Laura L. Atzenhoffer

Laura Lynn (Pietsch) Atzenhoffer, affectionately known to many as “Laura,” “Mom,” “Nana” and “Great-Nana,” of Sinton, Texas, and most recently Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on April 17, 2024, at the age of 90 surrounded by family. 

She is survived by her children, son, Steve (Mary Beth) Atzenhoffer of Cuero, Texas and daughter, Debbie (Terry) Hesseltine of Springdale, Arkansas; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Laura's life was beautifully intertwined with that of her husband, Edgar Wayne Atzenhoffer. Their love story began at Texas Lutheran College and flourished into a beautiful marriage on July 2, 1955. They were married in the chapel on campus and always told the story of meeting on Valentine’s Day, getting engaged on Easter and married on the Fourth of July. Laura's love story with Wayne was the epitome of commitment and devotion, a testament to their lifelong dedication to each other, Christ, and their family. 

Following Wayne's passing in February 2022, we find solace knowing that Laura and Wayne are together once again in Heaven, continuing their journey of love and faith. We can just picture the two of them finishing each other’s sentences and loudly singing praises to Jesus, and probably doing a little Texas two-step to go with the beat.

She was born on February 24, 1934, to Ewald Pietsch and Ellen (Gerdes) Pietsch in Galveston, Texas. Laura was a lifelong Lutheran and faithful follower of her savior, Jesus Christ. Laura's life was a testament to love, service, and faith. From her early years in Seguin, Texas, to her graduation from Seguin High School and Texas Lutheran College, Laura dedicated her life to education and service, teaching for more than 40 years. Her teaching journey began at Cuero High School and continued through Mathis High School and Sinton High School (38 years). You could find Laura teaching shorthand, typing, first on manual typewriters and then electric typewriters which ultimately transitioned into teaching computers and accounting.

She was not only a lifelong teacher she was also a lifelong learner! A previous student once said, “Mrs. Atzenhoffer taught me my most valuable skill in the workplace—how to type!” Laura's love for children was the driving force behind her lifelong dedication to education. After her children graduated from high school, she couldn’t fathom the thought of not seeing her kids on the football field on Friday nights. So, she took on new kids and the task of starting Sinton High School’s first drill team in 1979. She remained their director until her retirement. She cherished those girls as if they were her own. Her legacy remains in the countless students she impacted. She told family members many times that being a teacher was such a joy, and she was lucky they paid her to do it, because she would have done it for free! Former students: you were a blessing!

Speaking of watching children on fields, gyms, tracks, show arenas…. Laura and Wayne tried to never miss an event. They continued following Sinton sports, but soon their focus went to watching the grandchildren. Many trips to Orange Grove and Arkansas to see the grandchildren play football, volleyball, high jump, show cattle, gymnastic meets, you name it, and they were there! Laura was not a silent viewer at these events, one of the grandchildren remembers her bringing a kazoo to a volleyball game to cheer on the girls. “Nana” was a great cheerleader and encourager, and always with a smile!

Laura's faith was evident in her devotion to serving others. After retirement, she spent many years volunteering her time at Christus Spohn Hospital with her husband as the “people in purple.” She enjoyed being the first person people would see when entering the hospital, “guiding people through a place that can be overwhelming is what I love.” She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and cherished her time with the Via de Cristo (Way of Christ) Ministry. In her later years, her service was still evident at Mirador Retirement Community. She would help many a resident in their wheelchairs back to their rooms or to an activity! She lovingly became caregiver to and advocate for her husband when his health declined, leaving his side only to sleep. She had a special gift of making people feel loved and connected, often serving as a warm and welcoming presence for individuals and their families. 

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Cuero followed by the funeral service at 10 o'clock that morning.

Pallbearers will be Robert Meier, Travis Southard, Kyle Watson, Jacob Atzenhoffer, Steve Atzenhoffer and Terry Hesseltine.

The Atzenhoffer family give thanks to Mirador Retirement Community who served both Laura and Wayne in their final years. Also, a special thank you to Rose Rodriguez, who helped care for Laura in her final months with unconditional love and service. Laura's life was a testament to faith, love, and service, and her legacy continues to inspire us all. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones and all who had the honor of knowing her. That beautiful welcoming smile will be remembered.

Donations in lieu of flowers: https://www.worldcf.org/about-us/founder or 

Sam A. May Scholarship Fund (check payable to Sinton ISD), Sinton ISD, ATTN: Cindy Hinojosa, 322 South Archer Ave., Sinton, TX 78387