Hans-Henrik Engelbrecht Ryholt

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hans-Henrik Engelbrecht Ryholt (born Andreasen). Hans passed peacefully in his sleep at home in Webster Texas on February 27, 2022, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s. He had just celebrated his eightieth birthday.

He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 18, 1942, to Mogens Engelbrecht Andreasen and Lilly Gerda Marie Johnsen.

He was predeceased by his father Mogens Engelbrecht Andreasen and stepmother Anna Thomasia Kjærbo; his mother Lilly Gerda Marie Johnsen and stepfather Jens Peter Ryholt; and his son Hans-Peter Engelbrecht Ryholt.

He is survived by his beloved wife Eulalia F. Castro of Webster Texas and their beautifully blended family of nine children including Henrik Ryholt and his wife Theresa, Fay Tudor and her husband Reed, Gina Guccione and her husband Dean, Richard Ryholt, Kim Ryholt and his wife Akuffo, Joey Ryholt and his wife Stephanie, Christian Ryholt and his wife Valerie, Jesse Ryholt, and Nina Grande and her husband Andrew. Hans had twenty-seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four younger siblings, sister Marianne, brother Jens-Erik and his wife Grete, brother Karl-Åge and his wife Susanne, and sister Anna-Grethe and her husband Kresten.

“Mr. Hans” (as he was affectionately known in the workplace) was a proud Danish immigrant who achieved the American dream. A butcher by trade, he came to the United States in 1970 and used his expertise to become one of the leading production efficiency experts in the meatpacking industry.

In 1993, he purchased a small printing company, Houston Label, and turned it into one of the top label manufacturers in the southeastern US, servicing customers nationwide. In 2008 Mr. Hans was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and had to retire. Today, the company remains in the family under the leadership of his beloved wife Eulalia and their daughter Nina.

A genius of a man, Mr. Hans was an inspirational leader and a successful entrepreneur that did things his way. Tall, strong, and proud with a commanding presence, he was also humble with a joyful disposition. He had a kind and generous nature which he extended to all whom he encountered. Throughout life he led by example and was the patriarch of a very large and loving family.

Emblematic of his self-determination, both personally and professionally, are the words of Frank Sinatra:

“I've loved, I've laughed and cried

/I've had my fill, my share of losing

/And now, as tears subside

/I find it all so amusing to think I did all that

/And may I say, not in a shy way

/Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way.”

Hans had an inquisitive mind and took a deep interest in the world around him. He loved discussing history, politics, and traveling the world. A self-proclaimed nerd at heart, he was a master problem solver and had a passion for the latest technology and gadgets.

Hans’ strong yet gentle grace and magnanimous spirit will be missed by his many friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to The Alzheimer’s Association Team Page (http://act.alz.org/goto/HansRyholt ) or the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Endowment Fund (https://members.gdlc.org/giving).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Ryholt family.