LaVelle Joyce Hejtmancik Leinweber of San Antonio, Texas passed away in College Station, Texas on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the age of 97.  She was born July 18, 1927, near Dime Box, Texas, one of 6 children born to Anton L. and Ella Kiel Hejtmancik.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Eddie August Leinweber, a native of Hondo, Texas; and brothers, Marvis, Lynwood, and Dennis Hejtmancik.

Survivors include her daughter, Kara Leinweber Krafft (Ron) of Denton, Texas; sons, Gary Leinweber (Vicki) of Flower Mound, Texas, and Don Leinweber (Chris) of Montgomery, Texas; 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Lloyd Hejtmancik; and sister, Ilene Hejtmancik Gentry.

LaVelle grew up on the family farm south of Caldwell, Texas, and attended "country schools" in the area before going to high school in Caldwell.  World War II broke out during high school, the boys went off to war, and the football team was dissolved.  The senior prom was a wiener roast on the football field!  After graduating in 1944, she moved to San Antonio and lived with relatives while working and going to San Antonio College for 2 years, receiving a temporary teaching certificate.  On her 18th birthday, she signed a contract to become the principal of the Red Hollow School near Deanville.  She taught grades 6 – 9 in a 2-room schoolhouse, beginning a 31.5 year career in elementary education.  She completed her Bachelor's Degree in 1949 at Southwest Teacher's College in San Marcos, and in 1975, her Master's Degree at Incarnate Word College of San Antonio.  She earned her Reading Specialist Certification and taught new methods of teaching reading to area principals and teachers.

LaVelle married Eddie on November 8, 1946, and they lived in San Antonio with their 3 children.  They were always active in their church community and were instrumental in the creation of Peace Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School.  She was very social and genuinely interested in people, making and enjoying a wide circle of friends throughout her life, as well as having close relationships within her large family.

After her retirement in 1984, in addition to time with grandchildren, she and Eddie enjoyed the family ranch outside of Hondo, Texas, and the company of friends, traveling, camping, and playing cards and dominoes.  LaVelle volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was an Ambassador at the San Antonio International Airport.  She hosted card parties and played serious games of Hand and Foot Canasta and Rummikub through age 97...and won!!   After Eddie's passing in 2011, she enjoyed a special companionship with Phil Petmecky, and they were great entertainment, comfort, and help to each other in her final years.

LaVelle loved people, but she especially related to children, earning her the title of "child whisperer".  So she was well suited to teaching, and always kept her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren entertained and wanting to come visit.

LaVelle was joyous, and thus a joy to know.  She will be sorely missed by all her many friends and relatives.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 12, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Triumphant Lutheran Church, 21315 Bat Cave Road, Garden Ridge TX 78266.  The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be followed by interment at Hondo Cemetery, Woodmen of the World Section.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury St., San Antonio TX 78217, or online at mowsatx.org/donate then choose Memorials.

Guinn-Horger