In Memoriam

In Loving Memory of Ashley Victorick

November 29, 1976 ~ February 13, 2022

District Five President • Lodge 88, Houston • Past Finance Committee Secretary • Convention Delegate

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better than you found it; This is to have succeeded.

In Memoriam

In Memory of Ashley Victorick

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Ashley Don Victorick - son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend - died peacefully at 45 years of age at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Ashley was born on November 29, 1976, in Bryan to Donnie and Janice (Albright) Victorick. He graduated from Snook High School in 1995. He attended Blinn Junior College in Brenham to serve as the men’s basketball team statistician/driver/coordinator and any other job Coach Waldo Dalchau gave him.

After two years, Ashley transferred to Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in December 1999. While attending school, he worked at First Federal Bank in Bryan, learning everything he could about lending and finance until moving to Houston to work in the oil and gas industry. In doing that work, his Type A personality served him well. Ashley enjoyed the challenge and the tedious aspect of a tax return—it was his favorite time of the year, even though he’d say otherwise. He’d often joke when his mom or sister would complain about not balancing an account and missing $16. He’d laugh at the amount and say when they could add some zeroes behind their missing money, he’d help them find it. It was an inside joke that we still laugh about today!

While in Houston, Ashley served Texas A&M as Vice President and Past President of the Houston A&M Club, chairing its biggest fundraising events.

Ashley was a lifelong member of SPJST, serving as District Five President, secretary of the SPJST Finance Committee, and a delegate at the 2021 SPJST Convention. Ashley helped in almost all areas of SPJST throughout the years. Being involved in many areas, he saw a need to speed up the tabulation process at District and State Youth Achievement Days and created a program to expedite it. Ashley supported Lodge 9, Snook at its annual fundraiser and would offer ideas for improvement to help the lodge raise more money. He also supported the youth in every endeavor and especially enjoyed preparing the local king and queen contestants for

competition because he saw so much value in the public speaking contests. At Lodge 88, Houston, Ashley served in many capacities as a member and past chair of Lodge 88 Board of Trustees, and most recently as treasurer. Perhaps his favorite time spent at the lodge was serving as bar chair because it combined his love for helping people and his ability to analyze data. He took pride in managing the bar operations. He considered it a personal accomplishment if he had to wait to close the lodge because people enjoyed themselves too much to leave. However, he never rushed anyone out the door, and customer service was always a priority. Ashley was a member of the Bingo Committee at Lodge 88, and customer service was again his goal. The family has heard many stories about his ThursAshley Victorick day nights at Bingo in the Heights and how he helped players and workers. In fact, last Thursday as he was in the hospital, he received several texts asking

where his smiling face was. A life welllived is in the service to others.

The Bingo Committee members were his second family, and he so enjoyed his Thursday nights spent with them. It’s impossible to detail every committee or event he chaired or every heart he touched with his kind and caring nature.

During his mother’s illness, he was the perfect caregiver for his mother. Ashley was the all-around cheerleader for his many friends and family. Without his attendance at ball games, track meets, fundraisers, and youth camps, it will leave a hole in many hearts. He is tremendously missed by niece Addison, whom he adored more than anyone. They were best friends and spent hours playing games, cooking, watching movies, texting, and talking about life. He rarely missed her softball or basketball games and never missed a dance recital.

Ashley was an avid high school and college football, basketball, and track fan. Few people could rival his statistical knowledge on where an athlete attended high school or college. Never bet against him on a sports trivia question! He had never missed the UIL Boys State Basketball Tournament, attending 45 consecutive years - his first one at four months old. Sports were always a large part of his life, and he enjoyed every opportunity to watch the events.

He was also an excellent cook. His dream was to open a bakery to make cookies and pastries for others to enjoy. But never ask him for a recipe because he couldn’t give you one!

Ashley was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Victorick; grandparents Steve and Vlasta Victorick and Oscar and Mary (Woodburn) Albright; and special great-uncle and aunt who served as Papa and Grandma, Adolph C. and Emmagene Woodburn Sebesta.

Ashley is survived by his dad, Donnie; sister Melissa and husband Allen Brown; a special niece, Addison Brown of Friendswood; aunts Lucille Hurley of Bryan and Janice Jahns and husband Wallace Jahns, all of Cypress; uncle David Victorick of Cypress; and many cousins whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by the many friends and adopted family he’s made throughout the years.

