Sylvia Lee Engelke

Sylvia Lee Engelke, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 30, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1940, in Seguin, Texas to Max Soloman Waxler and Ottilia Albertina Sengerhausen.

Sylvia will be remembered for her love of life and most importantly, the deep love she had for her family. She loved music, dancing, spending time outdoors, and, of course, good food. A country girl at heart, she especially enjoyed Mexican food and a good steak. She absolutely loved animals and found great joy in spending time with the family pets. She loved visiting with the cats and feeding the dog “Gunner”. Her love for animals was just another reflection of the big heart she carried.

Sylvia loved Jesus and she loved her family. She took great pride in caring for those she loved and was devoted to caring for her husband, Norris throughout their time together. She was a strong-willed tough woman who was never short on her opinions. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Ottilia Waxler; her husband, Norris Engelke; her son, Randy Hester; her grandson, Joshua Hester; and her siblings, Elsa Waxler McLeod, Linda Waxler Bielstein, Velma Waxler Collier, Lillian Waxler Doege, and Melvin "Buddy" Waxler.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Melody Sarsfield and husband Mark of Seguin; her son, Bryan Hester and wife Shawn of Cibolo; her daughter, Laurie Youngblood and husband John of Seguin; her daughter-in-law Ella Hester of Nixon; and her sweetheart who held a very special place in her heart, Harvey Hollub.

She is further survived by her grandchildren, Dalton, Marcus, Robin, Natalie, Remington, Cory, and Garrett; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Thelka Waxler Harborth and Vivian Waxler Hesskew; numerous nieces and nephews; along with her extended family members, Amy and Steve Glover, Clay and Lisa Hollub, and her best friend and roommate, Joyce Sarsfield.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Guadalupe Regional Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided for Sylvia.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Goetz Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery in Geronimo.