In Memory of Don Angerstein

Donald T. Angerstein, 74, of Victoria TX passed away on January 5, 2022 due to cardiac complications arising from a sudden illness not believed to be COVID related. Born September 25,1947 to Martha Ruth (Westwood) & Edgar Angerstein of Victoria, He grew up alongside siblings Edward Angerstein and Loretta Angerstein as well as cousin Bruce Luerssen, close friends Bruce Kaiser, Mike Rippamonti, Jimmy Steelhammer, and Don Vogt. He attended O’Connor Elementary, Patti Welder Intermediate and graduated from Victoria High School in 1965. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1967-1971 on both the USS Forrestal & as plank holder crew of the USS John F. Kennedy. On January 4, 1969, Donald wed his love, Kathleen (Baker) Angerstein. Their love story continued for 53 years and bore two children; Randall T. Angerstein, and Melissa (Angerstein) Hanselman.

Upon returning from the service, he followed in the footsteps of his father Edgar and began a career in the retail/grocery business with Sam Houston Foodcraft and then Urban’s Grocery. After a decade or so, Donald was able to go to work side by side with his father at Zarsky Lumber Company for several years. Donald’s service oriented heart led him to participate in leadership of many career, civic and religious organizations throughout his career which included the Suburban Kiwanis Club of Victoria, March of Dimes Victoria, TPA, and the Council of Trinity Lutheran Church. Don followed this path for nearly 30 years before leaving to pursue his true calling as a Lay Minister at Trinity Lutheran Church which his ancestors helped found in the late 1800s. Donald blossomed in this role due to his gregarious and compassionate personality, attentive ear, infectious sense of humor and caring, servant’s heart. In the Lord’s service, he touched hearts and found his own joy and satisfaction in the many ministries performed for the congregation. Unfortunately, economic decisions ended his compassionate ministry at Trinity in 2016, though he did continue guest minister stints with Lutherans of Hope, and requested services for friends until 2019.

The later years of his life plagued Donald with significant health issues and undoubtedly contributed to his untimely death. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, son Randall, daughter Melissa, granddaughters, Addison Hanselman and Aubrey Angerstein. His siblings Edward and Loretta Angerstein. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Martha Ruth in 2000 and his father, Edgar in 1984.

Visitation will be 1-2 PM on Saturday, January 29, 2022 with a Memorial Service scheduled for 2 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Victoria. Pastors Bill Hassel, Barney Matocha, Cheryl Kester Schmidt and Sharon Wiggins will preside over the service with musical accompaniment by Leah Matocha and Margaret Vogt. Rosewood Funeral Home will handle arrangements. The family requests in lieu of flowers; contributions can be made to https://gofund.me/3d3e17f4 to honor Donald’s desire to always take care of others and funds will be used to provide educational opportunities for his granddaughters, Addison and Aubrey.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses & staff at Citizens Medical Center for their tireless efforts, the Victoria Fire Department and Victoria Police Department for their services to keep the community safe, and to all family, friends, acquaintances for the outpouring of love and concern in this difficult time. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.

We remember Don Angerstein's family in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure.
 
In Christ,

Bishop Sue Briner