In Memoriam

In Memory of Dr. Patrick Clemons

Dr. Patrick Edwin Clemons, age 56, of La Grange, Texas, passed away at Seton Medical Center in Austin on Friday, January 8, 2021.

He was born on March 14, 1964, in Washington, D.C., the son of Jerry and Betty Clemons of Jersey Village.

Patrick was a beloved son, brother, husband, Dr. Patrick Clemonsfather, uncle, and friend. Patrick graduated from Jersey Village High School in Jersey Village. He also graduated from Houston Baptist University. He then went on and graduated from the University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Memorial Hermann in Houston, where he received his Board Certification in Family Practice Medicine.

On June 22, 1991, he married Rhonda Eckermann Clemons at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange. Patrick was a loving husband, father, and physician who gave his life to helping and serving others. He was also an avid fisherman and loved teaching all of his children to love the sport as much as he did. He also loved to spend time with his family as much as possible and help take care of the family farm animals.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton.

He is survived by wife Rhonda; children Briana, Bethany, Andrew, and Aiden of La Grange; father and motherin-law Elgene and Doris Eckermann and brothers-in-law Matthew and Greg Eckermann, all from La Grange and Round Top; sister and brother-in-law Dr. Jeanne Flinn and Michael Flinn and their three children - Clark and wife Allyson, and son Clay, Nick, and Jace - all from Kingsbury; brother and sister-inlaw Kelly and Cathy Clemons and son Brandon Clemons, all from Pearland; and mother Betty Clemons of Houston.

He was preceded in death by his father Jerry Clemons. —SPJST—

In Memory of Frank Fojt, III

Wyatt, and Reid Fojt, and Hannah, Madelynn, and Carter McCarty; greatgrandchildren Chloe and Baylee Price; sister and brother-in-law Bonnie and Jim Williams of Ruidoso, New Mexico; sister-in-law Peggy Fojt of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved and cherished.

Frank J. Fojt, III, age 80, of Snook, —SPJST— Texas, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at Snook Brethren Church.

Frank J. Fojt, III was born to parents Frank J. Fojt, Jr. and Milady (Gerzik) Fojt on March 6, 1940, in Wilcox, Texas, on a small family farm. His family then relo- Frank Fojt, III cated to Snook where Frank continued to live and raise his family. During his childhood, he developed passions for agriculture, hunting, and fishing. He continued pursuing those passions into adulthood, earning a bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University - Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’64. After graduation, he served the United States, standing ready to fight for his country in Vietnam, if called upon. He retired from TAMU after his career of 36 years as an agriculture technician in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department.

“Little Frankie,” as referred to by many in his hometown, loved family, the simple country lifestyle, farming, and ranching. Any conversation with him included a story about hunting or fishing, raising crops, genetics, family get-togethers, loving Jesus, telling a joke, or about a prank he pulled in his younger years. All who knew him, knew he was never short on words, jokes, or stories. He also loved teaching and preparing the next generation. We, as his family, will always have memories of him as the most patient, kind, generous, and funny dad and grandpa.

Frank was a member of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Allen Fojt of Houston; and grandchild Garrett Fojt.

He is survived by daughter Rebecca McCarty of College Station; sons Patrick Fojt of Snook and Chris Fojt of Navasota; grandchildren Kendell, Jaycee,

In Memory of Pat Gunn

Pat worked as a dental assistant and credit consultant for several dental practices in Temple. She took time off to raise her children then returned to work, retiring on July 18, 2000. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple. She was also a longtime member of Heights Baptist Church where she was honored to serve as the first woman Sunday School Director. Later in life, she enjoyed attending Temple Bible Church and Cross Church on Birdcreek; she was grateful for the wonderful friendships she made in the Buck’s Bunch Bible study group. She had a tremendous faith in God and used every

