Obituaries
- P -

JOLIN A. PACE

Weimar Mercury, December 28, 1895 pg 2

Yoakum Times: It becomes our painful duty to record the death of Mr. J. A. Pace this week, his demise occurring at the residence of Mr. W. S. Woolsey. One and a half miles northeast of Yoakum at 3:30 o’clock yesterday morning, after a protracted illness of the dreaded disease consumption. Deceased had been expecting death for some time and we are pleased to state was prepared to go to that happy land beyond the stars, where there is no more sorrow, no more care, and all is peace and joy and love. Mr. Pace was in the 32d year of life and leaves a wife and one child and many friends to mourn his taking off.  The remains were laid peacefully to rest in the city cemetery beside his little daughter, who died some two years ago, the last sad rites being conducted under the auspices of the local lodge, Knights of Honor, of which order he was an honored and beloved member. To the sorrowing wife, relatives and friends the Times extends condolence.

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

SIDNEY ELIZABETH PACE

Colorado County Citizen, February 9, 1893

Oakland Newsy Notes

Mrs. W. S. Woolsey of this place left here Sunday morning for Yoakum to visit the bedside of little Siddie Pace, her grand-daughter, who was reported very ill, and it is sad to learn that before her arrival the little sufferer had breathed its last. Mr. and Mrs. Pace have the sympathy of their many friends here in the loss of thieir precious little babe.

Sidney Elizabeth Pace was the daughter of Jolin A. and Effie Woolsey Pace. Contributed by Deborah Smith.

CARL F. PAGEL

Lavaca County Tribune
20 Oct 1944

Capt. Carl F. Pagel Is Lavaca's Highest Ranking Officer To Die In Action

Captain Carl. F. Pagel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Pagel of Hallettsville, was killed in action on September 25, in a raid on the Bonins Islands, in the South Pacific. Word to this effect was received by his parents here Tuesday, October 17.

He was 25 years old, and is the highest ranking Lavaca County officer to die in action. He was a Navigator on a Liberator which was in a heavy raid when he lost his life.

The death of Captain Pagel increases this county's total war dead to fifty-three, and in his death this city loses another brave soldier.

Carl was born in Hallettsville, and graduated from [Hallettsville] Hi School in the class of 1937. He entered the University of Texas, and when he went into the service he lacked only six weeks of study before graduating. He played football on the Brahma eleven-man teams of 1935 and 1936, lettering both years.

Goes Across

Captain Pagel entered the Air Corpos on Aug. 12, 1941, beginning his training at Lindbergh Field, California. He received his wings at Maxwell Field, Ala., remaining in this country for some time as an Air Corps instructor in Navigation, being stationed at various fields throughout the country. On May 23, 1944, he was sent across, and his first service abroad was at Hickam Field, Hawaiian Islands. He took part in raids on the Marshall Island, Truk Island, Saipan, and other South Pacific islands. It was during attacks on the Bonins when he died. Nature of his death is as yet unknown.

Besides his parents he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Stewart Boney of Houston, and Miss Fifi Pagel of here.

Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

HELENA FEHRENKAMP PAGEL

Hallettsville Herald
January 10, 1889

—We regret to note the death of Mrs. F. Pagel, which occurred at her home at Breslau yesterday morning.

Helena Fehrenkamp Pagel (13 Mar 1847 - 8 Jan 1889) was the widow of Friedrich Samuel (Fritz) Pagel. They're both buried in the Breslau Cemetery.Photograph and obituary contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

GEORGE "EMIL" C. PAGEL

Hallettsville Herald
January 14, 1892

Mr. Emil Pagel died near Witting Monday night. Mr. Pagel had been a sufferer from consumption for a long time and death comes as a relief. He was esteemed by those who knew him.

Emil Pagel is buried in the Breslau Cemetery. Photograph and obituary contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

EMILIE JOHANNE WILHELMINE PAGEL

Weimar Mercury
July 8, 1893

Halletsville New Era:
At the home of Mr. Aug. Pagel near Breslau, his 17-year old daughter was shot yesterday. It is the old story of an unloaded pistol. The Ball passed through her neck. She is dangerously hurt.

Weimar Mercury
15 Jul 1893

Miss Pagel, who was accidentally shot in the neck last week, is some better, although the lower part of her body is still paralyzed.

Emilie Pagel was born 7 June 1876 to August and Helene Schilling Pagel. Her death date is unknown, but she had died before the 1900 census.Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson.

JOHANNA DOROTHEA (ANNIE) PAGEL

Weimar Mercury, 16 May 1908, page 3

Halletsville, May 9.—Miss Annie Pagel died this morning. She was 30 years old. She is survived by her mother and several sisters and brothers.

Hallettsville Herald, 15 May 1908

A TRIBUTE OF LOVE.

