Albert William Holck

Obituary of Rev. Albert William Holck

Rev. Albert William Holck, 87, of Austin, Texas, passed away, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by all three children, numerous grandchildren and significant others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manfred and Bertha Holck, his brother, Rev. Manfred Holck Jr., and his firstborn son, Albert Jonathan. Albert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Velma Margaret Miller Holck; his sister, Bertha (Beatsy) Chumney; his sons, Andrew William Holck of Dallas and Philip Carl Holck of Calgary, Canada; daughter Margaret Ann Felger of Austin; and six grandchildren, Preston Luthy, Matthew Holler, Paul Holck, and Rachel, Joshua, and Evan Felger.

His childhood was spent around the family home on Travis Heights Boulevard. He attended Fulmore School, Allen Jr. High School, and graduated from Austin High School. His childhood included earning the Eagle Rank in the Boy Scouts of America and attending the international Boy Scout Jamboree of 1947 in Moisson, France. He also participated in the Capital Set Square Dance team, sponsored and led by his parents, traveling throughout Texas and in other states, performing square dance routines. The group included his siblings and several cousins.

As a member of the Luther League at St. Martin’s, Albert attended many training sessions, Bible Camps, and national Luther League Conventions, which led him to attend Texas Lutheran College. After three semesters at Texas Lutheran College, Sequin, Texas, he completed his college work at the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary (Capital) in Columbus, Ohio. His internship year was spent with Emanuel Lutheran Church, Seguin, Texas. He graduated from seminary in 1957, and was ordained on June 23, 1957 at St. Martin’s Ev. Lutheran Church.

Albert served: Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas; St. John Lutheran Church, Winters, Texas; Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas; Christ Lutheran Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas. During these pastorates, he served the larger Church as Chairman of the Social Ministry Committee and President of the Pine Bluff Ministerial Association. Following retirement from active pastoral ministry, Albert worked for the State of Texas with the Texas Water Commission. He finished his public work as one of the preachers for the Saturday worship service at St. Martin’s.

Albert always enjoyed singing, serving as a song leader at many Boy Scout gatherings. He sang with the Men’s Chorus at Texas Lutheran College, and with St. Martin’s Senior Choir, both in his formative years, and later, after retirement. He was an active member of the Austin Saengerrunde Maennerchor since 1979, singing 1st Bass and 2nd Tenor. He also served as Vice-President and Music Committee Chairman for several years.

Albert’s love of traveling — developed during the square dancing years and forced upon him for his seminary training–was part of his life with Velma. Married during his year of internship, she joined him for his last year of seminary, and then traveled around Texas as he served various congregations. They also made many family vacation trips. Travel overseas began in 1983 with Chorgemeinschaft Texas, in a trip to Germany. During that trip they also traveled behind the Iron Curtain to contact relatives in Dresden. This was followed by cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, and trips to Copper Canyon, Mexico, and Canada.

Fishing, gardening (raising vegetables), raising rabbits and chickens were among his other hobbies. He enjoyed working with the Mop and Hammer Group at St. Martin’s. In his later years he became a care-giver for his wife who suffers from dementia. This experience helped him to express his emotions and to see how delicate life can be.

For his life he gives all credit to his Lord Jesus, who guided and protected him, so that his foolish ways did not cause destruction and sorrow to those around him. For those who would like to express their sympathy, he requests that they lean on the Lord and let Him direct their lives. Such sympathy will be most beneficial for all.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.