Sept. 23, 1931 - May 2, 2024
On the first day of autumn, Wednesday, Sept.23, 1931, Elvin Earl Bretting was born to Albert and Christina (Christen) Bretting in the Freyburg community for his earthly journey. It was on May 2, 2024 the Lord God in His goodness, love and mercy, saw fit to take Elvin to Himself in Heaven.
Elvin was baptized in October 1931 at Salem Lutheran Church Parsonage in Freyburg. Elvin confirmed his faith on May 6, 1945 at Salem Lutheran Church in Freyburg with Rev. Louis Hemmann officiating. His confirmation verse was Galatians 6:14 “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” All of his life, Elvin was dedicated to his Lord and served in various positions in the Lutheran churches in Galena Park, Houston, Pasadena and Schulenburg. Elvin attended elementary parochial school at Salem Lutheran School in Freyburg and one year in the public school system in Angelton. He graduated from Schulenburg High School in May 1949. From September 1956 to 1963, Elvin attended the University of Houston and obtained a bachelor of applied science degree. Elvin returned to college in 1983 and earned an associated degree of applied science in the computer field. He was valedictorian of the 1984 graduating class at San Jacinto College North Campus in Houston. After high school graduation, Elvin was hired as a temporary employee at American Can Company in Houston. The job lasted 34 years when the company closed its doors in 1982. While employed, he worked in quality control for many years and the final years as a mechanic. Elvin was also the financial secretary for the Local Steelworkers Union #2126 for over 20 years. Later he was employed by the Texas Workforce Commission for 14 years as an interviewer and supervising interviewer. In 1996 he retired from full-time work. Elvin was employed part-time at San Jacinto College North Business Office for 5 years, retiring again and returning to Schulenburg in February 2003 to a slower pace. Elvin volunteered locally by delivering meals to the elderly and transporting fellow citizens for their doctor appointments. He also spent time playing dominoes “42” games, reading many library books and taking care of the Loth Farm and Bretting Ranch in the Pine Spring/Freyburg area. In 1953, during the Korean War, Elvin was drafted and served his country in Colorado, California and Kentucky with the 11th Armored Calvary Tank Company. He was honorably discharged achieving the rank of sergeant. On Dec. 3, 1955 at Salem Lutheran Church in Freyburg, Elvin was united in marriage to LaVerne Loth by Rev. George Falsken. The scripture chosen for the marriage was Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and everything shall be added unto you.” God blessed them with a long, loving and happy marriage. This union was blessed with three children and they are the Brettings’ pride and joy. In May 2021, Elvin and LaVerne moved to Atria Senior Living in Katy.
Elvin is survived by his wife and best friend of 68 years LaVerne Bretting. He is also survived by his daughter, Beverly Bellomy and husband Bill of Magnolia; sons, Nathan Bretting and wife Kim of LaPorte, and James Bretting and wife Stacy of Houston; grandchildren, Charles (Michelle), Jennifer and Luna Bellomy, Shelbie Gabrilska, Amy (Joe) Anatra, Daniel (Amy) Bretting, Natalie (Travis) Starkey, Ashley (Caleb) Smith and Meredith Bretting; 16 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Harvey and Vernon Bretting.
Funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran Church in Schulenburg on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 from the church. Burial followed in Salem Memorial Cemetery in Freyburg. Pallbearers were Charles Bellomy, Joe Anatra, Daniel Bretting, Travis Starkey, Kenny Greener and Darren Bretting.
Memorials contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 102 Keuper Ave., Schulenburg, TX 78956; Schulenburg Public Library, 310 Simpson, Schulenburg, TX 78956l or Salem Memorial Cemetery Treasurer, 4026 Salem Freyburg Road, Freyburg.