The family received visitors from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 18 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral mass was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan on Saturday, February 19 at noon, with Father Brian Eilers and Monsignor John McCaffery officiating. Interment was at Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville immediately following the mass. Serving as pallbearers were Allen Brown, Keith Casey, Dex Dean, Dillon Dean, Bill Hurley, Steven Jahns, and David Latigo.

The family asks friends to contribute to the Donnie, Janice, and Ashley Victorick Scholarship Fund at SPJST. Our goal is to fund three scholarships, and we can do it with your help! Ashley supported SPJST youth and believed in helping them further their education. Contributions can be made online at https://spjst.org/victorick-scholarshipfund/ or mailed to SPJST, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. —SPJST—

In Memory of Gladys Trcalek Hejl

Gladys Ruth (Masar) Trcalek Hejl, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Burleson St. Joseph Hospital.

Gladys was born May 6, 1933, in New Tabor, the daughter of John and Annie (Mrnustik) Masar. A public visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 11 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 12 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral home in Caldwell with Brother David Johnson of New Tabor Brethren Church officiating. Burial followed at New Tabor Cemetery.

Gladys was a child of the depression and grew up knowing how to stretch a dollar. She attended New Tabor country school until the eighth grade and graduated in 1950 from Caldwell High School. That same year, on April 8, she married Willie Trcalek and to this union, four daughters were born. Gladys and Willie were married 28 years. After his untimely death, she married Daniel (Rusty) Hejl on November 16, 1979. They were married until his death in 2003.

Gladys Hejl

After marriage, Gladys spent her time caring for her growing family, milking cows, gardening, cooking, canning, and sewing for her four girls. In 1968, she and Willie bought New Tabor Store, and she worked the store until 1980. She lived her entire life in the New Tabor community.

Gladys was extremely proud of her Czech heritage. She was baptized and confirmed in the Czech language at New Tabor Brethren Church where she maintained her membership until her passing. She was also a member of the Christian Sisters. Gladys was instrumental in organizing SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club in 1964 and made a lasting impression on many youth in the area. She was a lifetime member of SPJST serving as hall manager, a delegate to the SPJST Convention, and a member of the board of trustees. She loved attending SPJST domino and tarok tournaments. Gladys was also a member of CSA Fraternal Life, taking her first train ride then later her first airplane ride to attend the CSA Convention in Chicago. She visited the Czech Republic in 2004 and met some of her Masar relatives in the village her father grew up in. She enjoyed speaking the Czech language with a few special friends that can still speak the language. She was a regular at the annual Kolache Festival and always liked it when she was introduced as the “Mayor of New Tabor.”

In her later years, she enjoyed scratching lottery tickets, doing word search puzzles, and watching Aggie football and the Game Show Network, listening to polka music, and playing bingo - especially on Christmas Eve. She enjoyed going to Louisiana and Vegas. Her last two trips to Vegas were with all four of her girls.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Willie Trcalek; second husband Daniel “Rusty” Hejl; son-in-law Bud Petty; brother Johnnie Masar; and nephew Ben Trcalek, Jr.

She is survived by daughters Betty (Donnie) Suehs, Carol Petty, Susan (Gary) Skrabanek, and Donna (Bruce) Jones, all of Caldwell; grandchildren Holly (Ralph) Narro, Mindy (Mike) Bammel, Mica (Michael) McFarlane, Marshall (Roxanne) Petty, Mabrey Petty, Kyle (Mikaela) Skrabanek, Lacy Jones, Lindsey Collins, and Logan Jones; great-grandchildren Tyler (Mariah) Sandner, Dillon (Savanna) Narro, Macy Narro, Madelynn Bammel, Hunter Petty, Joshawa Petty, Tabor Dowell, Maylee Dowell, Millison Dowell, and Thatcher Dowell; and greatgreat-granddaughter Sawyer Sandner. “Granny” was very proud of her five generations.

Also surviving are brother-in-law Monroe Hejl; sisters-in-law Joyce (Bill) Walker and Betty (Frank) Fields; nieces Beatrice Landolt and Patsy Story; nephew George Zavodny, Jr.; and a host of other family and many friends.

