Ingeborg Leonie Zyskind

Born November 30, 1924, in Stuttgart, Germany, to Alfred and Julie Decker, Inga’s early years were shaped by the hardships of World War II. Despite great challenges, she carried a spirit of resilience that defined her life.

After the war in 1946, fate brought her together with Josef “Joe” Zyskind, a Holocaust survivor, when he helped her mother during a chance encounter at a shoe repair shop. Joe noticed her mother being turned away due to post-war restrictions and stepped in to ensure her shoes were repaired. From that act of kindness, a friendship began as they continued trading items and helping each other through shortages. Joe visited daily to exchange goods, and through these visits, he was introduced to Inga. Though initially reluctant to accept his invitations, Inga eventually agreed to go on a date after Joe’s gentle persistence—and from that moment, the rest was history.

They fell in love quickly and were engaged by 1948, marrying the following year on March 5, 1949. In 1950, after the birth of their first daughter, Petra “Patty” Zyskind, they immigrated to the United States, initially settling in New York City and later relocating to San Antonio, Texas, where they raised their four daughters. Once in San Antonio, Inga supported Joe as he built a successful career as a homebuilding contractor. With hard work and dedication, Joe eventually built Inga her dream home in Vista Del Norte—a place that became the heart of the entire family.

Inga was the center of her family’s universe—gracious, elegant, and endlessly giving. Her home was always filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of her wonderful German cooking. If she wasn’t in the kitchen, she could be found outside relaxing in her pool or hot tub, soaking up the sunshine. She delighted in family gatherings, cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never met a stranger. Even in her later years, her love for dogs never faded—at 95, she brought home her beloved puppy, Joey, who remained her faithful companion for the past five and a half years. Inga always dressed to the nines, with her hair perfectly styled and her lipstick always applied—her timeless elegance matched her beautiful spirit. Even at 100, she stayed connected through her iPhone, social media, and online games. Up until her final days, Inga remained sharp as a tack with a sound mind and quick wit. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and an everlasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Inga was preceded in death by her husband, Josef Zyskind; daughter, Patty Amerman (Tom); parents, Alfred and Julie Decker; brother, Heinz Decker; and her grandsons, Landon Parker and Ryan Finch. She is survived by her daughters Cristin Parker (John), Dianna Finch (John), and Claudia Mougel (Paul); grandchildren Matt Amerman (Carrie), Jarrett Amerman (Jamie), Allison West, Ashley Schneider (Chris), Adam Parker, Kevin Finch (Brittany), Maddy Ibarra (Josh), Hannah Mougel, Meg Mougel (Alex), and Julia Mougel; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on what would have been Inga's 101st birthday on November 30th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Porter Loring Mortuaries - North at 2102 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX, 78232. The memorial service will be followed by a reception at Sonterra Country Club from 1:00–3:00 p.m., and concluding with a burial at Cemetery Beth-El at 4:00 p.m. We encourage everyone to wear cheerful colors in celebration of her wonderful life—her favorite color was pink. Those wishing to honor Inga’s memory may also consider a donation to San Antonio Pets Alive or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, two causes that were especially close to her heart.

We look forward to celebrating, remembering, and sharing stories of the incredible life of Ingeborg “Inga” Zyskind.