Patricia Ann “Pat” Gunn entered opportunity to share the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven on January 12, Jesus and eternal life. 2021, after valiantly battling heart dis- Pat and Lawrence loved to travel, ease for many years. She was not ex- especially to the mountains, and they alpected to survive a ways included the kids. One of Pat’s six-month stay in greatest joys was traveling to Ouray, the hospital in Colorado, every fall to see the leaves 2016. Not only did change. During these trips, they made she survive, she many wonderful friends who always again thrived. She held a special place in her heart. knew that God was Pat loved to write and send cards. If not yet finished you were a friend of hers, then you with her service. surely received many cards. Her “card

Funeral service ministry” brought her a special peace was Saturday, Pat Gunn during her final year when she was no January 16 at 11 longer able to engage in the other activa.m. at Cross Church on Birdcreek with ities she enjoyed. Reverends Randy Holtzclaw and Tim She will forever live in our hearts, Chaplin with burial following at Great- and we are grateful for the legacy she house Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, has left. January 15 at Scanio-Harper Funeral In addition to her husband and chilHome from 5 to 7 p.m. dren, she is survived by grandchildren

Patricia was born on April 15, 1938, Aspen Wold and Blaise (Amber) in Alice, Texas, to William George Schiller, whom she adored. In this last Sodek and Elsie Olga Novosad Sodek; year, she was blessed by the arrival of she was an only child. Her parents re- precious great-granddaughter Kensli turned to Temple when she was six Grace Schiller. weeks old, and she lived out her remain- Memorials may be made to Cross ing days in Temple. Church on Birdcreek, 2202 Birdcreek

Pat graduated from Temple High Drive, Temple, Texas 76502. School in 1956. She made many life- —SPJST— long friends while in school, and she continued to meet with a group of them on a monthly basis until she was no longer able. Pat met the love of her life, Lawrence Ed Gunn, while in high school, and they were married on June 1, 1957. Their love and dedication to each other during their 63-year marriage was an inspiration to many. If the Temple Wildcats were playing football, Pat and Lawrence were there.

Pat and Lawrence welcomed their only daughter, Karen Renea, on May 20, 1960, and their only son, Mark Kevin, on May 12, 1963. She loved her children dearly, and she was their rock.

In Memory of Emily Hejl

agers of the SPJST Lodge 9, Snook Hall in Snook, Burleson County Fair Association, and active supporters of Snook VFD. Emily was an excellent cook and

Emily Jane Orsag Hejl, 89, passed enjoyed sharing her gift of pastries withaway at St. Joseph Hospital, with family others. She also won awards several at her bedside on January 21, 2021. times at Kolache Festival. She baked

Funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Fri- many kolaches and pastries over theday, January 29 at years, and she was known for giftingStrickland Funeral them to her doctors and office staff as a Home in Caldwell. thank you for her care. She madeInterment was at mouth-watering cheese braid breads toSnook Cemetery. donate for local charities and auctions.

Emily was born For many years, Emily was a consistent on January 9, supporter helping put on the Men’s 1932, to parents Brotherhood Harvest Meal at New John. Jr. and Ella Tabor Brethren Church and other (Zalmanek) Orsag. events. She was born at Emily Hejl Emily was very strong in her Chrishome on her par- tian faith, and she always faithfully atent’s farm in the Czech community of tended and contributed to her church. In Volney in Burleson County. As the first their earlier years of marriage, she and born in the family, she was tough and a Bennie attended New Tabor Brethren tomboy who wasn’t afraid to work hard Church, where she sang in the choir. or get her hands dirty. She grew up in Emily was the president and treasurer the area and attended Happy Hill School for the New Tabor Christian Sisters, and Snook High School. Although she served as an elder and church treasurer. left school early, she was very proud to In more recent years, Emily enjoyed athave earned her GED later in life. On tending Caldwell Brethren Church and July 3, 1948, she married the love of her Snook Brethren Church. life, Bennie Nathan Hejl. They were She was a member of SPJST Lodge married for 69 years prior to his passing 9, Snook. in 2017. They worked side by side on Above all, Emily loved her family the farm together working cattle; raising and was always there to cheer on her pigs, turkeys, and chickens; and per- kids and grandkids whether it be ball forming other tasks like hay baling, hay games, fair events, or other milestones hauling, cotton picking, and harvesting in their lives. Emily was a caring and corn and maize. She also helped process generous person who will be missed by post oak firewood for wood heaters and many. Her hobbies were growing pot sold it in the local community. Emily’s plants, watching and listening to polka childhood experience of learning to shows, and sport events. She also liked work the land was a benefit to her as she shelling pecans and sharing them with and Bennie maintained their ranch and her kids for baking. farm. Emily is survived by children Bonnie

