Kay S. Engel

In the early hours of January 21, 2017 Kay Sharon (Kriewald) Engel left this Earth peacefully while surrounded by her husband and three children.

Kay was born in New Braunfels, Texas on December 27, 1942 to Helmuth and Wanda (Zuehl) Kriewald. She was raised in the family homestead in Zuehl, Tx and attended Clemons School for grades 1 to 10; then she finished her high school career at Marion High School, graduating in May 1961. While in school, she played volleyball, basketball, and received numerous awards in 4-H.

After high school, she worked for D&D Bumper in Sequin as their "Girl Friday." Kay married Reno F. Engel April 7, 1962 at Redeemer United Church of Christ in Zuehl. Their marriage brought forth their three children, Karen, Ryan and Randy.

Kay was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, friend, and volunteer. She partnered with Reno in running their business, Busy Bee Building & Remodeling. During these years, she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the New Braunfels Volunteer Fire Department, the Red Cross with McKenna Hospital, active with 4-H programs, read to pre-school children at St. Paul Lutheran, Volunteered with Vacation Bible School, and attended to the needs of her mother, numerous "Tantas" (Aunts), and other relatives in their later years.

"Nobody could make a casserole like Kay Engel." She enjoyed feeding and hosting for a crowd: family gatherings, church events, and in support of her kids various activities. Kay and Reno enjoyed spending their free-time traveling and sharing their lives with a tremendous life long circle of friends in the local community.


Kay is survived by her husband of 54 years, Reno F. Engel, one daughter Karen Culpepper, her husband William of Carrolton,TX ; sons Ryan, his wife Theressa of New Braunfels; and Randy, his wife Judy of Grapevine, TX. Six cherished grandchildren: Chad Culpepper, Kaylee Culpepper, Derek Engel, Mitchell Engel, Sydney Engel and Mason Engel. Two brothers Dennis Kriewald, his wife Kay, and Mark Kriewald; and her beloved nieces.

The Engel Family would like to express gratitude for the extraordinarily loving care she received in her final years at Autumn Winds Living and Rehabilitation in Schertz, TX.

Per Kay's wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of New Braunfels Building Fund; at 181 South Santa Clara New Braunfels, TX; Hope Hospice Of New Braunfels, or The Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. A reception will immediately follow across the street at the McKenna Event Center.