At 3:50 o'clock a. m. May the eighth, our dear Miss Annie Pagel was kissed by the Angels into the last long sleep and carried on celestial pinions to the realms of eternal bliss. We can not think of her as dead. A beautiful life begun on eath, transplanted in Heaven. A noble type of Christain [sic.] womanhood, her gifts and graces were not idle for she used them for her God. But Oh! how we miss her in the choir, in the Sunday school, in the church, in the Aid Society, around the sick bed, and every where. The comfort and stay of her widowed mothers' heart. Dear Miss Annie how we all loved her, she was so good, so pure, and so true. We cannot understand why such a useful life was so soon taken, but we know God does all things well, and that in his great love and mercy her soul was wafted into eternity, there to unfold in all its beauty and loveliness, around the great white throne of Him who said: "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God believe also in me".

Loved ones, Friends grieve not for me.
Think of me as always near,
My beckoning hands are held out to thee,
Look upward, dry your falling tear.

Mrs. Chas. Kuykendall.

Annie Pagel was buried in the Charles Pagel Family Cemetery. Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

OTTO J. PAGEL

May 1965 Hallettsville newspaper clipping

Otto J. Pagel

Funeral services were held from the Kubena Funeral Home Monday, May 2 at 2 p. m. for Otto J. Pagel who passed away in San Antonio on May 1st at 1:30 p. m. Burial was in the Shiloh Cemetery. Rev. O. K. Oelke officiated.

Survivors are two sisters, Miss Emma Pagel and Miss Minnie Pagel both of Hallettsville and a number of nieces and nephews.

The deceased, who reached the age of 79 years, 1 month and 16 days, was born in Hallettsville on March 15, 1886.

Pallbearers were Willie Neumann, Berry Nolen, Maurice Childress, Tom Martin, Anton Haidusek, and James Haidusek.

Contributed by Matt Cross

RICHARD E. PARGAC

The Victoria Advocate, Monday, May 2, 1966

HALLETTSVILLE—Richard E. Pargac, 47, former Hallettsville resident died Saturday in Houston where he had been employed.

Mr. Pargac was born March 29, 1919.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Kubena Funeral Home, at 10 a.m. at Moravia Catholic Church, with the Rev. Ed. Barsch officiating. Burial will be in Moravia Catholic Cemetery.

Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Emelia Pargac; four sisters, Miss Mary Pargac of Houston, Mrs. Hermina Strelec of El Campo, Mrs. Charles Novak and Mrs. John Novak, both of Hallettsville; and two brothers, Raymond of Schulenburg and Frankie of Houston.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

W. P. PARKS

Lavaca County Tribune
May 26, 1959

W. P. Parks Died Sat., May 23^rd

Mr. W. P. Parks 75, of Sublime, died in Renger Hospital Saturday, May 23rd.  Funeral services were held from the Kubena Funeral Home Monday, May 25^th at 2: 30 p.m. and then at the Sublime Baptist Church. Rev. C.L. Wiegel officiated at the services.  Interment was made in Willow Creek Cemetery.

Mr. Parks was born in Hallettsville, February 16th, 1884 and was united in marriage with Mrs. Lillie Mae Criswell November 2nd, 1913 in Sheridan.  They made their home in Sublime after their marriage. 

Survivors are his wife Mrs. W.P. Parks, tow sons J.B. Parks at home, and W.T. Parks at Sublime,  One daughter: Beatrice Parks at home. One sister Mrs. Ada Randow at Sublime.  One grandchild Billy Dean Parks.  One daughter preceded him in death as did one sister Mrs. Pearlie Varnell.

Pallbearers were Harper Kloppenburg, T.E. Kane, Chas. Whitley, Eddie Davenport, Bill Hart, Ike Reese.  Honoary pallbearers were Dr. R.J. McReynolds, Ed. Davenport, Sr., Oscar Sicko, J.E. Brown, J.G. Reese, Jim Winton, Halton Buchanek, C.J. Fernau, G.H. Dodd, Sam Devall, F.P. Wenckens, J.F. Timm, Albert Appelt and F.W. Greenewald. 

Contributed by Regena Williamson

FRANCES A. PARMA

Victoria Advocate, May 21, 1977

SHINER—Funeral Mass for Mrs. Frances A. Parma will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Shiner Catholic Church.

The burial will follow in the Shiner SPJST Cemetery.

Mrs. Parma, 90, of El Campo, died Thursday afternoon in an El Campo nursing home.

A rosary was recited Friday night in the Buffington Funeral Home in Shiner.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Parma of El Campo; one son, Mark Parma of Corpus Christi; four daughters, Mrs. James Rebecek of Wharton, Mrs. Dennis Zaskoda of El Campo, Mrs. Hilton Mertz of Corpus Christi and Mrs. Carl Haas of Sublime; two brothers, Frank and Rudy Herchek, both of Yoakum; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

MATILDA C. PARR

Weimar Mercury, 14 Apr 1922

YOAKUM PIONEER DIES.