In 1980, Emily and Bennie started Walker (late husband Randy), Ronnie the H&H Ranch along with their two (wife Ginger), B.J. (wife Nichole), and sons B.J. and Donnie. She worked Donnie (wife Bonnie); grandkids alongside them until her last days, Kristen Hejl Rietz (husband Zachary), whether checking livestock, feeding, Nathan Hejl and partner Steven Soares, hay hauling, or bookkeeping. They Justin Hejl (wife Laine), Jessica Hejl, raised a large garden and enjoyed the Jacob Hejl, Jordan Hejl (fiancee Preslie fruit of their hard work by canning their Hale), Sarah Hejl (fiance Trace Choate), own produce and processing their own Randa Walker Vajdak, and Erin Walker; meat. Bennie and Emily were blessed six great-grandchildren and two stepwith a daughter and three sons. great-grandchildren; brother John Orsag

Emily was a hard worker and was al- (wife Betty); and brother-in-law Jesse ways finding a way to serve others and Floeck, III. serve her community. Emily had a part Emily was preceded in death by husin the first organization of the Snook 4- band Bennie; son-in-law Randy H Club and was a leader of the club. She Walker; and sister Joyce Orsag Floeck. also helped the organization of the Tunis Please consider a memorial to Snook Water System and served as director. Brethren Church or Snook Brethren She was involved in many other com- Christian Sisters. munity organizations including man- —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

the creek bottom enjoying a cold beer while he watches the deer run through the fields. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 4,

The Resolution Committee of Lodge Hallettsville. Karel Havlicek No. 4, Hallettsville, on Gus is survived by wife Shirley; sonsbehalf of our entire membership, wish to Troy Kalmus and wife Jackie of Missouriexpress our sincere and deepest sympa- City, Jason Kalmus and wife Lindsey ofthy to the family of our departed Missouri City, and Jeremy Kalmus andlodge brother, wife Tiffany of Richmond; grandchildrenAUGUST “GUS” ALOIS KALMUS, Dylan and Chase, Eric and Breanna, Tayage 77, of Sugar Land, who passed away lor and Tyler; brothers Steve Kalmus andon Saturday, December 26, 2020. wife Patsy of Sugar Land and Daniel

Funeral service was held at 12 noon Kalmus and wife Doris of Hallettsville; on Thursday, De- sister Anita Jordan of Waco; sister-in-law cember 31 at Betty Kalmus of Seguin; and numerousKubena Funeral nieces and nephews.Home. Visitation Gus was preceded in death by his parwas from 5 to 7 ents; and siblings Blaise, Sr., Benjamin,p.m. on Wednes- William Kalmus, and Leona Koonce. day, December 30 Memorials can be made to donor’s at Kubena Funeral choice. Home. Burial was Resolution Committee in Vsetin Ceme- Gayenell Chudejtery. Pallbearers Gus Kalmus Victoria Zak were Gary Kalmus, —SPJST— Steve Kalmus, Jr., Blaise Kalmus, Jr., Jack Koonce, Doyle Holly, Phelan Scott, David Helmcamp, and Rodney Helmcamp.

