Clara Mary Konieczny Buegeler, 92, of Freeport, Texas entered eternal rest on July 14, 2026. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by her loved ones.

Clara was born January 15, 1934 in Brenham, Texas to Wallace and Gertrude Konieczny. She loved her role as oldest sister to her beloved sister Rosalie and adored brother Walter. The family moved to Freeport in the early years of Dow Chemical, being among those who lived at Camp Chemical for a time.

Clara graduated from Freeport High School in 1951 and began working as a secretary. In 1954, she met and married Phillip Buegeler. Together they raised six children. When the kids were older, she went to work for Vandaveer and Sons as an office manager where she worked until retirement.

Clara was known for her athleticism. She loved all sports, playing volleyball and basketball in high school. She coached some of the girls sports and it was not unusual to find her out in the yard or the street throwing a baseball or football with the boys. Throughout her life, she was a fan of most Texas teams, following the Astros, Cowboys, Texans, and the Rockets.

Besides sports, Clara enjoyed Bingo, playing scratch-offs, and going to Coushatta to play the slot machines. Her absolute favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. The Buegeler home was always full of life, kids everywhere, sports on TV, and some kind of game (usually Gin Rummy or poker) being played at the kitchen table.

Clara was an active member of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Freeport for over 80 years. There she served with St. Vincent De Paul, assisted with weekly Bingo when it was played in Freeport, helped with the Parish festival annually, and served where needed. The family is greatly appreciative of the ministry given to their mom in her final years by the staff at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Lake Jackson, Texas, where she transferred her membership when moving to Carriage Inn.

Clara loved people and wanted to help out wherever she could. She wouldn’t hesitate to taxi someone to run errands, assist with elderly friends, or help a neighbor in need. Many will remember her for the annual receipt of a birthday card from her. Once she knew your birthday, she was sending you a card.

Clara is preceded in death by her loving husband, Phillip Elo Buegeler; her parents, Wallace and Gertrude Konieczny; her siblings and their spouses, Rosalie and John Giglio, and Walter and Judy Konieczny. Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Lynette Hollis (Melvin), Phillip “Butch” Buegeler (Carol), Darlene Corney (Bob), Melissa Fuller (Mike), Ronnie Buegeler (Angela), and Darrin Buegeler (Jan), 17 grandchildren and their spouses, 29 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews,and the many “kids” that found their way into her heart.

There are so many people to thank for mom’s care over the last several years: Dr. Amin and his staff, her favorite in-home health care nurse, Karen, and Physical therapist Beverly, Maria with Help Inc., Ms. Elva, Talena, and the staff at IPH Hospice Care, and Valerie, the nurse at Carriage Inn along with the rest of the staff there. “The Freeport Gang” that included “Mickey”, “KK”, “Dot” “Arlene”, “Sammy” and others had a special place in Clara’s heart.

The family will receive friends at Lakewood Funeral Chapel on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a rosary at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Brenham Texas on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent de Paul at St. Michael’s Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.