In Memoriam

In Memory of Dr. Larry Chaloupka

Dr. Larry James Chaloupka Sr., age 80, died Tuesday, March 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Rosenberg, Texas, the son of Henry John Chaloupka and Marie Edna (Zwahr) Chaloupka.

The family received friends at a visitation on Thursday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home. Funeral was Friday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Commerce with Reverend Kris Myers officiating. Burial was at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.

Larry graduated from Needville High School with the class of 1959. He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 and his Master of Arts degree in 1965, both from Sam Houston State University. He completed his formal education in 1969, earning his Doctor of Education degree from Louisiana State University in 1969. He spent 34 years in Commerce in the health and physical education department of East Texas State University (Texas A&M-Commerce), until his retirement in 2007.

After retirement, Larry stayed active by teaching Sunday School classes for all ages and stages of life. He was very involved with his grandchildren. He enjoyed their concerts, sporting events, graduations, and other life events.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville. He was also a member of TAPHERD, served as a deacon at First Baptist Church-Commerce, president of Parks and Recreation Board in Commerce as well as working with the college ministry at First Baptist Church.

Larry was an avid golfer, traveled, loved reading, watching sports, and keeping up with political news.

Left to cherish Larry’s memory are his loving wife of 39 years, Linda; children Larry Chaloupka Jr. and wife Rochelle, and Molly Chaloupka McRae and husband Kelly; stepchildren Gary

Glenewinkel Jr. and Myke Gregg and husband Guy; brother Dennis and wife Pat; grandchildren Maggie Chaloupka, Elizabeth McRae, Ryan McRae, Gary “Trey” Glenewinkel III, and Trevor Gregg; best friend Keith Emmerson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna Chaloupka. Serving as pallbearers were Gary Glenewinkel Jr., Gary Glenewinkel III (Trey), Larry Chaloupka Jr., Kelly McRae, Ryan McRae, Guy Gregg, Trevor Gregg, and Phillip May. Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Chaloupka, George Shields, Frank Street, Jim Folks,Dr. Larry Chaloupka Tims Edwards, Marty Yale, Robert Riza, and Bobby Zwahr. Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church Commerce Senior Adult Ministry, 1401 Washington Street, Commerce, Texas 75428. —SPJST—

In Memory of Dorothy Gajdosik

Dorothy Gajdosik, our precious mother, age 92, of West, Texas, passed away late Wednesday morning, February 16, 2022, at Providence Hospital in Waco.

Graveside service was at 11 a.m. Monday, February 21 at St. Mary’s Cemetery near West, with Deacon Ronnie Sykora officiating. The family received visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 27 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel.

Dorothy was born October 11, 1929, in West, the daughter of Frank and Janie (Foitek) Steinocher. She attended schools in Tours and West. On August 19, 1947, she was united in marriage to Rudolph Gajdosik in West. After 51 years of marriage, Rudolph preceded her in death on August 27, 1998. Dorothy was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of KJZT Society 11, West and SPJST Lodge 54, West. She worked for Lorch Manufacturing in West for many years. Dorothy enjoyed playing bingo, quilting, working on puzzles, and gardening. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Raymond, Edward, and Frank Steinocher.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Alvin Sembera of West and Evelyn and Richard Wedeking of Robinson; grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle Sembera, Kristie and Greg Athens, Paula Sembera, Patricia and Linn Taylor, Jason and Jennifer Sembera, Shelly and Cruz Trevino, and Sarah and Josh Goodrum; nine greatgrandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Steinocher; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorials may be made to Waco Humane Society or West Meals on Wheels.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Dorothy in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com.

Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST— Dorothy Gajdosik

In Memory of Jimmy Holacka

James Raymond “Jimmy” Holacka, age 81, of Dallas, Texas, passed away late Sunday afternoon, March 20, 2022, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

A rosary was recited at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 5 p.m. Mass of Christian burial Jimmy Holacka was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday March 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military graveside rites followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Jimmy was born October 19, 1940, in Penelope, the son of Jim and Regina (Kocian) Holacka. He attended school in West and was a 1959 graduate of West High School. On October 30, 1965, he was united in marriage to Jerryline Gajdosik in West. Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Army as a radio operator and served in the Army Reserves during Peacetime. He worked for Parkland Hospital Bluitt Flowers Outpatient Clinic in Dallas for the van transportation department while taking elderly patients to and from the clinic for more than 24 years until his retirement. Jimmy was a ticket agent for Southwest Airlines and prior to that worked as a barber at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas and served as an Eucharistic minister. Jimmy was also a member of VFW Post 4819 of West, KJT in Dallas, and the SPJST Lodge 66, Waco. He enjoyed listening to polka music, dancing, doing yard work, and had a great desire for helping people in need.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Eugene Holacka.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Jerryline Holacka of Dallas; sister-in-law Dorothy Holacka of Austin; nieces Helen and Don Oelrich of Austin and Stephanie and Blaine Smelscer of Robinson; nephew Donald Holacka and wife Mary of Saginaw; Godsons and great nephews Elliott and Noah Smelscer; Goddaughters Theresa, Pamela, and Ronica; and many other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were Donald Holacka, Wilford Gajdosik, Blaine Smelscer, Robert Hessel, Gary Beseda, and Earl Ehlers.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Jimmy in the memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com.

Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Harry Hykel

Harry Lee Hykel, age 90, of West, Texas, passed away early Monday morning, December 13, 2021, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco.

A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, December 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant, assisted by Robin Waters. Military graveside rites followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Harry Lee was born August 13, 1931, in West, the son of Edward and Vlasta (Hrabal) Hykel. He attended Elk and St. Mary’s School in West. On August 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Holecek in West. Harry Lee proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Harry Lee served as Commander of West Veterans Honor Guard, and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4819, American Legion Post 478, SPJST Lodge 54, West, and the RVOS Marak Lodge, where he served as an auditor. He was also a lifetime member of National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association.

Harry Lee worked for General Tire and Rubber Company for 34 years, before retiring in 1985. He also worked as a carpenter with J.M. Holecek and, following his retirement, worked with his son at Larry Hykel Construction Company until 2001. Harry Lee enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, dancing, traveling, gambling, having a good cold beer every once in awhile, visiting with friends, and participating at the VFW Club. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Harry Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Edward “Shorty” Hykel, Joe “Yoba” Hykel, and Robert Hykel; sister Rosalie Karlik; and infant brother Victor Hykel.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Ann Hykel of West; children Larry Hykel and wife Donna of West, George Hykel and wife Linda of West, Carla Ruiz and husband Ernest of Austin, and Julie Deiterman and husband Gary of West; brother Patrick “Butch” Hykel and wife Joanie; sister, Caral Ann “Tootsie” Lehman and husband Richard; grandchildren Justin Hykel and wife Cristy, Lacey Hykel, Tyler Hykel and wife Elizabeth, Garrett Hykel and wife Olivia, Joseph Ruiz and wife Vera, Amanda Jordan and husband Trevor, and Allison Ruiz and Ben MacMaster; great-grandchildren Reigan Hykel, Gage Hykel, Sophie Jordan, Harry Hykel Abigale Hykel, August Hykel, and Eli Hykel; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers were Justin Hykel, Joseph Ruiz, Tyler Hykel, Garrett Hykel, Trevor Jordan, Ben MacMaster, Jerry Mazanec, and Jeff George. Honorary pallbearers were Norman Payne, Charles Rieger, Ernest “Toby” Tobola, Alfonse Kaska, Alan Bishop, Mike Driscoll, David Pareya, David Neckar, Gage Hykel, Eli Hykel, August Hykel, R.J. “Jake” Sulak, and members of the West Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery Pavilion, St. Anne’s Altar Society, or West Volunteer Ambulance Association. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Harry Lee in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Marvin Laffere

Shortly before his 92nd birthday, Marvin W. Laffere went to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the home of his daughter. Visitation was Thursday, March 17 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home followed by funeral services at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deanville.

Marvin was born on March 16, 1930, at home to Elo F. and Bertha (Dworsky) Laffere. He was number seven of eight children. Marvin attended Deanville Public School until the eighth grade then began working the farm with his mother after the death of his father to provide a living for his siblings still at home.

In February 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Korea where he served for just over a year in the 4th Army Area. Marvin was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the UN Service Medal.

After returning home, he worked briefly at the commissary at Texas A&M University before beginning work at Alcoa Aluminum for 30 years. He retired in 1984 and continued to farm and ranch until his death. Marvin was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deanville; Sons of Hermann - Deanville; SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box; VFW Post 4458; Deanville Volunteer Fire Department; Birch Sports Club; and on the board of Deanville Water Supply Corporation.

On June 3, 1956, he married the love of his life, Loretta (Ripple) Laffere. They had one daughter, Bridget. Marvin enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, playing dominoes, and gambling. Spending time working with his cows was his passion, and he could often be seen in the pastures on his Ranger checking and feeding them.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Loretta Laffere; parents; sisters Hilda Prazak, Margie Atkinson, Madelyn Pavlas, and Bertie Jester; and brothers Elo Laffere and Milton (Pete) Laffere.

He is survived by daughter Bridget and husband Joe Ofczarzak; granddaughters Alyssa and husband Mark Melson and Ashlee and husband Brandon Telschow; great-grandchildren Aiden and Aubrey Melson, and Jolee, Jesee, and Jet Telschow; brother Jimmy Laffere; and numerous nephews and nieces. Serving as pallbearers were John Laffere, Mike Jester, Rick McGinnis, Chris Perry, James Schumacher, and Bobby Schumacher. Honorary pallbearers were Buddy Brinkman and Bennie Supak. Please consider a donation in Marvin’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2609 FM 60, Caldwell, Texas 77836; or Tradition Hospice, 1862 RockMarvin Laffere Prairie Road, Suite 202 and 204, College Station, Texas 77845. Condolences may be expressed at PhillipsandLuckey.com. —SPJST—

In Memory of Martha Mahdak

Martha Mae Pokladnik Mahdak, beloved mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born in Dallas, Texas, on Halloween in 1930, the youngest of seven children to Emil and Marie Pokladnik, who immigrated from Czechoslovakia in the early 1900s. Martha Mahdak Martha grew up in Dallas and in 1948, she graduated from North Dallas High School. She met George Mahdak at a dance, and they married on September 10, 1949.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 40 years, George Mahdak; infant daughter Deborah; brothers Emil, Frank, and Robert Pokladnik; and sisters Annie Petr and Lillian Jennings.