Yoakum, Tex., April 8.—Mrs. Matilda C. Parr, who died at the home of her son, W. P. Parr, was a pioneer of Lavaca county. She came here from Alabama with her parents when she was only 5 years old and had lived in Lavaca county ever since. She was married to G. S. Parr in 1854. She was the mother of 12 children, has 57 granchildren and 126 great grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren. She joined the Baptist church 50 years ago. She was 83 years of age at her death.

ANNIE VAVRICKA PATEK

Victoria Advocate, July 24, 2004

Mrs. Victor "Annie" Patek, SR.

Mrs. Victor "Annie" Patek, Sr., 82, of Shiner, Texas, died July 22, 2004. She was born October 3, 1921, in Sweet Home, Texas to the late John E. and Annie Targac Vavricka.

She attended South Mustang School and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, KJZT, Catholic Daughters, and the Altar Society.

Survivors include: her husband, Victor Patek, Sr. of Shiner, Texas; 4 sons, Marvin & Earlene Patek of Hallettsville, Ervin & Mary Patek of Moulton, Victor, Jr. & Karen Patek of Shiner, Michael & Rose Patek of Shiner; 6 daughters, Dorothy & Daniel Fojtik of Moulton, Anne & Robert Meyer of Houston, Carol Smith of Katy, Dodie Bannert of Katy, Darlene & Tim Kresta of Shiner, Rosie & James Ross of Gonzales; 29 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Albina Mauric; 4 brothers, Eugene, John, Louis, and James Vavricka; and 1 grandson, John Fojtik.

Visitation begins, Friday, July 23rd, at 1:00 p.m. at Buffington Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited Saturday, July 24th at 7:30 p.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, July 25th at 2:00 p.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert Knippenberg officiating. Interment to follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Daryl Fojtik, Curtis Patek, Matthew Patek, Nicholas Smith, Scott Bannert, Kevin Patek, Cameron Kresta, and Duane Fojtik. Honorary Pallbearers: David Fojtik, Marty Patek, Ryan Bannert, Kendle Patek, Dakota Kresta, and Conor Kresta.

Memorials: Funeral Masses. Buffington Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

FRANK J. PATEK

Seguin Gazette-Enterprise, Thursday, January 7, 1999

Frank J. Patek, 77, of Seguin, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999. Born to the late Jim and Abine Husinecky Patek on Jan. 8, 1921, in Shiner, Texas. He was a fireman.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Berger Patek; son, Bill J. Patek; sisters, Mary Mikes, Abine Kubenka, Lillian Swisher, all of Seguin; daughter, Evelyn M. Alexander of San Antonio; daughter, Helen M. Skinner; and son, Roy W. Patek of Spring, Texas; daughter, Gladys M. Skinner of Conroe, Texas; sister Emily Holub; and brothers, Louis Patek and Benny Patek of Houston; brothers, Charles and Jimmy Patek of Shiner; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bernice Patek; sons, Franky and Ervin Patek; sister, Lillian Janda; and brother, Joe Patek.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 1999, at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner. A rosary will be held at 7:30 on Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements by Buffington Funeral Home.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JERRY JOHN PATEK

Victoria Advocate, 26 Aug 2004

Jerry J. Patek

SEALY—Jerry John Patek, 72, of Sealy and formerly of Shiner, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004.

He was born Oct. 28, 1931, in Shiner, to the late Jerome Frank and Carrie Matus Patek. He was an insurance agent and a Catholic.

Survivors: sisters, Evelyn Holub of Houston, Estelle Heimann of Wharton, and Carrie Hajek of Austin; and brothers, George Patek and Daniel Patek, both of Houston, Eugene Patek of Shiner, and Freddie Patek of Sealy.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert Knippenberg officiating.

Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, 361-594-3352.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JIM PATEK

Shiner Gazette, 7 Dec 1898

Little Jim Patek, aged about four years son of Mr. and Mrs. Patek, living near Shiner died last Saturday and was buried Sunday. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the GAZETTE in their misfortune.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LADDIE PATEK

Lavaca County Tribune, Tues., 12 Mar 1963

Laddie Patek, Well Known Musician, Dies

Laddie Patek, 61 well known member of the well-known Patek orchestra of Shiner, died Saturday in an Eagle Lake hospital.

Mr. Patek was on his way home with the orchestra from Houston where they had played for a dance Thursday night, March 7th. At Eagle Lake he became seriously ill and the orchestra stopped to place him in the Eagle Lake Hospital where he remained until his death Saturday, March 9th. According to word received, Mr. Patek had been under a doctor's care for some time but continued the work he loved so much, playing with this famous orchestra which was organized years ago by his late father.

