Lorene Ann Fishbeck

Lorene Ann Klesel Fishbeck was born May 6^th 1945 to Hallie & Joe Klesel Jr.. She was the youngest of five siblings and often referred to as “Baby Klesel.” She went to school in Moulton through the 8^th grade before she started helping and working on the family farm. Several years later, the family moved to town and Lorene got a job at the coffee shop. While working at the coffee shop, she met Dennis Fishbeck who happened to be working at Farmers & Merchants Bank. They were married on November 11^th 1965 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton.

            Lorene & Dennis were blessed with three children, Elizabeth, Dennis Jr. and Karen. In April 1973, they purchased Moulton Variety Store and renamed it D&L Variety Store. Their store carried everything from home goods, items for quilting, seasonal décor and anything you could possibly need. Lorene and Dennis poured their heart and soul into D&L. Lorene loved to talk and always welcomed any visitors with open arms and a helping heart. Following off her coffee shop days, she would offer free coffee in the store to anyone who needed some. Within the walls of D&L, life happened. Lorene raised her children and four grandchildren there. You could walk into the store at any given time and there was polka music playing and children playing or sleeping in a wooden playpen. Lorene had a very civic-minded heart. They sold cookbooks, t-shirts, raffle tickets and anything they could to support their community. After 27 years, D&L Variety shut their doors closing a chapter in Moulton history. Lorene would always say if it weren’t for Wal-Mart she would have kept the store open.

            Lorene’s heart was unmatched. She cared for any and all people who needed her. When her mother and brothers were ill, she spent countless hours caring for them, running them to appointments and just being available when needed. When her brothers were hospitalized in Victoria she would get there before breakfast and stay until after supper. Come home and then do the same thing the next day. It brought her great joy to care for others whether that was making food for them or just stopping to say hi.

            Lorene radiated all things Moulton. She was proud to live here and would always tell people how great Moulton was. If you were new to the community, she would welcome you with open arms. She was a proud member of the Moulton Chamber of Commerce where she served as a Director, parade chairmen and volunteer for countless years. She received the Chamber appreciation award and together her and Dennis received the Lifetime Achievement award. She stood by Dennis and supported him in the Lions Club and Rotary Club of Flatonia. She was inducted as an honorary member to both because she always attended with Dennis. She also received the Humanitarian aware from the Hermann Sons in 2008.

            Lorene was also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she was involved in the Catholic Daughters, Altar Society and Christian Mothers. In her early years she was also involved in Cub scouts and the Moulton Little League organization. She baked for countless bake sales and was known for her famous banana bread. She would bake multiple loafs, bring them to people who requested them and then bring the money to the bake sale.

            To most, she was remembered as Nene, a name that she was given by her grandchildren.  Many will feel her absence and we take peace knowing she is looking down, smiling on us all.

Pallbearers are Tyler (TJ) Thomas, Dalton Thomas, Brian Fishbeck, Kelby Grohmann, Thomas Grant and Randy Mican.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Jr. & Hallie Henrichs Klesel. Brothers Martin Lee Klesel, Eugene Klesel, Adolph W. Klesel and sister Louise M Orsak.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Dennis Fishbeck; three children Elizabeth (Aaron) Gaertner, Dennis Fishbeck Jr. and Karen (James) Thomas; four Grandchildren – Lauren (Kelby) Grohmann; Kalla Gaertner (Thomas, fiancé), Tyler Thomas (Kelly, Fiancé) and Dalton Thomas; 2 Great Grandchildren: Kylen & Kaden Grohmann; Sister-in-Law: Evelyn Klesel-Kubicek as well as many nieces & nephews.

A visitation for Lorene will be on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home in Moulton.  A rosary will be recited on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton with mass to follow at 10:00 AM.  Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Moulton.

Donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moulton Volunteer Fire Department or Hospice of South Texas.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.smithfuneraltx.com

Smith Funeral Home – 404 W. Bobkat Dr., Moulton, Tx 77975   Phone #361-596-4631