1326 E. Cedar St. The event will feature live music, live animals, and actors portraying scenes depicting the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a free community event open to all.
No Dance at Silver Center Christmas week
The Silver Center will not be hosting a dance on December 26th due to the holiday.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/ KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
Q: I see lots of different holiday plants for sale in our big box stores including different types of Christmas trees. Can you tell me a little about their care and whether these plants have any chance of living past the Christmas season?
A: The plants I see in the stores in my area are poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, cyclamen and Norfolk Island pines. I think most of my friends toss their poinsettias rather than keep them for another year. My neighbor gave me one three years ago. Last year it looked pretty good and had small red bracts. Then I put plumaria fertilizer on it during the summer. It tripled in size (in its six inch pot that I sometimes forgot to water). Now, the last week of November, it has one or two small red bracts but not the glory of the first year, or even the looks of last year. I will probably dispose of it after the first freeze.
Amaryllis are easier to re-bloom. When I lived in Kingsville, I would just plant the bulb outside after it finished blooming. The plants lived for many years. With our climate warming and the USDA plant hardiness zone shifting upwards, we may be able leave our amaryllis in the ground here. However, for now, when your amaryllis flowers die, cut the stalk near the top of the bulb without cutting the leaves. Give the plant more water, light and fertilizer according to Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist. In the spring, move the plant outside. In mid-August to early September withhold water. After the leaves die, move the plant to a cool location. When you see the tips of new leaves
emerge, put the plant back out and add water.
I’ve never been comfortable with growing Christmas cactus. I either get them too wet, or keep them too dry. This is a tropical plant that requires short days and long nights, as well as cool temperatures to rebloom. Welsh suggests you grow the plant indoors on a windowsill, preferably one with darkness at night in the fall and winter.
Cyclamen are nice plants to put in a large showy pot outside your front door. They will bloom and look good until it gets hot. Norfolk Island pines are another nice plant to put on your gift table. Welsh says this Norfolk Islands and Australian native does not like temperatures over 95 or lower than 32. My son many years ago gave his teacher in Kingsville a small pine which she planted outside. It grew taller than her house and was alive for many years. I think the reason it survived was because it was in an internal courtyard and was well protected.
The main requirements for holiday plants are bright light for at least 6 hours a day, room temperatures of 68 to 72 (or whatever you are comfortable with), water thoroughly when the plant feels dry (use the finger test: 1 to 2 inches into the soil), and fertilize only once during the holidays. You probably should also check for insect pests since you are bringing this plant into your house from an outside source.
FYI: As always, provide water for the backyard wildlife.
A STROLL TO THE STABLE
DECEMBER 4TH-7TH
HOLIDAY STROLL LIGHTED PARADE
DECEMBER 4TH 6:30PM
SIP N' STROLL
DECEMBER 5TH 6PM-9PM
HOLIDAY STROLL JINGLE BELL RUN
DECEMBER 6TH 7AM
NORTH POLE STROLL
DECEMBER 6TH 10AM-2PM YULEFEST
DECEMBER 7TH 10AM-4PM
HOLIDAY HERITAGE TOUR OF HOMES
DECEMBER 13TH 1PM-5PM
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