Martha is survived by her children and their spouses, Kathy Mahdak, Karl Mahdak, Cindy Cappel (Eric), Christine Bandy (Preston), and Camille Payne (Boyd Pace); grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney Mahdak, Kristopher

Cody Mahdak (Alison), Cole Cappel, Justin Bandy, Michael Bandy (Brianna), Adrian Bandy, Michael Pace (Erin), Troy Pace, Amber Crawford (Stephen), Bill Payne (Jen), and Daniel Payne (Tristin); and great-grandchildren Ethan, Ellie, and Quinn; and sister Mary Kubin.

Martha was a parishioner of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church for more than 65 years where she was a member of the Altar Society and Women’s Circle, Leisure Club, and volunteered for numerous church activities. She was also a lifelong member of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas where she was selected twice as Fraternalist of the Year, was a youth leader, and a member of the choral group. Martha enjoyed dancing and was a member of P.O.L.K.A. dance group, performing with them for many years. She was also a member of Dallas Krouzek - Circle of Czech Women and KJT. Martha was always involved with her family’s activities and worked as a full-time bookkeeper for more than 25 years.

The family asks that you donate to one of the following charities: St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, American Heart Association, or The American Cancer Society. May she rest in peace The Resolution Committee Cheryl Petr —SPJST—

In Memory of Josephine Mayfield

Josephine Marie Mayfield, age 86, resident of Pasadena, Texas, passed away on December 24, 2021. She was born in Houston to Pepino Pizzitola and Teresa Arfele Pizzitola.

She was born October 12, 1935. She attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. She later married the love of her life Robert D. Mayfield on September 7, 1959. They celebrated 62 wonderful and happy years.

Josephine was a sweet, loving, generous, and kind woman who would help anyone in need. She loved to sew and dance. She was an active member and officer of SPJST Lodge 172, Pasadena for many years.

She was preceded in death by her father Pepino; mother Teresa; and brother Frank Pizzitola.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Robert; daughter Teresa and husband Sergio Zubia; grandchildren Tabitha Carroll and husband Jim, Daniel Carroll and wife Jessica, Erik Zubia, and Cristian Zubia and wife Michaela; and great-grandchildren Obin and River Carroll and Madeleine Zubia; and all those who loved her.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Mayfield family. —SPJST— Josephine Mayfield

In Memory of Ernest Tobola

Ernest J. “Toby” Tobola, age 81, of West, Texas, passed away Monday morning, February 28, 2022, surrounded by his family at West Rest Haven, which is on the old Tobola farm land where he grew up.

A rosary was recited at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 5 p.m. Memorial mass of resurrection was at 10 a.m. Monday, March 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Toby was born September 25, 1940, in West, the son of Ernest and Marie (Zahirniak) Tobola. He attended schools in West. At an early age, he started sweeping floors at Čechoslovak Publishing Company for Mr. Joe Holasek, and while there, he learned to run the printing press. Toby printed the West News, the Vestnik, and the Hospodar.

On May 12, 1962, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Doris Macik, in West. Toby was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was also a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West and a co-founder of West Bass Club. For more than 20 years, Toby was a printer for J.S. Barnett Printing in Waco until retiring in 1992. At that time, he started painting with Joe “Mike” Mazanec and then for himself. Toby enjoyed fishing, listening to Czech music, drinking a good cold pivo, hunting, and sitting at the table of knowledge at Mynar’s and the VFW Club. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and watching them play football and all their other sports and activities.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harry Lee Tobola; and sisters Betty Chudej and Patsy Jones.

Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Doris Tobola of West; his children and their spouses, Lisa and Johnny Hutyra and Jeff and Terri Tobola, all of West; grandsons Christopher Williams, Cory Williams, Haden Tobola, Mason Tobola, Jaye J. Hutyra, and Jaycee Hutyra and wife Rachel; greatgrandson John Hutyra; sister Kathy and husband John Lozano; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Active pallbearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were his special friends from the “Table.”

Memorials may be made to West Volunteer Ambulance Association or St. Mary’s Cemetery Association.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Toby in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com.

Aderhold Funeral Home in West is in charge of arrangements. —SPJST— Toby Tobola

Bronze SPJST CemeteryMarkers

Bronze SPJST cemetery markers are available for purchase through the Home Office for $20 a piece. Price includes shipping and handling. The markers measure three inches in diameter and include a fourinch threaded post for mounting. To purchase or for more information, call the Home Office at 800-727-7578 and ask for Sandra.

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