Funeral services were held in Shiner Monday morning March 11th at St. Cyril and Methodius Church and burial was in Shiner Catholic Cemetery, Reverend J. J. Hanacek officiating. Laddie Patek was the father of Miss Gussie Patek a nurse at Renger Memorial Hospital in Hallettsville. His wife and several children survive. The family home was at Old Sweet Home in Lavaca County about half way between Sweet Home and Shiner.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MYRON L. PATEK

Victoria Advocate, 23 May 2001, page 11A

MYRON L. PATEK

DESOTO—Myron L. Patek, 45, of Desoto, and formerly of Yoakum, died Monday, May 21, 2001.

He was born Sept. 7, 1955, in Yoakum, to John William and Virginia Pavlas Patek of Yoakum. He was a corporate operation manager at Hutton Communications Inc. and a Catholic.

Survivors: wife, Cheryl Vinklarek Patek; sons, Tim Patek and Jeff Patek, both of Desoto; parents; sisters, Mary Mayes of Victoria, Cathy Stubbs of Portland, Ginny Marek of Bastrop and Theresa Van Sickle of Katy; brothers, Mark Patek and Greg Patek, both of Shiner and Johnny Patek of Yoakum.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Gary Janak officiating.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 361-293-2333.

Memorials: American Cancer Society, St. Joseph Building Fund or St. Joseph School Endowment Fund.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT PATEK, Sr.

Victoria Advocate, February 29, 2004

Robert "Bob" Patek, Sr. of Shiner, Texas died Thursday, February 26, 2004 at UTMB Hospital in Galveston, Texas after a courageous battle against a lung disease. Bob died of complications from a lung transplant he received in November 8, 2003, after his own lungs were compromised by severe Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born June 3, 1938, in Shiner, to the late Joseph Sr. and Emilie Novosad Patek. Bob was a businessman and co-owner of Patek Grocery and Market. He was a Catholic and a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius parish in Shiner. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the K.J.T. societies. Bob was a retired member of the Shiner Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce. Through his faith and business, Bob touched many people's lives as he was present to all and a friend to so many he came in contact with.

Survivors: Wife, Betty Lou Hajek Patek of Shiner; daughters, Lisa Koenning and Connie Mraz, of Shiner; son, Robert "L.B." Patek Jr. of Shiner; daughter-in-law, Lisa Honish Patek; sons-in-law, Jeff Mraz and Harold Koenning. Sisters; Barbara Lloyd of Shiner and Rosalie Vrana of Midway; brothers, Joe "Peppy" Patek, Jr., William D. Patek, Deacon Paul Patek, all of Shiner and 9 grandchildren, Kevin, Kyle, and Kris Patek; Cullen, Hannah, and Sarah Koenning; Cody, Courtney, and Hunter Mraz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother David Wayne Patek, Sr.

Visitation will begin Sunday, February 29 at 8:00 a.m. at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel. A Rosary/Wake Service will be held Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Mass of Resurrection Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 1st, also at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Rev. Bob Knippenberg officiating.

Burial will be at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are nephews: Joey Patek, Jimmy Lloyd, Jr., Billie Patek, Jr., Paul Patek, Jr., David Patek, Jr., and Randy Vrana.

Memorials: Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Memorial Fund, Shiner Catholic Schools or Donor's Choice.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ELSIE MARY SCHINDLER PATTERSON

Victoria Advocate, Dec 22, 2005

Elsie Mary Patterson, 82, born September 23, 1923, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2005.

She is preceded in death by her husband William H. Patterson, her father Emil Alois Schindler, her mother Effie Mae Schindler, her brother Carl E. Schindler, her brother-in-law Victor J. Rybak and an infant brother.

She graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1942. She taught school at Pagel Settlement & Sublime Elementary School. She moved to Corpus Christi in 1944 and married her husband on August 9, 1947.

She is survived by her sons Donald (Kay) Patterson of Little Elm, Texas and Mark A. Patterson of Corpus Christi; her brother Alvin T. Schindler of Victoria, Texas; her sisters Lucille M. Rybak of Victoria and Josie J. Zappe of Hallettsville, Texas; her brother-in-law Joseph P. Zappe of Hallettsville; and her sisters-in-law Lois Schindler of Victoria, Texas and Margie Schindler of Yoakum, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Erin L. Rangel, Kimberly L. Gonzales, and Courtney D. Patterson; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Eugene Rybak, Gary Rybak, Michael Schindler, Douglas Zappe, Robert Zappe, and Joe Zappe II.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at Premier Cremation & Funeral Care Funeral Home, 3720 S. Alameda with a Rosary at 7 p.m. that same evening. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hallettsville, Texas with Rev Fr John Peters, celebrant. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

"O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in giving that we receive, it is pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ALVIN LAWRENCE PAVELKA

Victoria Advocate, August 14, 1999

KERRVILLE—Alvin Lawrence Pavelka, 76, of Kerrville died Thursday, Aug. 12, 1999.

