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The descendants of Karl and Wilhelmina Butschek held their 45th reunion on Father's Day, June 15, at St. Mary's Church, near Hallettsville.

Rosemary McLachlan of Katy opened the reunion and welcomed everyone to the reunion. She then stated that although this was the 45th reunion, the family had actually been holding reunions for 62 years.

She explained that the family held their first reunion in 1946, but the first five reunions were held every four years. These first dates corresponded to the times that Sister Julia, a daughter of Karl and Wilhelmina and a member of the Sisters of Devine Providence, could return from Our Lady of the Lake Convent in San Antonio to visit with her family around Hallettsville.

At the 1962 reunion, Sister Julia asked Marjorie Hlavac, the daughter of her brother, Louis, and Edgar Butschek, the son of her brother, Henry, to ensure that the reunions were continued.

Louis and Henry were the two youngest siblings in the family. Marjorie, of Houston, and Edgar, now of Fort Worth, have done just that and, since 1964, have gotten the family members together on an annual basis.

Marjorie and Edgar were recognized by all present for their faithful efforts all these years. As Edgar said, "Karl and Wilhelmina would be proud of their family." Sister Julia would be proud of Marjorie and Edgar, too.

Jeanne Boothe of Gonzales, the family historian, presented the updated “2008 Family History” book to the family. This book is larger than the last version and contains many more historical dates and stories of the individuals in the family. Jeanne was also recognized by the family for all of the time and effort she has given to this project.

All fathers were asked to stand for Father’s Day. The newest fathers present were Kevin Roehl of Houston, who introduced his son Kolton Mitchell Roehl, born on April 3, and his wife, Amber; Lee Neisler couldn't attend, but his wife Lauren introduced their daughter, Jillian Lee, born Feb. 23 in Fort Worth; and Garrett Appelt, born Aug. 14, was introduced by his dad, Jason Appelt and his wife, Carmen, of Hallettsville.

The oldest dad present was Edgar Butschek of Fort Worth.

Newlyweds were Jonathan and Sarah De La Rosa, married on May 9 in College Station.

David Dille of Houston was attending the reunion for the first time and LeRoy and Martha Butschek of Oklahoma hadn't been at a reunion since 1984. Coming a long distance were Robin and Dale Hunt from California, and Tony Hlavac, with his wife, Barbara, and son, Chris, from Florida.

Toni Williamson of Houston was the photographer, despite her broken ankle. Photos taken at the 2007 reunion were available for families to take home with them.

Susie Butschek of Victoria, with the help of her daughters, Laurie Kusak of Shiner, Peggy Mueller of Victoria, and Tammy Amaimo of Port Lavaca, led a silent auction.

Yolanda Butschek of Hallettsville was in charge of everything. She and her many helpers, especially her husband, Wayne, set up the hall, lunch and oversaw the clean up.

Plans are now beginning for the 46th Butschek reunion in 2009.