Anne Frances Detjen

Anne Frances Detjen joined the choirs of Heaven on March 25, 2023, at the age of 99. Anne was born on March 20, 1924, in Fredericksburg, Texas to Alvin and Emmie Stehling. She died at her home in Austin on a beautiful spring, Saturday morning.

Anne is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Albert Henry Detjen; her parents, Alvin Adam and Emmie Mary Stehling; and her brothers, Bobbie Stehling, Alvin James Stehling and Alex Jung. She is survived by: son, Wayne Detjen, and wife, Carolyn; daughter, Terri Duderstadt; son, Karl Thomas Detjen, and wife, Donna; son, Jon Christopher Detjen, and wife, Choon Jung; son, Robert Henry Detjen; grandson, Jon Thomas Detjen; granddaughter, Shannon Leigh Detjen; grandson, Jason William Duderstadt; grandson, Kirk Edward Duderstadt; grandson, Nathan Aaron Byars; grandson, Christopher Byars; granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Detjen; grandson, Aaron Lee Detjen; grandson, Michael Henry Detjen; granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Detjen; grandson, Christopher Kirk Matthews; grandson, Timothy Michael Matthews; granddaughter, Jennifer Denise Matthews; grandson, Jeff Bryce Matthews; granddaughter, Joycelyn Leigh Matthews; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kyle, Gillian, Andrew, Ava, Caleb, Kaiya, Dameon, Zoe, Joshua, Gideon, Zachary, Jessica, Eric, Ashton, Walter, Justin, James, Nicholas, Rachel, and Jerry; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Anne is also survived by: brother, Neal Stehling, and wife, Peggy; sister-in-law, Jeanette Stehling; brother, Pat Jung; sister, Carol Ann Schelee, and husband, Jim; brother, Jerry Stehling, and wife, Mary; and sister, Kathleen Magargee, and husband, Pete.

Anne cherished her family and was deeply protective of all whom she loved. Anne lost her mother at a tender age, and afterward helped raise her younger brothers. Anne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She faithfully followed and supported her husband, Albert, during his 21 years in the United States Air Force. Anne “minded the home front” through World War II and the Korean War. Anne and Al settled in Austin, Texas, after Al’s retirement from military service in 1961.

Anne also loved her church family. She served God faithfully at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church and Seaton Northwest Hospital for many years. She was active in the Great Club, the Choir, the Bell Choir and a variety of service ministries throughout her membership.

As a result of Al’s military service, Anne made and maintained life-long friendships around the world. Her friends became her extended family, and she always wanted to be a part of whatever was going on in her neighborhood, her bridge club, her domino group, the Great Club, etc. A family joke was asking how to get on her social calendar.

One cannot think of Anne without thinking of her amazing musical talents, which she generously shared with so many in Austin and beyond. While raising her family, Anne taught in-home piano lessons. As her children grew, she also taught Music at Sacred Heart Catholic School. She is fondly remembered by her many students and their families. It is not unusual to have someone in the Austin area react upon hearing the name, “Detjen,” with, “Are you related to Anne Detjen? She was my [Music and/or Piano] teacher.” For many years, Anne loved performing songs of her German heritage and touring with the Austin Saengerrunde. She also treasured playing in the annual performances of the Christmas Bell Choir at St. Albert the Great. She was so proud to accompany her grandchildren when they performed at recitals, with the band or choir at school and UIL.

Anne is greatly missed by her family and friends. Our deep loss is Heaven’s great gain.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Detjen family.