Florence Potthast Hempel, 89, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully in Schulenburg, Texas, on August 30, 2025. Florence was born on August 23, 1936, in Weimar, Texas, to Albert Otto and Marie Louise (Baumgarten) Potthast.

Florence shared many cherished stories of her upbringing in Weimar, such as roller-skating around St. Michael's church near her childhood home, lifeguarding at the city pool, having the priest teach her and her sister, Jackie, how to drive after their father passed away, and getting her driver's license at the age of 14. At St. Michael's Catholic School, she was a cheerleader with Jackie, and at Weimar High School (Class of 1955), she played trombone in the band and served as twirler and drum major.

After high school, she attended Massey Business College in Houston and used these skills working for the FBI, energy refining companies, and others. She led a full and varied life before meeting the love of her life, Victor, whom she married in Houston. Together they enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing across Texas and nearby states.

Once she had children, she was deeply involved in her children's activities. She held various roles in the PTA, including serving as the high school PTA president as well as the band booster president. Her and Victor's dedication and efforts earned them PTA Lifetime Membership Awards. They were strong supporters of their children's activities from dance, gymnastics, and band for their daughter to track, band, and Boy Scouts for their sons, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Florence was a devoted partner to her husband for 51 years. Together, they raised their children with love and dedication, making sure that although money could be tight at times, there was never a lack of love. For a true mom-and-pop side business, she was the office person and order taker for the firewood business they ran together for many years—work that taught the family cooperation and instilled a strong work ethic that all three kids witnessed firsthand.

She was her husband's caregiver and advocate for more than a decade following his stroke until his passing. The "kids" learned how to advocate from mom, which has been a valuable skill during her hospitalizations and care-giving needs.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading the Weimar Mercury, even while living in Houston. With her pink highlighter at the ready, she especially loved reading the "Long, Long Ago" section and noting family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Carl Hempel; infant son, Vincent Carl Hempel; sister, Mary Ann (Potthast) Janecka; and brother, Albert "Buddy" Potthast.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Deborah Hempel-Medina and husband Kirk; twin sons, Michael Hempel, and Phillip Hempel and wife Denise; five grandchildren, Luke, Amelia, Jacob, Katherine, and Lauren; and sister, Jaqueline "Jackie" (Potthast) Fox.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Weimar. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the parish rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. from the church. Interment will follow in Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

The family extends thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Schulenburg Regency Retirement Community for caring for Florence during her final years. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Weimar.