He was born Dec. 2, 1923 in Moulton. He was a self-employed construction worker and a Catholic.

Survivors: daughter, Josephine Fritz of Kerville; sister, Angie Koehler of San Antonio.

Preceded in death by: father, John Pavelka; mother, Catherine Vavra Pavelka; sister, Sylvia Stastny.

A rosary will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapels.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Resurrection Cemetery. Full military honors will be observed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corp. League, D.A.V., C.W. V. and American Legion.

Memorials: donor's choice.

Rosewood Funeral Chapels, 573-4546.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

GEORGE PAVLAS

Victoria Advocate, 19 Sep 2005

George Pavlas - MOULTON

George Pavlas, 85, of Moulton, Texas, passed away September 17, 2005.

Born October 1, 1919 to the late Willie J. and Albina Darilek Pavlas. He was a retired employee of Alcoa, as well as business owner of Pavlas Tavern in Moulton. George, a veteran of World War II, was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Survivors: spouse, Vlasta Barta Pavlas; three daughters, Jenny Keeling and husband Stan, Roswell, GA; Deralle Pohler and husband Michael, Shiner, TX; Nancy Grau and husband John, Friendswood, TX. four grandchildren: Clinton Pohler, Austin, TX; Wendy Blackerby and husband John, Frisco, TX; Ashley Grau, Orlando, FL; Kyle Grau, Friendswood, TX. one great-grandchild: Ella Grace Blackerby. sister, Martha Pavlicek; brother, Willie F. Pavlas.

Preceded in death by: Stepmother, Anna Bohuslav Pavlas;

Rosary will be recited September 19, 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Moulton and services September 20, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Reverend John Peters officiating.

JEANETTE MARIE SCHUMANN PAVLAS

Schulenburg Sticker
Thursday, February 6, 1997

Jeanette Pavlas

Jeanette Marie (Schumann) Pavlas, 63, of Cuero passed away Thursday, Jan 30 at 4:05 a.m.  Born in Moulton on Jan. 13, 1934, she was the daughter of Albert and Amelia “Mollie” (Pelech) Schumann.  A homemaker, she was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church of Missouri City and the KJZT.

Survivors include her mother, Amelia “Mollie” Schumann of Moulton, a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Wellie Harris of Stafford; and son and daughter-in-law, William and Michelle Pavlas of Missouri City; a sister, Lynnell Hudson of Moulton; and four grandchildren.  Preceding her in death were her father and a brother.

The funeral was held Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton followed by burial in the church cemetery.  The Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiated.

Rosary was recited on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Smith Chapel in Moulton. 

Contributed by Rob Brown

ANITA LYDIA KOHLLEFFEL PAVLICEK

Victoria Advocate, April 12, 2004

Anita L. Pavlicek

HALLETTSVILLE - Anita Lydia Pavlicek, 68, of Hallettsville, died Sunday, April 11, 2004.
She was born Dec. 1, 1935, in Lavaca County, to the late Charles Elo and Annie Leibicher Kohlleffel. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Moulton.

Survivors: daughters, Ann Klaus of Houston, Alice Snook of Iola, and Annie Pavlicek of Hallettsville; sons, Adolph Pavlicek of Porter and Frank Pavlicek of Yoakum; brother, Alvin Kohlleffel of Hallettsville; and eight grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Adolph V. Pavlicek.
Visitation will begin at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home chapels.

A wake service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ascension of the Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, the Rev. John Peters officiating.

Burial will be at Moravia Catholic Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ANNETTE NAJVAR PAVLICEK

Victoria Advocate, December 16, 2003

Annette Najvar Pavlicek

Annette Najvar Pavlicek, 61, of Houston passed away peacefully at home, on December 13, 2003 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Hallettsville, Texas on August 15, 1942 and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. She became a registered vocational nurse in 1961 and was active in Catholic Daughters of the Americas and KJZT. She moved to Houston in 1963 with her husband to start their family. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Her husband, Edward J. Pavlicek and father, Jim Najvar, predeceased her in death. She is survived by her loving family including mother, Pauline Najvar of Hallettsville, sister Bernice Morgenroth and husband Bob of Victoria, and four children all of Houston, Arnold Pavlicek, Linda Carman and husband Gerald, Diane Reed and husband John, and Daryl Pavlicek and wife Anthi, grandson, James.

Visitation: 3pm, Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, Texas.

Rosaries: 7pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home and 9:30am, Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church.

Service: 10am, Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Sacred Heart Church, Hallettsville, Texas.

Burial: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Moulton, Texas.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ELO FRANK PAVLICEK

Victoria Advocate, Aug 30, 2004

Elo F. Pavlicek

MOULTON - Elo Frank Pavlicek, 85, of Moulton, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004.

