Penne “Pen” Lea Liesinger, 76, of Cuero passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, with her husband, Keith, and their sweet dog, Lucy, by her side.
Beautiful, loving, and sentimental, Mom- Penne reminded us to “keep the main things the main things.” We are grateful to have known and loved her.
Penne was born in Douglas, Michigan, on January 15, 1950, to Gordon Aalderink and Gertrude (Ash) Aalderink. She spent most of her early life in southwest Michigan and graduated from Saugatuck High School.
Raised Methodist, Penne married Mick (Albert Schorle Jr.), a Catholic, in 1968, her life was built on a foundation on faith. Education, discipline, manners, and above all kindness were important to her, and she shared those values with her own two children and others. Strong and self-sufficient, Penne enjoyed ceramics, macramé, baking, drawing, and even cutting and coloring her own hair and sewing her own clothes. She loved oldies music, dancing and took belly-dancing lessons in the 1970s. Pen could cut-a-rug like no ones’ business. Horses were a great passion and she spent much of her time with friends and her daughter at the stable riding and barrel racing her beloved horse, Teray.
In the early 1980s, Penne attended business classes in Kalamazoo. She later moved with Max Liesinger to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she worked in human resources at Westinghouse before they started a cable television installation company.
In the mid-1990s, she moved to Texas and met Keith “Buddy” Carter. Their first date was a beachside church service, beginning 32 joyful years together. Slow dancing on the porch to “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” always made her happy. They ran Retamosa Ranch in Encinal before retiring to Cuero in 2019. Their deep love showed in every tender glance and playful eye roll. Penne remained optimistic, hopeful and brave while fighting aggressive pancreatic cancer, and laughter was her best medicine.
Reading was a treasured pastime, and Penne passed her endless stack of books along, unless she found them at the library first. Her appreciation for order was evident in all she did. Born with a green thumb, being surrounded by nature brought her great pleasure. She delighted in caring for her many plants and several rescue dogs and cats. She and Keith even raised a baby deer named Indy, found on the Fourth of July.
Near or far, Penne made time to listen or share a story by phone or over coffee at the kitchen table, always making others feel welcome.
Penne is survived by her brother, Doug Aalderink, and his wife, Pam; her daughter, Laurie Marie Rowder, and her husband, Ryan; her son, Michael Albert Schorle, and his wife, Lupita; and her stepdaughter, Miranda Carter.
She was a proud grandmother to Dylan and Jeremy Rowder and Lilith and Evelyn Carter, with plenty of photos to prove it. If not calling them by name, “sweetie” was a top choice.
Through life’s ups and downs, Penne appreciated simple things and never failed to help others. We know she is smiling down and sending hummingbirds—her favorite—to let us know she sees us and telling us “I love you bunches and bunches”.
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who loved and supported Penne, especially during her final weeks.
In accordance with Penne’s wishes, there will be no service. Her family will spread her ashes at a later date.
“Only time is capable of understanding how great love is.”
Memorial Contributions may be made to Cuero Public Library.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gobble Gobble! We can’t wait to see all you fine folks there. Let’s celebrate community, music, and the spirit of Cuero. Bring your friends, your family, and your best turkey dance moves!