Memorial donations may be made to SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club or New Tabor Brethren Church. —SPJST—

In Memory of Al Kercho

Alfred “Al” James Kercho, of Grapevine, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, January 27, 2022, at the age of 88. He was born on October 12, 1933, in Shiner to Thomas Kercho and Agnes Miksik Kercho.

Al was a first generation American and was the youngest son raised in a proud Czech and English speaking family. After completing his high school education, Al served in the Air Al Kercho Force as a pharmacy technician during the Korean War. Later, he graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management.

Al and his loving wife, Alene, met while working at Ralston Purina and were married for more than 63 years. They made their home in Fort Worth, Hurst, Bedford, and Grapevine. They were active members of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Richland Hills. During his early career, Al worked as an accountant with Ralston Purina and General Motors. He then worked for the National Credit Union Administration as an examiner of federal credit unions for almost 30 years, followed by 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer for the Corps of Engineers Federal Credit Union, working into his 70s. While spending a lifetime in the world

of financial services, Al frequently promoted the virtues of “practicing habits of thrift.”

Al’s primary passion involved the promotion and support of Czech language, culture, and heritage. He volunteered in many leadership positions at SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth - National Hall. He also served on the board of Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT) to further promote Czech language and culture in higher education. He truly enjoyed the music, dance, food, beverages, and fellowship experienced at a robust polka event.

Left to carry on Al’s memory are his loving wife, Alene Kercho; sister Viola Patek; children Paul Kercho (Carol), Mark Kercho (Jan), Stephen Kercho (Sunny); grandchildren Sara Kercho, Kendyl Kercho, and Zana Rodgers.

Previously departed loved ones include Al’s father and mother, Thomas and Agnes Kercho; brother Edwin Kercho and sister Annie Kercho, who died in infancy.

A graveside military service was held for the family at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, followed by a family celebration of his life. —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

The Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek, No. 4, Hallettsville, in behalf of our entire membership wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the family of our departed lodge brother,

GEORGE W. BUCEK, JR., age 94, who passed away in Yoakum, Texas, on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

George was born at the old Renger Hospital in Hallettsville on September 12, 1927. He attended Sacred Heart School and Hallettsville High School. Upon graduation in June 1945, he joined the US Navy at age 17. Shipped to Hawaii, he was training for the invasion of the Japanese home islands when the war ended. An “orphan of the

Pacific” as they were called he helped to decommission Pacific Island bases including Kwajalein, Guadalcanal, and Guam. Returning home, he worked with a road building crew where the heat and hard work inspired him to become a college man. He attended Texas A&M, University of Houston, and Southwest Business School, and secured a job in Houston with Old Gold Cigarette Company. On June 29, 1950, he married Almarene Wauson and moved to Yoakum in 1955. He joined brothers-in-law Fred Wauson and Joe Abernathy in launching Yoakum Grain Company in 1957. He remained president of this business from 1957 to 2015, Mr. Bucek was active in community life. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 228 in Yoakum for six years. He served as a city commissioner in Yoakum for 16 years. He was a life member of VFW and Knights of Columbus, a former Rotarian, and served on the board of directors for Yoakum Federal Savings and Loan. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville. Favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, scuba diving, a hand of blackjack, and morning coffee with friends. He and his wife traveled all over the world, saw all seven continents, both poles, and cruised nearly every sea and ocean. Survivors include son Shannon Bucek (Cheryl) of Yoakum; daughters Maureen Bucek of Yoakum and Kathy Manning (Michael) of Victoria; sister Rose “Patsy” Pagel (Glenn), and brother Laddie Bucek of Hallettsville; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Almarene; parents George Sr. and Gussie (Mikulenka) Bucek; and sister Lois Gullette. Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m. and funeral mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum with Monsignor John Peters officiating. Private committal service was held at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum. Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic School, P.O. Box 734, Yoakum, Texas 77995 or a charity of donor’s choice. May our departed brother rest in eterGeorge Bucek, Jr. nal peace. Resolution Committee Gayenell Chudej Victoria Zak —SPJST—

In Memory of Mary Cecilia Krivanek

Mary Cecilia Krivanek Saladin, age 51, born September 1, 1970, went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2022. She was known as “Little Mary” by her family and loved by them all.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 27 with rosary following at Biggers Funeral Home in Fort Worth.