He was born June 7, 1919, in Lavaca County, to Joe Frank Sr. and Annie Jilek Pavlicek. He was a self employed TV repair salesman and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors: wife, Lexie Vinklarek Pavlicek; daughters, Darlene Hill of San Antonio, Sherri Pavlicek and Elaine Rister, both of Houston; son, Melvin Pavlicek of Katy; and five grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: brothers, Joe F. Pavlicek, Herbert Pavlicek, Alfons Pavlicek, and Anton Pavlicek.

Visitation will begin today at Smith Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Gabriel Maison officiating.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Moulton, 361-596-4631.

Memorials: KC Monsignor Robert Schmidtt Memorial Fund or St. Joseph Memorial Fund.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

EMIL JOSEPH PAVLICEK

Brazosport Facts, Clute, TX, August 8, 2007

On August 6, 2007, an avid fisherman was called home by the Lord. Emil Joseph Pavlicek ("Polly") was born June 5, 1925, near Moulton, Texas, to Josephine and Louis Pavlicek.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents; and brothers, Albert and Gene Pavlicek.

Emil is survived by three children, daughter, Barbara Mohler and husband, Roddy; son, John Pavlicek; and daughter, Denise Burch and husband, Johnny, all of Freeport; two brothers, Louis and Frank of Moulton; grandchildren, DeDee Foshee, Amy Painter, Ashley Pavlicek, Elise Faulkner, Matthew Burch; great-grandchildren, Aaron Foshee, Adam Foshee, Timothy Painter and Austin Delashmit; special friends, Cindy and John Patterson and Daniella Montemayor.

E.J. fought a valiant battle with cancer yet rarely complained. Family members would take him for his treatments and he would be ready to go fishing almost as soon as he got home. He loved yard work and could be seen outside tending his garden and plants or mowing the grass. His daughters said they had a hard time keeping up with him. He never thought he would lose the battle - his courage is to be commended. Emil was a smoker, and as soon as he heard the word he had to quit, he lay them down and never touched another one. If his determination and courage can save one life by not smoking, then he would be proud to know that it can be done with a strong will and faith in God.

Emil served his country in the Navy during the Pacific-Asiatic Campaign stationed in Okinawa from 1944-1946.

He began a career at Dow Chemical Company as an operator from 1946 until 1995, when he reluctantly retired. One unbelievable record he held while working at Dow and one which will probably never be broken is 43 years perfect attendance - now that's determination! Most of his life he was very healthy, a strong-willed man who believed in giving an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.

Fishing truly was his passion and he spent many hours on the water with family catching the limit. Grandson, Matthew, was his special fishing buddy and would go anytime he had a chance with his Grandpa, which was often. The waters along the coast will miss seeing Polly coming at them in his boat.

Special and loving thanks to Dr. Pant, Dr. Falcon, Holly, Cathy, Monica and rest of the staff, Dr. Bonnen and staff, Helping Hands and Hearts Hospice, and the spiritual strength from Ruby Ruiz. The care, dedication and support you showed our Dad is a blessing from the Lord.

Services will be Friday, August 10, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moulton, Texas. Graveside services will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations in Emil's name be made to American Cancer Society and/or a hospice of your choice.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

GEORGE D. PAVLICEK

undated 1944 news clipping

GEORGE PAVLICEK DIES OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION

DIED JULY 3 OF WOUNDS RECEIVED FIGHTING WHILE IN FRANCE

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pavlicek of Komensky have been notified by the war [department] that their son, S. Sgt. George D. Pavlicek, died of wounds received in action in France on July 8. He was inducted in March, 1942 and had been overseas since April, 1944. On September 13, 1944 he would have been 28 years of age.

He was born in Lavaca County and attended school at Novohrad, Shiner parochial training school, and Komensky, from which he graduated in 1937. He received his military training at Camp Barkeley, Tex. La., California, and Ft. Dix, N. J. He was in the infantry in the 90th Division.

Sgt. Pavlicek was a fine young man, a credit to his parents and to his country. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church and his life was guided by its teachings.

He is survived by his grief-striken [sic.] parents, two brothers, Franklin and Pfc. Otto J. of the U. S. Army; and four sisters, Mrs. Edward (Julia) Kainer, Eugenia, Marcelline and Georgiann.

Memorial services will be held at a future date.

We offer sincerest sympathy to this family in its [sorrow].

George Pavlicek is buried in the Praha Catholic Cemetery in Fayette County.

JOHN PAVLICEK

Corpus Christi Times, Tuesday, June 19, 1951

Funeral services for John Pavlicek, 67, a farmer in the Edroy community for several years, were to be held at 4 p.m. today in Shiner.

Pavlicek died at 5 a.m. yesterday in Shiner.

