Vincent Leroy Anderwald, 84, went to his home in heaven, Wednesday, April 6, 2005, in San Antonio at Vitas Hospice. Mr. Anderward was born in Bandera County on May 25, 1920; one of twelve children born to Thomas Jacob (T.J.) and Eleanora Snaer Anderwald.

Vince was the grandson of Gabe Anderwald and the great grand-son of Franz and Elizabeth Anderwald, who were founding members of St. Stanislaus Catholic church, as well as the town of Bandera. Vince lived his entire life in Bandera and will be dearly missed by his many friends and family. As a lifelong member of St. Stanislaus, Vince was known by most parishioners as "the person who always lit the Easter fire on Holy Saturday." Vince helped establish the presence of a greeter at St. Stanislaus and until his health no longer permitted, Vince faithfully volunteered as a greeter.

Vince proudly served his country in the US Army from 1942 to 1946. For his service during WWII, he was decorated with a Victory Ribbon, as Asiatic Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Metal.

After completing his military service, he returned to Bandera and worked as a wrangler at the Flying L Dude Ranch and later at the Dixie Dude Ranch. He co-owned and operated a barbeque restraunt with Fred and Ruth Knaggs and his talent as a barbeque chef is renounded in the county. Vince proudly cooked at the annual Church barbeque for many years. He held a annual Memorial Dad/Birthday Barbeque Trail Ride that friends and relatives looked forward to each year. Vince was an active member of the Bandera Wolf Club. Until retirement, he worked as a highly respected carpenter in the Hill Country area. Many family members and friends are proud owners of pieces he created in native cedar from the Anderwald Place.

Vince is preceded in death by a son, Anthony Wayne; two brothers and his parents. He is survived by son, Brian Patrick Anderwald and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Klein Anderwald of Helotes; six sisters and two brothers.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, with Father George Montague presiding. A rosary was recited on April 13 at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera and Deacon Bobby Stein officiating.