Werner Lee Deterling

Werner Deterling was born on April 20, 1930, in the farming community of Freyburg, Texas, to Henry and Clara Deterling. He was baptized shortly after his birth and remained a faithful Christian throughout his life. Werner attended Salem Lutheran School in Freyburg for eight years, where he received a strong foundation in Christian education and discipline.

As a young man, Werner helped with daily farm work and later served his country in the United States Marine Corps for two years. He went on to attend the University of Houston, studying machine shop technology. Werner enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a machinist spanning 69 years, including 36 years as a shop supervisor working on projects for NASA. He retired at the age of 94.

Werner was deeply involved in church life from a young age. He taught Sunday school beginning at age 16, participated for many years in the Walther League, made home visits to church members, served on the board of elders, brought Holy Communion to the homebound, and was a delegate to several district conventions. He also enjoyed writing notes of encouragement to church members on their baptismal birthdays.

On August 18, 1962, Werner married Thelma Mitschke in Houston, Texas. Together they shared 63 years of marriage and raised three children.

Werner is survived by his wife, Thelma Deterling; his son, Mark Deterling; his daughters, Gail Cyphers (Dusty) and Joyce Carpenter (Aaron); his grandchildren, Matthew Cyphers (Katheryn), Keelan Cyphers (Taylor), Kyle Cyphers, Cohen Carpenter, and Evyn Carpenter; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Delmar Deterling; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Violet Stelzer and Nelda Kroenke; his brother, Melvin Deterling; and his daughter-in-law, Melissa Deterling.

Throughout his 95 years, Werner enjoyed working in his garden, reading his Bible, trimming trees, and tending to the family farm. When asked how he was doing, his favorite response was, “I’m truly blessed,” a phrase that reflected the gratitude and faith with which he lived his life.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown on Saturday January 24th, 2025 at 10:00 AM with a burial to follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.