He is survived by a son, Frank Pavlicek of Corpus Christi; a daughter, Mrs. Fannie McNeth of Flour Bluff; a brother, Ed Pavlicek of Corpus Christi, and an uncle, J. R. Pavlicek of Corpus Christi

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ALONZO PAYNE

Weimar Mercury, December 21, 1907 on page 1.

Hallettsville December 18.—It was Alonzo Payne who was killed near Hackberry Monday night by being shot in the head with a gun. Members of the family say it was accidental. His wife said he and she were scuffling over the gun, he was trying to shoot her, when it was accidentally discharged and resulted in his death. Sheriff Noble brought with him to town two boys of deceased and his wife and will keep them in jail for further developments. One boy is about 14 years old, the other younger.

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

ADOLPH PECHACEK

Hallettsville Tribune, 23 Mar 1934

Adolph Pechacek

A very large attendance of relatives from far and near attended the funeral of Adolph Pechacek Sr. who, at the age of 83 years died at the home of his son Otto in Houston Texas Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. Requiem mass at 9:00 a.m. Thursday was read by the Rev. A. Raska of El Campo, a nephew of the deceased in the Sacred Heart Church, who also conducted the funeral ceremonies at the grave in the Halletsville Catholic Cemetery. Our pastor Rev. A. Mathis preached a touching sermon in German. The deceased was born in Morava, Europe, came in his early age to America, settling in Frelsburg. He married Miss Fredericka Berckenhoff and in 1890 they moved to Lavaca County near Witting. Several years ago they moved to Houston where they resided until now. He is survived by his wife and seven children. Adolph of Yoakum, Joe near Houston, Emil in Ballinger, Otto in Houston, Mrs. Frank Grahmann in Halletsville, Mrs. Ed. Ermis in New Braunfels, Mrs. Frazer near Yoakum and many grandchildren. Lord accept his soul to dwell in your house.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ADOLPH G. PECHACEK

Victoria Advocate, 8 Apr 1956

Adolph G. Pechacek

Yoakum, April 7 - Adolph G. Pechacek, 71, died in a Houston Hospital Friday. Funeral services will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday from St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Yoakum. Internment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. and will be said again at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Pechacek had lived in the Yoakum area all his life.

He is survived by three sons, Adolph A. Pechacek of Boerne, Leo Pechacek of Yoakum and Carl Pechacek of Victoria, three daughters, Mrs. Ladike Kubicek of Houston, Mrs. Herman Petering of Yoakum and Mrs. Freddie Sanchez of Victoria, 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grand children.

Contributed by Matt Cross

AGNES PECHACEK

Lavaca County Tribune-Herald, 25 Nov 1975

Mrs. Agnes Pechacek, 79, of Hallettsville, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 1975, in a San Antonio hospital.

The body lay in state at Kubena Funeral Home until 9 a.m. Monday when it was taken to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for funeral services at 10 a.m.

The Rev. Stanley Petru officiated with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Mrs. Pechacek was born March 6, 1896 in Lavaca County.  She was married to Fritz Pechacek in 1915 in Hallettsville.  He died in 1929.

Survivors include two sons, Paul of San Antonio and Ambrose of Laguna Vista, Texas; four daughters, Mrs. Victor Kraus, Mrs. Jerome Holub and Mrs. Colice Picard, all of San Antonio, and Mrs. Ray Maris of Billings, Mont.; a brother, Henry Bludau of Hallettsville; a sister, Mrs. Alphonse Leopold of Hallettsville, 30 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CHRISTINE PECHACEK

Hallettsville Semi-weekly Herald, 7 Jan 1930

Death of a Child

The many friends of Mrs. Fritz Pechacek, of Route 5, sympathize with her in the loss of her baby daughter, Christine, aged 12 days, who died Friday January 3rd.

The funeral was held Saturday with services in the Sacred Heart Church and interment in the Catholic Cemetery Rev. A. Mathis officiating. Pallbearers were Hilbert and Joe Bludau Jr.

The child is survived by her mother, several brothers and sisters.  To them we extend our deepest sympathy.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EMILIE PECHACEK

Lavaca County Tribune, 7 Apr 1953

Mrs. Emilie Pechacek Laid to Rest April 2

Funeral services for Mrs. Emilie Pechacek, 67, of 209 South Street, Yoakum, were held Thursday, April 2 at 2 pm at Buffington chapel and with 2:15 services at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Msgr. Joseph Putska officiated and also read interment rites at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Born at Gonzales February 25, 1886, Mrs. Pechacek died at San Antonio, Tuesday, March 31.

Survivors include her husband Adolf C. Pechacek of Yoakum, sons Leo Pechacek of Yoakum, Adolf Pechacek of Boerne, Carl Pechacek of Victoria; three daughters, Mrs. Amelia Kubicek, Houston, Mrs. Annie Petering, Yoakum and Mrs. Martha Sanchez, Victoria, two brothers Gus and Alois Lorke, Hallettsville, 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MILDRED MARIE DOLEZAL PESEK

Victoria Advocate, 14 Oct 2003, page 8A

MILDRED M. PESEK

SHINER – Mildred Marie Pesek, 77, of Shiner, died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003.