He was born on June 11, 1943, to Joseph and Annie Mozisek Kalmus in Hallettsville. He spent much of his childhood working on the family farm.

On October 22, 1966, Gus married Shirley Ann Holly at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. They moved to Houston to start a family. Then in 1978, Gus and Shirley moved to Sugar Land, where he lived out his life raising his family, working, and spending some quality time in the backyard patio barbecuing on the weekends or tending to his garden.

At the age of 20, Gus started his first, and only job in Houston at AndersonGreenwood (Tyco), where he dedicated 49 years to the company until he retired in December 2012. After retirement, he tried to find time to spend back on his Hallettsville farm where he was raised. Gus was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Sugar Land where he enjoyed going to dances and helping his brother Steve in the kitchen cooking for meetings. He enjoyed the outdoors spending time hunting and camping at his farm on Rocky Creek, fishing trips on Colorado River, and relaxing on the front porch swing at his lake house in Somerville.

After many years of working so hard, we now know that Gus is at peace in heaven sitting under a nice pecan tree on

In Memory of Raymond Klechka, Jr.

Raymond Robert Klechka, Jr., 75, of Caldwell, Texas, was called home to the Lord on Monday, November 9, 2020. Mass of a Christian burial was recited at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Melvin Dornak officiated the services. Visitation was held at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home on Friday, Raymond Klechka, Jr. November 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13.

Raymond Robert Klechka, Jr. was born on Groundhog Day - February 2, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to parents Raymond and Ella Klechka, and the world has never been the same. Raymond talked of a time when his grandmother would sing “At the Spring Waltz” to him as a youth. When Raymond was 10, he delivered newspapers and worked at the local grocery store. These jobs taught Raymond some of his many lessons

about the “school of hard knocks” and so began the business man. He was enlisted in the United States Army and was called the banker by his platoon; he would loan the guys $20 of his money and get $40 of their next check. Raymond bought a small plumbing company and hired a college graduate to run it. He sold it five years later for a million dollars. Raymond loved to tell stories of all the investments he made.

Raymond and first wife Marie had two beautiful sons together, and he also had pleasure in raising his nieces and loved teaching them all the importance of making money and loving life. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and traveling to places. Raymond was very close to his mom, Ella. They would always take adventures to the mountains, to Mexico, and dancing in multiple dance halls. He was with his mom when he met Sharon Lee, who won over his heart. Raymond and Sharon spent the last 20 years living life to the fullest. Dancing the polka, traveling all over the world, but most of all, loving, teaching, and encouraging their nine grandchildren.

He has two granddaughters - one born April 9 and one born on April 10 of the same year. They lived six hours apart, but there was nothing that was going to stop him from being there when they were born. After Krista was born, he hit the road for six hours to make it before Lois was born. All his kids know the love he had for them.

Raymond has always been involved and active in the Catholic church. Religion is an important part of his life. Heaven gained a perfectly beautiful, Bohemian angel with Raymond.

Raymond was a member of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook.

Raymond was preceded in death by parents Raymond Klechka, Sr. and Ella (Janac) Klechka; and brother Arnold Klechka.

He is survived by loving wife Sharon Klechka; brother Jimmy Klechka; children Raymond Klechka, III, Kenny and Sherry Klechka, Tammy and Brian Easterwood, Elesha and Jody Adamek, George and Sheila Harrison, Kim and Jason Leyva, and Adam and Chris Farmer; grandchildren London Klechka, Lois Klechka, Sophia Klechka, Colin Easterwood, Krista Adamek, Elizabeth Adamek, Jaden Leyva, Alex Farmer, and Samantha Farmer.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803 or American Cancer Society - website http://donate3.cancer.org. —SPJST—

In Memory of Glenn “Toby” Koether

Bryan and Deb (Ramirez) Weikel, and Philip and Becky Weikel; great-grandchildren - Aiden Koether, Ashtyn and Austin Smith, Ally, Dawson, and Kaitlin Canada, Priscilla and Palmer Janacek,

