Dorthea "Dora" Kadura Wilhelm

by Marian H. Nelson

Dora was the fifth, of twelve children, born to Joseph and Mary Hoffman Kadura on a farm near Red Rock, Texas in Bastrop County. She attended Sacred Heart Parish School in Rockne until her 15th birthday. Her father insisted that his girls leave school at that age to help with the farm chores. "Dora was a tom boy and worked like a man," her sister Clara once said. The two of them were "Papa�s" farm hands. An older sister, Mary, did all the sewing for the family.

Dora married Joe P. Wilhelm, November 26, 1929, and they moved into his Grandparents old house on Sandy Creek several miles east of Waterson, Texas. A year later, Dora�s sister Clara (my mother) married Sylvester "Vester" J. Hilbig, who was a first cousin to Dora�s husband. The men had common Grandparents, John and Elizabeth Meuth Wilhelm; each remembered visiting his grandparent�s home as children and now, living a short distance apart, the families visited regularly. The women even attended each other at their children�s birth when possible. One story I recall my mother telling is when Perry, Dora�s second son, was born. "Dr. Bryson took the baby, washed him, circumcised him, and put Vaseline on the wound," she said. Dora and Clara, just 22 months apart, were close as children but probably had a closer relationship as adults.

Joe and Vester also enjoyed each others company and "ran around" together in their youth. They enjoyed fishing and hunting and in the spring, when farm chores were light, they planned all-night fishing trips. The women and children would spend the night together, sleeping on pallets after having a fun evening.

After a few years, Joe and Dora moved to a nice little home near the corner of FM 535 and Watterson Road. It was a short walk through the pasture to my home. My mother, Clara, and we kids kept the trail worn down. We kids also enjoyed playing along the creek and in the woods. Mostly, I remember the warmth I felt in my Aunt Dora�s home. She enjoyed nice things and shared her treasures with me. She made me appreciate the beauty of a fine bowl or piece of furniture as her fingers touched the items. She also grew pretty plants and flowers in the yard. Sometimes we cooked or baked together. I am ten years older than Aunt Dora�s only Daughter, Dorain, and I think sometimes she treated me like a daughter. She was also my Godmother and very special to me. She never forgot my birthday and remembered me on Christmas and Easter. Years later when we talked about this, she laughed and said, "Sometimes I had to give you a piece of material that I�d bought for myself because I didn�t have anything else." She also gave me her most precious gift of love. She also gave me the remembrance of the great gift of laughter. I cherish the impish way her eyes twinkled; as if she had some great big secret and her funny little quizzical smile that broke into a big animated laugh. I can see it now after all these years.

Dora Wilhelm moved her family to Lockhart in the early 50's. She was a dedicated Mother who worked hard to support her children. She was a nurses� aid for many years taking care of the sick and homebound. She also worked at a local Barbecue Place and, no doubt, was instrumental in her son, Floyd, going into the Barbecue and Restaurant business.

Dora enjoyed dancing and just having a good time. She was a fun person, always ready with a big smile that broke into an infectious laugh. She will be missed by family and friends.