Who is Katie Altenberg Married to? The Story of a Holocaust Survivor and Her Journey
Katie Altenberg’s Marriage to a Holocaust Survivor
Katerina Engel Altenberg’s story is not just one of survival; it is a tale of resilience, hope, and love forged in the aftermath of one of history’s darkest periods. Katie Altenberg, originally born Käte Engel in Vienna, Austria, survived the horrors of the Holocaust and went on to marry Henry Altenberg, a fellow Holocaust survivor. Their marriage is a testament to the enduring strength of human spirit amid the unimaginable brutality of the Nazi regime.
Katie and Henry’s story begins not with their marriage, but in the shared trauma of their childhood experiences during World War II. Katie, born in 1936, fled Austria after the Anschluss in 1938, while Henry was sent to England as a child to escape the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. It wasn’t until they both found themselves in California decades later that their paths crossed.
Early Life of Katie Engel in Austria
Katie Altenberg was born into a prosperous Jewish family in Vienna. Her father, Ludwig Engel, was an agronomist who managed a large estate called Edmundshof near the Hungarian border. Despite their wealth and status, the Engel family became victims of the Nazi regime’s antisemitism. After the Gestapo arrested Ludwig, the family was forced to flee to Hungary.
In Hungary, Katie’s family sought refuge with relatives, but they were not safe for long. Hungary, though initially allied with Germany, was later occupied by the Nazis in 1944. The Engel family was once again in danger. Their struggle for survival would last through the end of the war.
Meeting Henry Altenberg in the Aftermath of War
Henry Altenberg’s journey to survival was equally harrowing. Born in Berlin, Germany, he and his sister were sent to England as part of the Kindertransport, a rescue mission that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety. While his parents remained behind and perished in the Holocaust, Henry was able to start a new life in England, eventually joining the U.S. Air Force.
Katie and Henry met in California in 1960. Both survivors of the Holocaust, they were drawn to each other not just through shared tragedy but through a mutual desire to rebuild their lives. Henry Altenberg, a decorated Air Force captain, was stationed in Japan, where Katie joined him after they married. Their love and marriage were rooted in shared resilience.
| Attribute | Katie Altenberg |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katerina Engel Altenberg |
| Birth Date | October 13, 1936 |
| Spouse | Henry Altenberg |
| Children | Karen Libman, Steven Altenberg |
| Survival of Holocaust | Yes, fled Austria and Hungary |
| Contributions | Volunteer at Holocaust Memorial Museum, Educator |
Marriage and Life as Holocaust Survivors
Their marriage was not only a personal union but also a partnership in preserving the memory of the Holocaust. In interviews, Katie Altenberg would often say, _”Henry and I understood each other in a way no one else could. Our lives had been shaped by the Holocaust, but it didn’t define us.”_ This shared history cemented their bond and became a key aspect of their life together.
After Henry’s military service ended due to a heart condition, the couple settled in Silver Spring, Maryland, where they raised two children, Karen Libman and Steven Altenberg. Katie became involved in numerous Jewish organizations and was a dedicated volunteer at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Involvement in Holocaust Remembrance and Education
Katie’s work in preserving Holocaust history became a significant part of her life after Henry’s death in 1983. She was an active member of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center and continued to share her family’s story through educational outreach programs. One of her quotes from the USC Shoah Foundation reads, _”We cannot allow the memories of those lost to fade. The future generations must remember, or it will happen again.”_ This belief in the importance of remembrance motivated her to speak openly about her experiences, particularly to younger audiences.
Katie Altenberg’s Legacy After Henry’s Death
After Henry’s death, Katie moved to Evanston, Illinois to be closer to her daughter, Karen. There, she continued her involvement in Holocaust education and became an avid painter and poet. Katie’s move also allowed her to connect more deeply with her three grandchildren, Henry, Gracie, and Emily, named in part after her late husband.
Katie’s legacy as a Holocaust survivor, educator, and advocate for remembrance remains powerful. As one of the last direct witnesses to the atrocities of the Holocaust, her contributions to Jewish and Holocaust remembrance efforts ensured that future generations would learn from the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henry Altenberg, and how did he survive the Holocaust?
Henry Altenberg was a Holocaust survivor who escaped Nazi Germany through the Kindertransport. His parents perished in the Holocaust, but he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force.
How did Katie Altenberg contribute to Holocaust remembrance?
Katie volunteered at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and was involved with several Jewish organizations, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
Where did Katie and Henry Altenberg live after the war?
After marrying, Katie and Henry lived in Japan during Henry’s military service and later settled in Silver Spring, Maryland.
What organizations did Katie Altenberg support in her later years?
Katie supported the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the American Society for Technion, and Hadassah.
References:
ushmm.org
dignitymemorial.com
findagrave.com
