Melvin Adolph Hohle

MELVIN ADOLPH HOHLE, 87, joined the heavenly choir on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at his home in Houston, TX, following complications due to a fall. He was born Sept. 30, 1934 to Dorothy Schultz Hohle and John Adolph Hohle in Houston, TX. He was a faithful, lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown where he was baptized by Rev. John W. Behnken and confirmed by Rev. Oliver Harms, D.D. Christian faith was always at the center of Mel’s life, and Trinity was his rock and foundation. Throughout the years, Mel served Trinity’s Church and School and the greater Lutheran ministry. At Trinity, he served on the Board of Trustees, Altar Committee, Capital Campaigns, Stephens Ministry, Bread Ministry, as Usher, Treasurer, Scripture reader, made Mission calls, and served as school PTA President and Walther League President. He also served as past Treasurer of the Houston Area Lutheran Council and fervently supported LINC (Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition).

Dad’s commitment to the choir spanned from 5th grade up until his fall in late November 2021. He dearly loved music and “making a joyful noise”. He enjoyed participating in clean-up/ weekend projects for the Church and members in need, also assisting the Ladies Circle with finance issues, etc., (he loved those ladies!) – he was ready to pitch in where needed. He and Mom were faithful in attending Bible Class and funeral services of Trinity members, particularly during times of COVID. They made many dear, lifelong friends through church who have been a source of joy and fulfillment in their lives.

Mel attended Trinity Lutheran School through the 8th grade, and graduated with high honors from Reagan Senior High School in the Heights in 1952. He attended the University of Houston on scholarship, joining the ROTC program his freshman year, and was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

He began his career as an Auditor with Arthur Anderson. After one year at AA, he went into the service and was stationed at Fort Lee, VA for 6 months for officer training, followed by 7½ years in the Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1966 as a Captain with the U.S. Army. During this time he achieved his CPA designation. The majority (and most enjoyable time) of his career was spent as Controller at both Wohlt Electric and Setpoint.

Mel met his wife, Lil, through the Trinity Walther League (‘young adults’) and choir. After a “spark of interest” during a WL hayride, they had their first date to a Pops Concert (accompanied by Mel’s friend, who had seemingly lost his date!). Despite the “3rd wheel”, they clicked and were together from that point on, marrying in 1956 in Loebau, TX, with nearly 66 years together.

A busy social life followed, including a monthly Supper Club of 5 couples lasting 50 years, Bridge Club, Symphony Group, and an Opera Group, where the evening began with dining out, then the theatre, and wrapping up with late night snacks/drinks at rotating homes. They had far more of a social life than their 4 teenage kids! They also traveled frequently with friends and always held those memories close to their hearts. Another family favorite was “Trinity” camping trips with a large number of families, many fun memories which are still talked about today.

Dad cared about and was committed to his entire family circle. Following the unexpected death of his sister Ruth Hohle Gravesmill on Aug. 31, 1973, he and Mom brought nephews Rick and Keith Gravesmill home to join the family. It was a time of adjustment for all, and with God’s guiding hand, a new family was formed and has flourished and grown into quite a large, loving extended clan. In spite of a very busy work schedule, Dad (the sports guy) made time to “cheer on” his children at their games. As he was a regular participant in a trio of ‘outspoken’ Dad Fans, though, we sometimes wished he had just stayed at work!!

Other hobbies and interests included League bowling, dominoes (42), dancing (waltz, polka, two-step, twist, jitterbug), barbecuing, sports (particularly college sports, and his beloved U of H (Coogs) Cougars). Each day began with the newspaper and a cup of coffee, going first to the sports, cartoons, obituaries, and working the puzzles. Music of many kinds was a huge part of Mel’s life, especially Classical and Choral music and Organ and Choir concerts, loves he shared with his daughter. We recall New Year's parties with friends, where the den would be cleared of furniture so guests could jitterbug, twist and shimmy into the new year. Or in later years, gathering together after New Year’s Eve service to dance the night away at a nearby Police hall, arranged by a church member in ‘Blue’.

He looked forward to the annual family vacation to Surfside Beach, where he would reserve a beach house during a full moon, perfect for viewing the moonlit ocean. Days and EARLY mornings were spent crabbing, floundering, fishing and afternoons were spent swimming and “body-surfing” the waves, then relaxing on the deck or at the grill with a cold beer. Good food was always plentiful. Was it mentioned that Dad LOVED to eat?? Yes indeed!

After retirement, his focus and interest became the “farm” near New Ulm, TX, complete with tractor & shredder, cattle, hay baling, fixing fences and plenty of opportunities for work, reflection and fun. A perfect ‘plan’ to keep the kids busy and worn out. He was in awe of the stars and the endless expanse of the skies, star-gazing every night. What a great place to experience God’s creation and to share a sense of accomplishment and pride after a day of hard work. His very favorite place to spend time.

Preceding Mel in death were his parents and in-laws; sister Ruth Hohle Gravesmill and husband Robert; daughter-in-law Jeanie Schulle Hohle, and son Rev. Keith Gravesmill. Mel is survived by Lillian Knippa Hohle, his wife of 65 years; sister Carolyn Traugott and husband Rev. Fred Traugott of Macomb, MI; sons Michael Hohle of Hartland, MI and Rick Gravesmill and wife Cecilia of Houston; daughter Cindi Hohle and partner Tim Kinsella of Houston; daughter-in-law Johanna Gravesmill and husband Tim Jenkins of Tomball; beloved grandchildren Seth (McKenzi), Robert (Katie), Jared, Steven (Lauren), Karissa, Kevin (Ellen) and Brian (Amy); great-grandchildren Lila, Asher, Delano, Ransom, Jane and Blakely; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service honoring and celebrating Dad’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 at 12:30 pm, preceded by a time of Visitation with the family from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave., Houston 77007. Rev. Donald G. Black will officiate. A light luncheon will follow the service.

The service will also be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/1RNnzDeQXc8 on the day of the service.

The family wishes to thank the MANY special and caring Friends and Neighbors who have supported Mom and Dad throughout the years, especially in recent times and since Dad’s passing. Also some wonderful doctors who provided both care and compassion to Dad during his illnesses over the past 2+ years, including Dr. Richard Kim and Dr. Edward Rensimer. Dr. James O’Neill showed us that caring, thoughtful and attentive doctors aren’t just a thing of the past. He brought a smile to Dad’s face like never seen before, and truly lit and lifted Dad’s spirit.

Mel supported and believed in the importance of Mission work, and also treasured this beautiful nation we were blessed with. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Trinity Harms-Behnken Mission Fund at 800 Houston Ave., Houston, TX 77007 or directly on-line at https://app.siteorganic.com/App/Giving/trin800237 (select Fund "Memorial Donations", and Sub Fund "Mel Hohle Memorials") or to the National Park Foundation at www.nationalparks.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Hohle family at www.heightsfuneralhome.com. The family would treasure any “Mel stories and memories.”