Roll Call Tribute

William John "Bill" Pehl 

December 2, 1944 - February 25, 2024 

William “Billy” John Pehl passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on February 25, 2024. Billy lived a productive, fun, and loving life. He was born in San Antonio, TX on Dec 2, 1944. However, his family moved to Fredericksburg, TX when he was a small child, and Fredericksburg has been his home for the majority of his life. Billy graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1963. The day after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, traveling to Louisiana, Missouri, and Colorado. He later went on to beloved Texas A&M University (whoop!), graduating in 1968 with a Degree in Floriculture.

During his college years, Billy met Corinne “Reenie” Hartmann. They were married July 24, 1966. Following college, Billy and Reenie moved to Plano, TX where he worked as a landscape foreman. In 1972, they and daughter, Le Ann, moved back to Fredericksburg. There they continued the family business, Pehl’s Flower Shop.

Billy was very artistic, creating thousands of beautiful floral arrangements in his lifetime, but he was best known for growing gorgeous geraniums and poinsettias. The flower shop not only was his livelihood for 35 years but a place of upbringing and education for his three children (LeAnn, Vicki, and Russell), all of which learned and worked in the flower shop and greenhouses under Billy’s green thumb.

Beyond the shop, Billy enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, gardening, and making his surroundings more beautiful. He loved the challenge of taking a seed from an existing plant and making it grow in his own yard. He even planted seeds from Frio River cypress trees along his own home-side creek here in Fredericksburg. Billy once said, someone in 100 years will look at these trees and wonder how the heck they got here (one small part of Billy’s humor...and he may have used another word for heck).

Billy was an avid educator. Anyone who would listen could learn something from him (and maybe a little BS too). Billy was a long time teacher with the Hunter’s Education program. He was also a leader in Boy Scouts for many years, once participating in a 10 day canoe trek through Canada with his Eagle Scout son, Russell. A fond memory and accomplishment for both. Additionally, Billy was a long time member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

As far as others’ memories about Billy, all will say how much they enjoyed his sense of humor. Anyone who knows Billy has at least one funny story to share. Most of all Billy was a beloved son, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. Billy is survived by many: wife of 57 years, Reenie Pehl; three children and their spouses: Le Ann and Mike Myers, Vicki and Jeff Graham, Russell and Courtnie Pehl; twin sister Betty Rahe (Kermit); many in laws: Leonard Brieden, Bonnie Hartmann, Martha Bonner Hartmann, Jimmy Hartmann (Cathy), Susie Bryson (Tommy), Paulie Hartmann (Merrily), Tuttie Geistweidt (Kurt), Lois “Baby” Wagoner (Jim); eight grandchildren: Matthew Myers (Nichole), Emily Myers Krieger (Eric), Annie Myers, Trevor Graham, Tanner Graham, Tristan Graham, Liza Pehl, and Seth Pehl; also numerous nieces and nephews. Billy is preceded in death by: parents Alfred and Elizabeth Pehl, sister Patsy Brieden, and brothers in law, Freddie Hartmann and Clinton Hartmann.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 1st at 2:30 p.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Casey Zesch officiating. Graveside Services and interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation for Billy Pehl will be held on Friday March 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be left in Billy’s memory to Bethany Preschool Building Fund or charity of your choice.

Pallbearers: Mike and Matthew Myers; Jeff, Trevor, Tanner, and Tristan Graham. Honorary pallbearers: Seth and Liza Pehl; Emily Myers Krieger and Annie Myers.