Catherine Ann Hohensee

Catherine Ann Hohensee, 94, of Miles, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, January 26, 2025. 

She was born on December 10, 1930, to Kanna Joseph and Mary (Pelzel) Dreyer in Rowena, Texas. One of eleven children, she spent most of her childhood keeping house, tending to farm animals, gardening, canning food, picking cotton, and playing softball. The siblings shared two bedrooms and the family of 13 shared one bathroom. Catherine lived her life like the saying in the 30s – “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or go without’!

She started sewing at 12 years old after she requested her mother to tailor her homemade clothes. Instead of tailoring Catherine’s clothes, her mother turned the sewing over to Catherine and this began a lifelong passion which was solidified by being a “Gold Star” Girl in 4H. She stitched together dreams of brides-to-be, often with only pictures. Her skill quickly spread by word of mouth and over 70 wedding dresses and hundreds of bridesmaid dresses were crafted through the decades. Countless lap robes, quilts, flower arrangements, clothes, curtains, cheerleading outfits, comforters, prom dresses, and costumes were treasured by family and friends. She shared her sewing passion with many others as she taught and assisted with their projects.

A very dedicated member of her church parish, Catherine had the distinct honor of being one of the founding members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) organization in Rowena. She served as Grand Regent in the CDA in San Angelo. She was also a member of St. Theresa’s Altar Society at St. Thomas church where she sewed and cared for church alter cloths as well as serving many families as a chairperson for funeral dinners.

Catherine married the love of her life, James Hohensee, in a celebration on April 12, 1950. Together, they shared 68 beautiful years before his passing in 2018. They lived in Lowake and San Angelo briefly and then on the Hohensee homeplace outside of Miles for 12 years. The family of eight shared one bathroom. They built a forever home in Miles in 1972. Catherine was blessed enough to order 3 bathrooms and a water fountain for her growing family! Family members now total 104 with one on the way.

James and Catherine enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, dancing, fishing, traveling, and babysitting the grandchildren. They lived a block from Miles School and many friends of their children and grandchildren walked to their house after school. Catherine became known for her delicious meals, famous Ranger Cookies and Peach Pie. They planted a huge garden every year and shared their abundance with family, friends, and people in need. Family and friends enjoyed many weekends at their cabin on Lake Nasworthy. 

They made lifelong friends with many Catholic priests and often hosted them in their home for Sunday lunches with an occasional fishing trip to the Hohensee catfish pond. Catherine kept a manicured home and a large yard where many neighborhood games were played. The school sent their classes over for numerous Easter Egg hunts.

Along with supporting James’ farming and rental business, Catherine was Room Mother for every child and volunteered at the school in various duties. She attended countless athletic events in support of her children, grandchildren and the Miles Bulldogs. She supported her community through 4-H, FHA, stock shows, softball coaching and the Miles Cotton festival.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents Kanna and Mary Dreyer, her loving husband James, and her siblings Kenneth Sonny Dreyer, Ruben Dreyer, Olen Dreyer, James Dreyer, Louis Dreyer, Lorena Orrill, Bernice Canada. Brother and sister in laws: Frances Dreyer, Juanita Dreyer, JB Orill, Travis Canada, Loretta Dreyer, Cliff and Dot Hohensee, Pauline and Herbert Book. Great grandchild: Jordan Kirk.

She is survived by her 6 children. Jerry and wife Charlotte of Georgetown, Ronnie and wife Deborah of Miles, Charles and wife Angie of New Braunfels, Mike and wife Tammie of Miles, Greg Hohensee of Miles, Mary and husband Bart Rosenquist of San Angelo.

Catherine is also survived by her brothers: Cleo Dreyer, Henry Dreyer and wife Carolyn, and Eugene Dreyer and wife Jane, as well as her sister in laws Linda Dreyer and Jo Ann Dreyer along with 23 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be said for Catherine on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Miles, Texas. Her Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1:30 pm also on Wednesday with Father Ariel Lagunilla celebrating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Catherine’s honor.

The family expresses sincere thanks to The Crest for the dignified care of Mom during her last few years.