Glenn Charles “Toby” Koether, and Marina, Max, Mara, and Anthony age 91, of La Grange, Texas, passed Weikel; and numerous nieces and away on Wednesday, November 25, nephews. 2020. He was preceded in death by his par-

Visitation was held on Monday, No- ents, mother-in-law and father-in-law vember 30 from 11 Gus and Alice Freudenberg; wife of 68 a.m. to 7 p.m. at years, Dorothy Jean (Freudenberg) Koenig-Belvill Fu- Koether; son Charles Koether; brother neral Home and Lester Ray Koether and wife Nan; and Cremations. A pri- infant sister Marjorie Dell Koether. vate funeral service Memorial contributions may be made and private burial to Colorado Valley Independent Catwas held at a later tlemen’s Association, PO Box 364, La date. Grange, Texas 78945; La Grange Vol-

Glenn was born unteer Fire Department, 155 E Colorado in Swiss Alp on September 26, Toby Koether Street La Grange, Texas 78945; The Swiss Alp Lutheran Heritage Founda1929, the son of tion, 2038 FM 3171, Schulenburg, Hobert F. and Adela B. (Frank) Koether. Texas 78956; La Grange Baseball Asso-

Glenn married Dorothy Jean Freu- ciation, PO Box 25, La Grange, Texas denberg on January 20, 1951, at St. 78945; or the charity of one’s choice. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Prairie Val- Funeral arrangements were entrusted ley. The couple was blessed with five to Koenig – Belvill Funeral Home and children. Cremations in La Grange. Family and

Glenn was drafted into the United friends can view and sign the guestbook States Army on March 5, 1951. He was online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Respectfully submitted, Antonio and was honorably discharged in 1953. Joan Sue Goehring, FAC —SPJST—

Glenn and Dorothy owned La Grange Farm and Ranch Supply for more than 55 years.

Glenn was a member of SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton. He was also a member of United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swiss Alp; La Grange Evening Lions Club; and La Grange American Legion Post 102. Glenn was an Independent Cattlemen’s Association Director and Fayette County Junior Livestock Show Chairman. In his free time, Glenn was an avid cattleman. He enjoyed deer hunting; working in the garden; making sausage, wine, and sauerkraut; and tending to peach trees.

He is survived by daughter Bonnie Sladek and husband Erwin, Jr., daughter Sandra Weikel and husband Jim, daughter Rhonda Koether, son Don Koether, and daughter-in-law Carolyn Koether, all of La Grange; brother-in-law Edward Lee Freudenberg and wife Ladell (Hinze) of College Station; sister-in-law Gloria (Freudenberg) Heinrich and husband Patrick of La Grange; grandchildren Brooke Smith and husband David, Blake Koether, Brittany Canada and husband Wes, Jenna Janacek and husband Ryan, Kara Koether, Ty Koether,

Resolution of Sympathy

Pechal. She grew up picking cotton, cooking, and sewing while still a young girl. She was a 1961 graduate of Rogers High School and worked at Scott and White Memorial Hospital for more than 43 years, having retired in 2006. She was a member of Cross Church (formerly Temple Brethren Church) in Temple and SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She enjoyed sewing, working in the yard, and puzzles. She was a wonderful homemaker, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by son Brian Mabry and his wife Cathy of Jeffersonville, Indiana; precious granddaughters Natalie and Nancy, who were her greatest joy; sister Betty Jo (Pechal) Ketterman of Temple; brothers JW Pechal of Seaton and Larry Pechal of Academy; and several nieces and nephews.

May our departed sister rest in peace. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed sister, JANET JEAN (PECHAL) MABRY.

Janet Jean (Pechal) Mabry, age 78 of Temple, Texas, passed from her earthly life into heaven on Sunday, January 24, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Mabry in 1989. Funeral service was at 2 pm SatJanet Mabry urday, January 30 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Burial was in Bellwood Memorial Park and Cemetery in Temple.