Mass of Christian burial was at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 28 at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Mary C. Krivanek Church. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary graduated from Lake Worth High School, attended Weatherford Junior College and Tarrant County College. After college, she worked in retail, was a substitute teacher at Lake Worth ISD, and a homemaker.

She married the love of her life, Charles Saladin, on June 14, 2019.

Mary loved Catholic Life, KJT, KJZT, And WFLA. She was a lifetime member of SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth. At SPJST, she held the office of president and was a trustee.

She loved family gatherings and playing games. She was always the life of the party, and she will be dearly missed by all.

Pallbearers were brother-in-law William Saladin; cousins Eugene Tesar, Bobby Holford, Joseph Tesar, and John Krivanek; and longtime friend Dwayne Heinson.

Honorary pallbearers were cousins Jeanette Tesar, Corina Cranfill, John Tesar, Christina Baker, Christy Cade, and Laura Bradburn.

Mary was preceded in death by grandparents Victor and Eva Krivanek and Frank and Marie Tesar and uncle Eldon Krivanek.

She is survived by husband Charles; parents Kenneth and Mary Ann Krivanek; and uncles, aunts and cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Saint Thomas Give and Grow, 5953 Bowman Roberts Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76179 or SPJST Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. —SPJST—

In Memory of Helen Pajestka

Helen Pajestka was born in rural Bell County, Texas, to Charles Jirasek and Frances Zbranek on November 30, 1930.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Will-OBell Nursing Center on Monday, January 31, 2022.

She was lovingly known as Granny to most of her family. She married the love of her life, Frank Pajestka, Sr., in 1948. Helen Pajestka They were privileged to celebrate 70 years of marriage in 2018 prior to his death. Helen had two children: Frank, Jr., and Monica Cecila. Helen was called on many times when her children were in school to serve in concession stands, PTA events, and other community activities.

After her children were grown, she continued to serve the community in many ways whether to offer baking advice, gardening help, or wisdom that comes with experience. Helen worked on the farm and in the community for different families and organizations in her lifetime.

She maintained her Czech heritage by continuing to speak Czech occasionally, and she enjoyed listening to the polka show on the radio, as it brought back many happy memories.

Helen was a devoted homemaker and an excellent cook and baker. She helped many people with baking hints drawn from her extensive culinary experiences. Helen took pleasure in her enormous collection of cookbooks and recipes from many different places and sources, especially the Dallas State Fair Cookbooks.

Her greatest joys were taking care of her grandchildren and playing bingo.

Helen served the American Legion Post 525 of Holland and SPJST Lodge 80, Holland with bingo for more than 35 years. She was a member of KJZT in Granger; SPJST Lodge 80, Holland; Holland American Legion Auxiliary; and St. Stephen Catholic Church in Salado.

Helen was preceded in death by husband Frank E. Pajestka, Sr.; four sisters; three brothers; and one great-grandchild.

She is survived by son Frank Jr., and wife Risa of Holland; daughter Monica McDougall and husband Jim of Temple; grandchildren Monica Ann Weir (Kenny), Michele Taylor (Scott), Kenneth Drake II, Victoria Zajicek (Brad), and Cyril Pajestka (Angela); greatgrandchildren Faith Clay, Kole Weir, Hayden Taylor, Bethany Zajicek, and Thomas Zajicek.

Visitation was Saturday, February 5 at 12 noon at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Salado. A rosary was recited prior to the mass of Christian burial at 1 p.m. Interment followed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger with Father Tom Chamberlain officiating.

Donations may be made to St. Stephen Women’s Society, PO Box 703, Salado, Texas 76571; Holland ISD Scholarship Fund / Holland High School, PO Box 217, Holland, Texas 76534; Central Texas Christian Disaster Response Team, PO Box 1447, Belton, Texas 76513; or the charity of your choice.

—SPJST—

In Memory of Clarence Sodek

We had to say goodbye to a special person - Clarence Raymond Sodek who died on Monday, February 21, 2022, in a Temple hospital.

