OUR STORY
Joseph and Victor Stanzel
In 1989, the year before Joe's death, the Stanzel Family Foundation, Inc. was established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
The goals were to provide ongoing educational opportunities and to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of the Schulenburg and Weimar communities.
Our story begins with a young man, Victor Stanzel, plowing a field on his family farmland and being intrigued with some birds winging their way across the sky.
Along with his youngest brother, Joseph Stanzel, this vision of nature inspired a model airplane manufacturing enterprise and ultimately a foundation devoted to giving back to the community.
Pictured Victor Stanzel and colleague in New York at a trade show in 1954 marketing their early products to become a international success and shape our foundation that we know today.
OUR FOCUS
HEALTHY
COMMUNITY
The Stanzel Family Foundation envisions a community where each member is engaged in a voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of a healthy life style through education, accessibility, and programs.
The focus on health recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural communities. This need became apparent after Joe was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1988 and had to travel to Houston for care. Addressing these issues remains a priority for the Foundation
In 1999, the Foundation partnered with Texas A&M University to assess health needs in Weimar and Schulenburg, resulting in the Healthy Community Initiative (HCI). HCI promotes healthy lifestyles, funds health-related programs and projects, and supports health professional scholarships.
EDUCATION
INITIATIVE
The Stanzel Family Foundation envisions a community of life-long learners where each member is engaged in a voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.
Our focus on education in Schulenburg and Weimar was inspired by Victor and Joe Stanzel’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Victor was passionate about learning, developing an interest in flight from observing birds and airplanes.
In 1926, at age 15, Victor completed correspondence courses in drafting and mathematics, later expanding his skills in tool-making and machine work. He ensured his brothers Joe and Reinhart finished their education, emphasizing its importance.
The Foundation continues this legacy by supporting educational programs, scholarships, and grants that help others discover and pursue their passions.
CITIZEN
PHILANTHROPY
The Stanzel Family Foundation envisions an engaged inclusive community that promotes and inspires philanthropy, love of humanity, through recognition and celebration of people who are living the definition through their generosity, sharing and kindness.
Victor and Joe Stanzel founded their foundation to express gratitude to the residents of Schulenburg and Weimar, whose support was central to their success.
What began as a hobby grew into a thriving business that employed hundreds, fostering a workplace culture of respect, kindness, and pride. Employees not only contributed to the business but also enriched the community, embodying generosity and care through countless acts of kindness.
Following our founders' example, we believe everyone has something to give and the power to create change. In such a culture, where community and compassion thrive, philanthropy—rooted in the love of humankind—flourishes.