Janet was born on October 10, 1942, in Seaton to Joe W. and Betty (Kotrla)

In Memory of Bill Rosene

Willard George (Bill) Rosene passed away Monday, January 25, 2021.

Funeral mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Frydek on Friday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Frydek.

Bill was born December 31, 1927, in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, to Willard Rosene and Lola Kneip. He grew up in the third ward of Houston, graduating from Bill Rosene San Jacinto High School. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, getting degrees in economics and civil engineering. He met the love of his life, Effie Sojak Rosene, when his father was hospitalized in St. Joseph’s Hospital, and she was a nursein-training. They married in 1953, and they raised three daughters. They were together for more than 65 years.

Bill enlisted in the United States Navy as a lieutenant with a cryptography unit in San Francisco during the Korean War. He began his civilian ca-

reer with the Texas Highway Department. There is a now-removed rest area in the middle of Interstate 10 just west of Brookshire that he is famous (within his family!) for designing. He was recruited to join the City of Houston Public Works Department when Houston Intercontinental (now George Bush International) Airport was in the planning stages. He worked on the design and building of the airport through completion. He ultimately transferred to the Department of Aviation, where he held various posts as assistant manager of IAH and manager of Hobby Airport. He was instrumental in bringing back Houston Hobby Airport from an essentially abandoned airport to a once again thriving commercial airport.

When Bill retired, he and Effie pursued their love of travel. Trips to Europe inspired them both to learn about their heritage, he being of German and Swedish descent and she of Czech descent. They built a vacation home in the wine village of Hlohovec, South Moravia, in the Czech Republic, giving them a base for exploring, as well as a comfortable place for extended family to visit. Bill became an adopted Czech by choice.

They had the idea to create an organization to showcase not only the historical achievements and heritage of Americans of Czech descent, but also offer and present the European culture of past and contemporary Czechs and Slovaks that is so rich in artistic accomplishments. The Czech Center Museum Houston was incorporated on March 8, 1996, as a non-profit educational and cultural organization, made up entirely of volunteers. Initial office and retail space were established in the Northwest Mall. Over the subsequent years, Bill and Effie worked tirelessly to help bring forth a permanent home to showcase the best of Czech heritage. Monetary support from more than 6,000 individuals, with assistance from local as well as national and international sources eventually culminated in the current Czech Center Museum Houston, which was completed in September 2004 in Houston’s Museum District. The outpouring of support for the center has enabled Czech language classes, scholarship awards, dinners, programs, and events to take place in the Czech Center. The organization was recognized by the Czech government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a prestigious Gratia Agit award for its work in the furthering of and advocacy of a Civil Society in the Czech Republic and for increasing knowledge of the impact those of Czech heritage have made here in their new homeland. Bill and Effie were presented an award by Houston Business Alliance for a significant asset to the City of Houston in building the unique Baroque architecture building in the Museum District, and they were also honored with the 2019 Civil Society Vision Award by American Friends of the Czech Republic.

Bill was a charter member of SPJST Lodge 232, Houston Midtown.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Effie; his sister Dorothy Moore; and his son-in law Eric Johnson.

He is survived by daughters Sherry Pierce and husband Lindsey, Cathy Anderson and husband Larry, and Christie Johnson; grandchildren Sarah Pierce, Matthew Anderson, Christopher Anderson and wife Mary, Rory Johnson and wife Alexis, and Eric Johnson, Jr.; cousins, nieces, and nephews and numerous friends both in the United States and in the Czech Republic. —SPJST—

In Memory of Deloris Wolbrueck

In Memory of Betty Stepanek

Betty is survived by daughters Carol and Michele Stepanek; brothers George Svetlik, Jr. and wife Patsy and Gerald Svetlik and wife Kim; and sisters Virginia Grafe and husband Bill, Gayle Hoegemeyer and husband Jack, Melinda Sims and husband Mike, Cheryl Partney and husband Keith, and Laura Neal and husband Gary; sisters-in law Lily Shimek and Helen King: and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and infant brother.

