Dr. David Charles “Dave” Ehrenfeld passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith and family. Born March 2, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Dave was the son of Helen and David L. Ehrenfeld. Growing up, he became an avid athlete and lifelong sports fan. After playing on countless teams throughout his youth, the left-hander continued his baseball career as a college pitcher.

While attending Capital University in Columbus, OH, Dave met Carolyn Louise Horseman. The pair fell in love and married on June 10, 1962.

A genuine religious scholar, Dave continued his education in theological seminary. The American Lutheran Church ordained him as a minister in 1963. In the 1970s, Dave went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree at the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA.

Dave pastored churches throughout Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi, and Texas. “Pastor Ehrenfeld,” as he was known, led worship services and delivered inspirational sermons every Sunday. A visionary at heart, he always extended community-enrichment programs far beyond the walls of his assigned church, such as no-cost childcare, continuing education and vocational training.

In 1972, Dave was named “Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year” for his work with the March of Dimes and development of a community center that continues to serve Biloxi to this very day.

Over the course of his ministry, Dave baptized hundreds of children, confirmed dozens of teenagers, and officiated the wedding ceremonies of many young couples. Among those especially meaningful to him were the weddings of his daughter Amy and his grandsons Collin and Braden Stuart. He was also an honored speaker at the wedding of his grandson Trevor Stuart.

In the mid-80s, Dave began a second career with Metropolitan, bringing the same pastoral skills to help families with financial planning. As a salesman, Dave became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Whether standing behind a pulpit or sitting across from a family planning their future, Dave believed his work should help others.

Dave and Carolyn raised four children—Melanie, Lori, Andy, and Amy—and led family life as a shared ministry. The couple showed their children how God calls each of us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Dave often referred to his family as his “treasure” and delighted in sharing stories of their accomplishments with others.

In 2001, Dave and Carolyn retired to Sun City, TX, where they enjoyed more than two decades of travel, family life, and continued ministry. He took immense pride in perfecting the travel itinerary, visiting historic cathedrals and landmarks as an essential part of their journeys. In retirement, Dave enjoyed fishing, golfing, and serving young people as an umpire for countless baseball and softball games throughout the Austin area. Affectionately dubbed “Fappy” by his grandchildren, he took great joy in teaching his grandsons how to pitch baseball, parallel park and fish for sport.

In 2022, Dave meticulously planned a 60th wedding anniversary party for Carolyn to include the entire family in celebration of this milestone. Their marriage exemplified a lifelong union of two people whose family and ministries became inseparably joined.Forgiveness, redemption, and the saving grace of the Gospel remained central themes in Dave’s life as a believer in Christ.

Dave’s legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lived out his generation’s version of the American Dream through education, marriage, family, career, homeownership, travel and retirement.

David is survived by his children, Melanie Rose Stuart (Mark), Lori Jeanne Thompson (Michael), David Andrew Ehrenfeld, and Amy Elizabeth Reinarz (David); his grandchildren, Trevor Stuart (Iveth), Collin Stuart (Annabelle), Braden Stuart (Annie), McClane Thompson (Alexa), Graham Thompson (Tara), Ellison Reinarz, and Cole Reinarz; and his greatgrandchildren: Ava and Evelyn Stuart, Lily Stuart, and Liam Stuart; Merrick, Lila, and Elise Thompson; and Davy, Ryder, and Wyatt Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn “Birdie” Ehrenfeld.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” —John 11:25

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, TX. Memorial Donations can be made at Annunciation Maternity Home