Lina Magdalene (Soder) Hammerstein

Lina Magdalene Soder Hammerstein, 92, of Sweeny, Texas, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after living a vibrant life as the loving wife of Gene Thomas Hammerstein for 62 years. Lina was the cherished mother of seven children, a beloved grandmother, and a caring daughter, sister, and close friend. She was born July 27, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph (of Hambrucken, Germany) and Julia Gross Soder.

After graduating from St. Casimir Academy, Lina entered St. Bernard’s Hospital School of Nursing, where her compassion touched countless lives. One grateful patient described her in a heartfelt note as “an angel sent by God,” reflecting the kindness and grace that would define her life. Though called to nursing, Lina felt an even deeper calling to the sacred vocation of marriage and family. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Gene, and devoted herself to building a home filled with unwavering faith, love, and warmth.

After raising her children, Lina continued her life of service as an active member of the Ladies Guild at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sweeny, generously sharing her time and talents in service to others and her parish community. A gifted artist in her own right, she was also an accomplished member of Sweeny’s Garden Club, where her creativity and talent earned her numerous Blue Ribbon honors for her fresh and artificial floral arrangements, artistic designs, and beautifully curated table settings. Lina possessed a remarkable gift for creating beauty and making others feel cherished by crocheting holiday decorations and blankets for all her friends and family.

Lina is survived by her children, Gene T. Hammerstein, Jr. and wife, Cynthia of Pembroke, Georgia; Gregory A. Hammerstein and wife, Heidi of Pembroke, Georgia; David J. Hammerstein and wife, Donita of Canton, Michigan; Andrea T. Francis and husband, Timothy of New Braunfels; and Theresa E. Glenn and husband, Jeffrey of Pflugerville; along with sister-in-law, Mary Soder of Palos Heights, Illinois; son-in-law, Jim Shepherd of Mesa, Arizona; 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and family members. She will be missed dearly by all who loved and knew her as Lina, Mom or Grammie.

Lina is preceded in death by her husband, Gene; daughter Denise C. Hammerstein-Shepherd, daughter Victoria M. Hammerstein-Veverka and son-in-law Timothy Veverka; daughter-in-law, Angie Hammerstein; her parents; sister, Rita S. Brice and brother-in-law Patrick Brice; brother, Ludwig A. Soder; sister-in-law, Elaine Brice; brother-in-law, John and sister-in-law, Joan Hammerstein.

A public visitation will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 386 N Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 9:00 am followed by Holy Mass at 10:00 am. A Committal Service will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 17501 Nacodoches, San Antonio, TX 78266, following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Heart of the Nation Catholic Network @ https://www.heartofthenation.org/donate/donate-online.

Services are under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130; (830) 625-2349. Online condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-braunfels-tx/lina-hammerstein-12912285