Stephen William Engel

Stephen William Engel was born December 7, 1918 in Bergheirn, Texas. He was the only son 1 of Rudolf & Ottilie Kneupper Engel the first grandson of Andreas Engel founder of Bergheim and original owner of the Bergheim General Store and Great Grand Son of Margarethe & Johann Adam Kneupper original settlers in the Honey Creek area. He had a love & Loyalty to the Hill Country throughout his lifetime and still has a second home & ranch land in the Bergheim area. On Sunday, December 7, 1941 he was celebrating his 23rd birthday with a gathering of extended family members when the bombing of Pearl Harbor was announced. He, along with many of the male cousins present on that Sunday were soon scattered throughout the Armed Forces. Steve went into the Army and served thru the duration of WWII. He was made Sgt. within the first six months and left as a S.E.C. He remained in the Army Reserves for years after active duty. Like so many of his family he was an active and practicing Catholic throughout his lifetime. He & his wife Barbara were among the original parishioners of 3 San Antonio Church's; St. Pius X, St Thomas More & St. John Neumann, He remained active in many areas of the Church work until well into his 80's. He was also active in the Community. He & Barbara were among the first homeowners in Windcrest and have lived there since 1955. He was on the original Board of Directors when Bexar County Water Control & Improvement Dist #10 aka. "Windcrest Water Dist. #10" was established. He later became the first Operator/Manager of Bexar County W. C. & I. D, #10 and held that position nearly 25 years before retiring. He was also a Charter member of the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department and served as the first Assistant Fire Chief for nearly a decade. He was loved by many and respected by all. He worked hard, laughed often, loved life and those who shared his journey. We give thanks to God for the long and blessed life of this good man. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister Frances Carey and his 5 children & their families: Michael & Suzie Harz Engel, Susan Killen & grandsons Jason & Joshua Killen, Mark Engel, Max & Michelle Engel & granddaughters Michaela & Madalyn, Beth & Robert Atkinson & grandsons Michael & Daniel. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph's Church or to Casa de Padre, 8520 Cross Mountain Trail #100, San Antonio TX 78255.