Elaine Goessling

Born on October 6, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas to Dewey Anthony Strauch (1898-1957) and Lucile Rowena Lane (1903-2002), Elaine lived a life defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and her church, guided by a deep and abiding faith. She found her greatest joy in loving and caring for those closest to her, creating a home filled with warmth and cherished traditions. Her commitment to her church community extended far beyond Sunday services, reflected in years of faithful service, fellowship and genuine care for others. She gave generously of her time not only to St. Matthews Episcopal Church but also The Settlement Home, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, love and kindness. Above all, she understood that a life well lived was measured not by what one received, but by the love one shared and the lives one touched.

Elaine was a proud member of the Lasso Rope and Dance team at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas and she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority when she attended The University of Texas at Austin. She married Ward Currey Goessling, Jr. in El Paso, Texas on June 21, 1958. They adopted four children and eventually made their home in Austin in 1970 where they remained until both of their deaths.

She is survived by her children Ward Currey Goessling, III (Trey) and his wife Yvonne Owens Goessling, Gretchen Lane, Scott Frank Goessling and his wife Lucy, and Karen Elaine Cason. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Michelle Lane, Robert Ward Strauch, David N. Hooker and Caleb Goessling and great-grandchildren, Collette Hernandez, Pepper Loden and Noah Ward Strauch.

She is also remembered with love by her niece Lucy Goodwin and nephews Lowell Stockman (Karon), Will Stockman (Susan), and Mic Lightbown (Diane). Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, LTC (Ret.) Ward Currey Goessling, Jr. and her sister Mary Joyce Strauch.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 5, 2026 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Northwest Hills in Austin at 4:00 pm with a reception immediately following in Huffman Hall. Donations in Elaine’s name can be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church or The Settlement Home for Children in Austin.