Pallbearers were Aaron Svetlik, Jason Grafe, Mike Sims, Mark King, Keith Partney, and Koen Partney. Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Lozano, Jonathan Hoegemeyer, Devin Partney, and Maribeth Sims. Officiant was Monsignor John Peters. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or donor’s choice. —SPJST—

Betty Jean Stepanek, 73, of Weimar, Texas, passed away Friday, November 27, 2020.

Funeral mass was at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville with rosary starting at 11 a.m. and visitation starting at 10 a.m. Burial followed at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Weimar.

Betty was born on January 26, 1947, to George T. Betty Stepanek and Lonie Hoehne Svetlik, Sr. in Hallettsville. She married Eugene W. Stepanek on September 4, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Hallettsville. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, KJZT, and SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar.

Betty liked reading, baking, sewing, doing puzzles, flower gardening, and spending time with her dogs, Eli and Sam. cooking, baking, and gardening. However, having grown up with four brothers, she adamantly refused to iron blue jeans. She was quite proud of her Czech heritage and could still speak the language. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville since 1949. She liked polka music, especially the Vrazels Polka Band. While no one in the family can recall Deloris reading a book in its entirety, she was a voracious reader of magazines, newspapers, and the ticker on television news—a habit that greatly advanced her knowledge. Her collection of cookbooks is voluminous. On rides through the country, she could also recall every farm’s owner when she was younger. Deloris’ baking and gardening skills brought her countless awards at events such as the Taylor Independence Festival, Williamson and Bell County Pecan Shows, and Austin Statesman’s annual cooking and baking contest. The family will always fondly remember her dill pickles and cottage cheese pie. She was equally talented in the greenhouse, where she never met a plant she couldn’t make grow and flourish.

Deloris Jean Wolbrueck of Taylor, She also had an unrivaled fondness for Texas, entered peacefully into her eter- preserving everything in plastic bags nal rest on January 4, 2021, at a Bartlett and the prodigious use of weed killer. nursing home where she had resided for Deloris and Edward were avid garage more than a year. She was 87. sale and auction-goers for decades. It

An open viewing was held at Condra was Deloris who claimed to be the inFuneral Home on Monday, January 18 spiration behind Taylor’s first-ever gafrom 9 a.m. to 4 rage sale. p.m. A memorial An acquaintance recently described was scheduled for her as “feisty;” a description that leaves a later date. little room for argument.

She was born Deloris was preceded in death by her Deloris Jean Sim- parents; husband Edward; and brothers cik to John A. and Raymond (killed in action in World War Emma Kotrla Sim- II), Clarence, Rubin, and Jerry. cik at the family She is survived by children and their home in the spouses James and Sandra Wolbrueck of shadow of what is Deloris Wolbrueck Humble, David and Anna Wolbrueck of now Christ Lu- Round Rock, and Susan and Eddie theran Church in Noack on May 25, Klingman of Manitou Springs, Col1933. Deloris stated that she was the orado; grandchildren Kristel, Andrew only one of her siblings not born in a (Emma), and Cody Wolbrueck and hospital. As a child, she attended school Devon and Lila Klingman; and greatin Hare. grandchildren Zane, Victoria, and To-

She married Edward Wolbrueck Jr. bias Wolbrueck; brother-in-law John on Valentine’s Day in 1953, and that Wolbrueck; sister-in-law Cherri Wolunion lasted almost 59 years until Ed- brueck; and a host of nieces and ward’s death in 2012. To that union were nephews. born James Edward, David John, and —SPJST— Susan Jean.

Like many women of her generation, Deloris was a master of the domestic arts, including housecleaning, canning,