Brenham, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Brenham community is set to commemorate Pastor Kenneth Erwin Moerbe, who dedicated his life to education and ministry. His visitation will take place at Memorial Oaks Chapel, followed by a funeral service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Moerbe, who made significant contributions to local community services, is remembered for his compassion and leadership.
Brenham to Hold Memorial Services for Pastor Kenneth Erwin Moerbe
Pastor Kenneth Erwin Moerbe, aged 82, of Brenham, Texas, passed away on September 1, 2025. The community will come together to honor his memory with a visitation scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A funeral service will subsequently be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, led by Pastor Donna Krueger. Following the service, Pastor Moerbe will be cremated.
Life and Education of Kenneth Moerbe
Kenneth Moerbe was born on February 16, 1943, in Houston, Texas, to Aurora Anne Jurk and Erwin Herbert Moerbe. He was baptized in Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston shortly after his birth and confirmed in faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Austin on April 14, 1957. His education began at Lutheran parochial schools and culminated at Concordia Academy, Austin.
He pursued higher education with an Associate of Arts degree from Concordia Jr. College in Austin and furthered his studies by earning a Bachelor of Education from Concordia University, Nebraska, in 1965. Pastor Moerbe continued to achieve academic excellence by receiving a Master of Education from Texas State University in 1972 and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1979. Additionally, he obtained a Doctorate of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Seminary in 1989 and completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in American Religious History at Texas A&M University from 1993 to 1995.
Professional Career and Community Contributions
Pastor Moerbe had a distinguished career in both education and ministry. He served as a teacher and principal at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in College Point, New York, from 1965 to 1969. He then instructed at Texas State University and Austin Community College during the early to mid-1970s. His pastoral journey began with his appointment as Assistant Pastor at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham (1979-1982), leading to his role as Administrative Pastor from 1982 to 1996. He also served as Senior Pastor at St Matthew Lutheran Church in Waco, Texas, from 1996 to 2002, along with holding the position of Executive Director of Caritas of Waco until 2009.
Pastor Moerbe’s legacy extends beyond his religious roles; he was deeply involved in community service. He founded the McLennan County Hunger Coalition and served on various boards, including as Chairperson of the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition, and as a member of the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference and Waco City Council’s Poverty Solutions Commission. He was president of the Friends of the Waco McLennan County Library and actively participated in organizations like the Community Race Relations Coalition and the Waco Kiwanis Club.
Personal Life and Survived by Family
Kenneth Moerbe married Paula Barkley on January 25, 1975, and they welcomed one son, Ross, who resides in Houston with his wife, Jessica. He is survived by his son Ross and sister Donna Moerbe, along with numerous friends and community members whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his wife Paula, his parents, and his brother Victor Moerbe. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Kenneth’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham to honor his contribution to the community.
This memorial service will also serve as a reminder of the legacy of community service and family involvement cultivated by Pastor Moerbe and his late wife, Paula Barkley Moerbe, who passed away on April 14, 2022.
FAQ
When is the visitation for Pastor Kenneth Moerbe?
The visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel.
Where will the funeral service take place?
The funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
What contributions did Pastor Moerbe make to the community?
Pastor Moerbe was instrumental in founding the McLennan County Hunger Coalition and held several leadership positions in community organizations focusing on homelessness, literacy, and race relations.
Who survives Pastor Moerbe?
He is survived by his son Ross Moerbe, his wife Jessica, and his sister Donna Moerbe.
Key Features of Pastor Moerbe’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1943 |
| Death | September 1, 2025 |
| Visitation Date | September 8, 2025 |
| Funeral Service Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Education | Multiple degrees including Doctorate of Ministry |
| Community Contributions | Founder of McLennan County Hunger Coalition, active in multiple boards |
| Survived by | Son Ross, wife Jessica, sister Donna Moerbe |
| Previous Partner | Paula Barkley Moerbe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Memorial Oaks Chapel: Kenneth Moerbe Obituary
- Wikipedia: Kenneth Moerbe
- Memorial Oaks Chapel: Paula Moerbe Obituary
- Google Search: Kenneth Moerbe
- Legacy: Louis Kenjura Jr. Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Religious History
- Dignity Memorial: John Stokes Obituary
- Google News: Community Service
- Memorial Oaks Chapel: Judy Landgraf Obituary
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