Edwin Charles Knetsch Sr.

Edwin Charles Knetsch Sr. age 93 of Elgin, passed away Thursday September 25, 2014.

Edwin was born June 10, 1921 in Austin, Texas to Charles and Clara (Ewald) Knetsch.He married Orene Bostic on November 8, 1941 in Fashing Texas. He and Orene moved to La Pryor Texas in 1947. Ed had a talent for a variety of trades, he was a mechanic, he drove the school bus for La Pryor School District in the early 50s, where the students who rode his bus knew they couldn’t get away with much. Edwin drove large 18 wheel trucks for several companies over the years. In 1978 he went to work for JW Operating Company as a pumper in the oil/gas field in and around the Eagle Pass area. He truly enjoyed this job and retired from JW in 1987. He and Orene spent several years in their early retirement traveling in a travel trailer visiting Texas parks, their kids and fishing on the coast. They settled in Uvalde and lived there until 2010 when they moved to Elgin to live with their oldest daughter.

Ed and Orene have been long-time members of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, raising all of their children at St Paul Lutheran in La Pryor. In Elgin they have been faithfully served by Pastor Carl Roth of Grace Lutheran Church.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, three sisters and one daughter, Shirley Dennis.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Orene (Bostic) Knetsch, sons; Ed Knetsch Jr. and wife Tracey, Robert Knetsch, Paul Ray Knetsch and wife Terri, daughters; Patsy Coyner, Kathie Young, and Marsha Jean Sparks and husband Preston. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Austin Hospice.

A celebration of Edwin’s Life will be held 10:00 AM Monday, September 29, 2014, Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin