Harry was born on October 10, 1938 in Thorndale, Texas, the fourth child of Oscar G. Woelfel and Esther (Iselt) Woelfel. He was baptized at St. Paul's Church in Thorndale on October 30, 1938. In 1939 the family moved to Houston and attended Messiah Lutheran Church downtown. Then, in 1949 the Woelfel’s moved to the Spring Branch area where they attended St. Mark Lutheran Church; Harry was confirmed there in 1953. He graduated from Lutheran High School in 1958 and on June 5, 1960 he married Miss Geraldine Freitag of Avon, South Dakota.
Harry was drafted into the US Army in 1961, serving active duty as an instructor with the Army Corps of Engineers until 1964. He was honorably discharged from Army Reserve duty in 1967. While in the army at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, daughter, Lisa Dawn Woelfel was born in 1963. After returning to Houston, son, Michael Wayne Woelfel was born in 1970.
Harry worked as an electrician in Houston, for the same company,for 48 years, retiring from Pieper Houston Electric in 2006. In his free time he enjoyed antiquing, restoring old clocks, gardening, hunting, the outdoors and helping others. He was an active member of St. Mark, singing in the choir, serving as usher, assisting with communion and serving on numerous boards and committees over the years. He spent 8 years, alongside his wife, working with the prison ministry at the Jester Unit in Sugarland. He was also an active member of the Men's Retreat and Helping Hands at St. Mark. Harry was always willing to help with any projects for the church and its members.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Esther and his sister Lenora Noack. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gerry, his brother Wilbert, sisters Lorene and Gloria; his children, Lisa (Don) Emery and Michael; three grandchildren, Aaron (Amy) Hollingshead, Rachel (Zach) Haynes and Amanda Emery; one great-grandchild, Neil, and numerous other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
"WHAT SWEET DELIGHT A QUIET LIFE AFFORDS"
Family and friends came together to tell stories, and share memories during a visitation at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1515 Hillendahl, in Houston, where The Reverend Matt Popovits officiated a celebration of Harry's life at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A private family burial followed at Woodlawn Garden of Memories, also in Houston.
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In lieu of usual remembrances the family requests memorial donations in Mr. Woelfel's memory be directed to the Texas Conservation Alliance at https://www.tcatexas.org/post/woelfel.
