Tengler, Monsignor Joseph Alvin

TENGLER Monsignor Alvin Joseph Tengler, who observed his sixtieth year of priestly ordination this year, was called to his eternal reward on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Alvin Joseph Tengler was born to August John and Agnes Cecilia Whelan Tengler on July 18, 1924, in Corpus Christi. He attended elementary school at Incarnate Word Academy and high school at Corpus Christi College Academy, receiving his diploma of graduation in 1942. After graduation, he studied at St. John's Seminary in San Antonio, Texas, until his ordination to the priesthood. Monsignor Tengler was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Corpus Christi by Most Reverend Mariano S. Garriga on April 23, 1949, at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Monsignor Tengler was a faithful minister, carrying out numerous assignments in the Diocese of Corpus Christi in the service of the Lord and the Church. His first assignment was that of Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick Parish in Corpus Christi, where he ministered for eight years. Monsignor Tengler served as Diocesan Director of Vocations from 1958 to 1973, his first major challenge being to fill the newly constructed Corpus Christi Minor Seminary. Concurrent with vocation work, he was Assistant Dean of Students at the seminary for thirteen years, and Administrator of the seminary for five years. He served as Consultor for the Diocese of Corpus Christi from 1974 to 1988, as Director of the Theresians of America for fifteen years, and as Chaplain of the Serra Club for three years. In 1974, Monsignor Tengler assumed the responsibility of being Moderator of the National Council of Catholic Women in the Refugio area, a position which he held for sixteen years. Monsignor served zealously as Pastor of Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Refugio, Texas, from 1973 until his retirement in 1990. Monsignor was an avid sports fan, both as a participant and a spectator. During annual vacations, he enjoyed traveling to Breckenridge, Colorado, with his sister, Sister Agnes Marie. He also looked forward to the reunion which he and his seminary classmates held each year. During his years of retirement, Monsignor regularly concelebrated Mass with Monsignor Tom Feeney at Incarnate Word Convent. Monsignor Tengler found joy and relaxation in visiting with people; new acquaintances often became fast friends. He continued to minister to the People of God, especially to the poor, offering them temporal aid and provisions, encouragement and hope in times of need. Monsignor Alvin Joseph Tengler was an example of Christian living, practicing faithfully the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. At the time of his death, he was the eldest priest in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.Monsignor is preceded in death by his parents, August and Agnes Tengler. He is survived by his sister, Sister Agnes Marie Tengler, IWBS, and many cousins.The funeral Mass for Monsignor Tengler will be celebrated at the Cathedral at 10:00 a.m., Friday on July 3, 2009. Following the funeral Mass, graveside services will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.Memorial donations may be made to the Incarnate Word Retirement Fund or to the Priests' Pension Fund.