Visitation for Clarence was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 25 at ScanioHarper Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26 at Seaton Brethren Church with Reverend Denise Mikeska officiating. Burial followed in Seaton Cemetery.

Clarence was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

He was born November 29, 1925, in Seaton to Raymond Sodek and Matilda Luksa Sodek. He served in the United States Army. He married Kitty Sue Hilliard. She preceded him in death in 1998.

Clarence Sodek

He worked for Boutwell Installation, Temple VA Hospital, Ray Stallings Motor Company, and Texas Department of Corrections.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton; American Legion Post 133; Masonic Lodge; and Seaton Brethren Church. He also served on the East Bell Water Supply board.

He was preceded in death by son Scott Sodek in 2019.

Survivors include son Steve Sodek and wife Ginger of Seaton; sister Dorothy Novasad of Temple; grandchildren Darrin Lee Sodek and wife Nikki of Danbury, Christopher Ray Sodek and wife Jamie of Little River Academy, Coby Lynn Sodek and wife Jay of Little River Academy, Scott Andrew Sodek and wife Brittany of Alvin, Jacy Lynn Kelch and husband Tyler of Houston and Jackson Ray Sodek and wife Micah of Midland; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to Seaton Brethren Church; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; or to the charity of choice. —SPJST—

In Memory of Rammy Jurica

Rammy Alan Jurica, age 51, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022, at Ennis Regional Medical Center. He was surrounded by his closest family members at the hospital.

Rammy was born on June 18, 1970, to Raymond and Barbara Jurica. He spent the majority of his life in Ennis, with the exception of living in Arlington while at- Rammy Jurica tending college.

Many people knew Rammy as a fixture at Tom’s Food Market, a business started by his grandfather, Anton Jurica. The store is a family-owned business, which has been around for 68 years. It passed to Raymond Jurica, and Rammy helped to run and manage it.

Rammy was known for having a larger-than-life personality and incredible sense of humor. He was always quick with a joke and a smile. He loved to laugh and make others laugh, which was truly a gift to us all. He knew all the names of the customers’ children and the children loved being recognized and acknowledged.

He graduated from St. John’s Catholic School and obtained his business degree from University of Texas at Arlington. Over the years, he touched the lives of many, either at school, college, at various dirt racing tracks, and of course, at the store. He leaves behind a wealth of extended family members, aunts and uncles, cousins, and multiple friends - some of which his family doesn’t even know.

As most people know, his true passion was dirt track car racing. He participated as a driver from the age of 14 at 85 Speedway, being one of their youngest drivers. He would travel with racing buddies to compete around the country. He also specialized in building race car motors. In his later years, he acted as a consultant and advised other racers on the finer points of race car design and construction.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; St. John’s Catholic Church; and Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Barbara Jurica; sister Cynthia Jurica Page; brother-in-law Karl; niece Loren; nephew Tony; brother Jason Jurica; sister-in-law Gretchen; and beloved pets yellow lab Benelli and black cat Toby. Rammy also enjoyed taking Benelli for rides and said she rode “shotgun” when they went out.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Anton and Effie (Genevieve) Jurica; and maternal grandparents Joe and Mary Matous.

A memorial will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Rammy’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Betty Macalik —SPJST—

In Memory of Emil Zabojnik

Emil L. Zabojnik, 88 years of age from Alma, Texas, passed away in Ennis on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

He was a welder who retired after 42 years of service from LTV, best known as Ling, Temco, Vaught. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent his time Emil Zabojnik fishing, hunting, gardening, and caring for his cows. He enjoyed watching western movies. He was also particularly fond of Czech music and dances.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; the Catholic church; KJT; and American Legion post. He was a United States Army veteran who fought in the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska.

He married Linda Cikanek on June 30, 1982, and most recently, remarried her through the Catholic church on August 8, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Zabojnik; children Emil James Zabojnik, Donna Lynn Holy, Linda Dresh, Emil Wayne Jurcik, and Donald Craig Jurcik.

He was preceded in death by parents Louis and Bessie Zabojnik; sister Lillian Trojacek; and brothers Louis Zabojnik, Victor Zabojnik, and Leslie Zabojnik.

Arrangements were under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis. Betty Macalik —SPJST—