Jack A. Griesenbeck

Honorable Judge Jack “Buddy” Griesenbeck of Bastrop, 92, passed away peacefully at The Christopher House of Austin where he joined his Lord and Savior. Jack was born in Bastrop to Josie Spence Griesenbeck and Jack J. Griesenbeck, the last surviving of four children.  He graduated from Bastrop High School in 1936 and went on to purse a law degree from the University of Texas until August of 1941 when World War II interrupted that plan and he joined the US Marine Corps.  A parachuting injury left him unable to actively participate in the field so he went to Memphis, Tennessee to continue supporting the war efforts where he used his knowledge of electronics to repair military aircraft.   That relocation led him to the love of his life, Ruby Lee Brown.  Jack and Ruby married April 14, 1943 in Meridian, Mississippi where they soon packed their bags and returned to his hometown of Bastrop.  Where together they raised two children, started Griesenbeck’s Furniture Store and entered into a world of politics. His love for Bastrop and the surrounding communities led him to do great things for the people of Bastrop County.  Before becoming County Judge, he served on the Bastrop School Board, was a member of the City Council, was a member for 64 years of the Chamber of Commerce and then went on to serve two terms as Bastrop Chamber of Commerce President, served as homecoming chairman for the city of Bastrop and was instrumental in creating the Bastrop Homecoming, and served two years as Mayor for the city.    Judge Griesenbeck helped lay the foundation for the county’s economic growth by his work with The University of Texas Environmental Science and Cancer Research Center, and The Bastrop County Federal Youth Center and the Aqua Water Corporation.   Jack was well known throughout Bastrop County and the State of Texas for his dedication and service to Bastrop County and state politics.  He worked alongside many influential Texas politicians such as Jake Pickle, Governor Dolph Briscoe, Governor Preston Smith and Governor Mark White.  Through his 18 years of serving Bastrop County as County Judge, Jack was appointed in 1972 by Governor Smith as an honorary Admiral I for the Texas Navy; in 1977 Governor Briscoe appointed him as chairman of the prestigious Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental relations; and Governor Mark White appointed him to study the Colorado River.  He was the first elected President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils where all 24 councils of Government in Texas elected him to serve.  He was also the first chairman of The Capital Area Planning Council where he served for three years.  These are just a few of the achievements and appointments that Judge Jack Griesenbeck has received during his lifetime commitment to Bastrop County.   Jack’s dedication to serving the people continued after he retired from office.  He was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years; a member and past President of the Lion’s Club for over 50 years; a Masonic Lodge member for over 60 years where he was the Worshipful Master in 1954 and received the Golden Trowel Award for exceptional service for the Grand Lodge of Texas; he also belonged to the Scottish Rite for over 60 years as well as a Shriner.  Jack Griesenbeck was a dedicated servant for the people of Bastrop County and continued to give back to the community that he loved so dear past his 90th birthday.  This whole life revolved around his family, Bastrop County and his love of politics. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Ruby Lee Griesenbeck of 67 years; his children Jo Ann  Griesenbeck Cantrell and husband Bill; William Griesenbeck and wife Sally;  five grandchildren Keith Cantrell, Patrick Cantrell and wife Rhonda, Jodie Cantrell Rhodes and husband Bill; Missy Griesenbeck Schuelke and husband Troy, and William Jack Griesenbeck and wife Tanya;  ten great-grandchildren Caitlan and Kelsey Cantrell, Clint Cantrell, Jordan and Kristen Rhodes, Shelly, Clayton and Coleman Schuelke and Emma and Ella Griesenbeck.  Pallbearers are Reid Sharp, Jim Shaw, Reverend Charles Williams, Jerry Woehl, Jimmy Crysup, Carl Spooner, and Lee Dildy.  Honorary pallbearers are Billy Maynard, Neal Pfeiffer, Jim Kershaw, Tracy Chalmers, Ray Long, Mark Rose, David Lock, R.L. Simmons, Marvin Beck, Murray Callahan, Terry Kessel, A.J. Woehl, Bobby Woehl, Jimmie Cottle, Maynard Lanham, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.  Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 26, 2010 at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home in Bastrop, Texas.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m.  on Monday, December 27, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Bastrop.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Bastrop. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bastrop, The Mina Lodge  #1456 of Bastrop, The American Legion Post #533 or the charity of your choice. This whole life revolved around his family, Bastrop County and his love of politics.