Loretta Martha Boehnemann Engeling died at age ninety-three on April 19, 2018 in Austin, Texas. She was born the youngest of three children to Ernest and Martha Boehnemann of Beasley, Texas, Fort Bend County on April 7, 1925. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Hope Lutheran Church in Beasley.
Loretta graduated from Beasley High School and attended Southwestern Business School in Houston. On January 19, 1947, she married Henry Engeling of Needville, Texas. They moved to Columbus, Ohio where he finished his seminary studies and she worked for the Community Chest.
After Henry’s ordination, they returned to Texas. For the next forty-two years, Loretta was Henry’s dedicated partner in parish ministry as he served congregations in Texas City, Fort Worth, Austin and Hempstead. Their three children were born in Texas City and Loretta was involved in home, school and community activities while they were growing up. When the oldest left for college, Loretta returned to work as a secretary. She was first employed by Ben Hogan Co. in Fort Worth and then the Austin Independent School District for 15 years. Her organizational skills were always appreciated.
Loretta and Henry loved spending time with their family and many birthday and holiday celebrations were hosted by NaNa and PaPa. They also attended annual family reunions. Loretta enjoyed garage sales, cooking, and tending her flower beds. Over the years, she and Henry took many road trips throughout the United States. Upon retirement, Loretta and Henry made their home in New Braunfels where they participated in many German heritage activities. They were active members of St. Paul Lutheran and she often joined Henry as he called on members while serving as visitation pastor. They treasured their fellowship with other retired Lutheran pastors and their spouses in the area. Both truly considered retirement a blessing as they continued faithful service to the Lord. Health concerns required moving to Austin to be near family in the summer of 2010. They lived at the Renaissance Center and later were residents of the skilled nursing facility at Buckner Villas.
Loretta was predeceased by husband, Henry who died a day before their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary; her sister, Thekla Blase Meineke of Beasley; her brother Ralph C. Boehnemann of Cibolo, Texas; and her grandson, Ryan Melton of Liberty Hill, Texas.
Loretta will be dearly missed by surviving family members: daughter, Janet and husband Robert Bohmann of Austin; son, Mark Engeling and wife Ann Benolken of Georgetown; and daughter, Kay and husband Keith Melton of Liberty Hill; seven grandsons, one granddaughter and sixteen great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Eric Gerstmann of Austin; and sister-in-law, Lorene Engeling of Needville. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
Loretta is at peace with her Lord and loved ones in heaven. A memorial service to honor her will be held at two o'clock, Sunday, May 13th at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, 9508 Great Hills Trail in Austin. Participating clergy will be Pastor Mike Ensrude, Pastor Armin Steege and Pastor Brian Peterson. Interment of ashes will be in Triumphant Love’s Resurrection Garden during a family service at a later date.
Memorials in Loretta’s name may be made to: Upbring - the new Lutheran Social Services organization at 8305 Cross Park Dr., Austin, TX 78754; www.upbring.com or Meals on Wheels at 3227 E. 5th St., Austin, TX 78702; www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org.