She was born April 20, 1926, in Shiner, to the late Frank A. and Lillie Kral Dolezal. She was a member of KJZT, SPJST and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a homemaker and a Catholic.

Survivors: husband, Laddie Pesek; daughters, Jeanette Poppe of Franklin and Charlene Janak of Hallettsville; sons, Robert “Bobby” Pesek and Dale Pesek, both of Shiner; sister, Emily Wigrys of Houston; and seven grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: brother, Edward Dolezal.

A rosary will be recited 6:30 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

A KJZT rosary will be recited 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Robert Knippenberg officiating.

Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, 361-594-3352.

Memorials: Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, South Texas Hospice, American Cancer Society or Shiner Nursing and Rehab.

Contributed by Matt Cross

SHIRLEY ANN KRISTEK PESEK

Victoria Advocate, Friday, October 31st, 2003

Shirley A. Pesek

Mrs. Shirley Ann Pesek, age 50 yrs. passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2003.

She was born November 3, 1952 in Hallettsville to the late Eddie W. Kristek and Evelyn Antrich Kristek. Shirley was a secretary for Stevens Health Care & Rehab Center in Yoakum. She was also an agent for Catholic Life Insurance.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America.

She is survived by: husband, Kenneth Ray Pesek Sr. of Yoakum, daughter: Alisa Evelyn Pesek and fianc Steve Hastings of Gonzales, son: Kenneth Ray Pesek, Jr. and wife Carrie of Yoakum. Additional family, Ashley Nicole Machicek of Yoakum. Grandson, Keith Allan Hastings. 3 brothers, Harvey Wayne and wife Cindy Kristek of Victoria, Anthony and wife Virginia Kristek of La Grange and Patrick and wife Theresa Kristek of Yoakum. Nieces: Ginny Kristek, Andrea Kristek and Leanne Kristek and nephews, Harvey Kristek, Jr., Shawn Kristek, Shannon Kristek, Heath Kristek, Quintin Kristek and Garrett Kristek. Also survived by mother-in-law, Erma Pesek of Sweet Home, brother-in-law John Pesek and wife Carrie of Yoakum and sister-in-law, Sharon Griggs and husband Ted and their daughters Kelly & Michelle of Houston.

Pallbearers are: Harvey Kristek, Jr., Shawn Kristek, Shannon Kristek, Heath Kristek, Garrett Kristek and John Pesek.

Honorary pallbearer: Quintin Kristek.

There will be a Catholic Daughters rosary on Friday at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Queen of Peace Cemetery in Sweet Home.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum. 361-293-2333

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

IGNAC J. PETEREK

The Cuero Record, Thursday, March 9, 1967

Funeral services for Ignac J. Peterek, 76, of Yoakum, were conducted at 9 a.m. Thursday at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel, Yoakum and at 9:15 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with the Rev. John Matocha officiating. Burial was in a Catholic Cemetery in Shiner.

Mr. Peterek died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in a Yoakum hospital.

Survivors include his wife: Mrs. Agnes Peterek of Yoakum; a son, Ignac E. of Cuero; a daughter, Mrs. Agnes Vaclavik of Yoakum; two brothers, Clement of Gonzales and John of Austin; three sisters, Mrs. Julie Pustejovsky of Houston and Mrs. Marie Vrazel of Yoakum, and Mrs. Joe Vrazel of Shiner; 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN PETEREK

Weimar Mercury
2 Feb 1940, page 4

Shiner Man Accidentally Killed by Rifle Shot

John Peterek, aged 22 years, who lived seven miles northwest of Shiner was killed Monday morning by the accidental discharge of his .22 rifle. The tragedy occurred while he was crawling through a fence in search of rabbits. He left home at about 8:30 a.m. The bullet struck him in the head and he died instantly. Justice of the Peace Kloesel was called and rendered a verdict of accidental death.

The young man was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ignac Peterek, Sr., and was highly thought of in his community. Besides his parents, he leaves a brother, Ignac Jr., and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Watzlavick, to mourn his death. — Hallettsville New Era-Herald.

ANNA MARIE LEIST PETERING

"Herald-Times Highlights" from pages of The Herald-Times, Yoakum Daily Herald and The Yoakum Weekly Herald.

Jan 2-24, 1941

Mrs. Anna Marie Petering, 71, passed away Jan 9. She was born October 29, 1869 in Fayette County. In 1893, she came to Pilot Grove. On Oct. 15, 1895, she married Henry J. Petering, and came to Dewitt County.

According to her death certificate, Anna Petering was born in Fayette County to Wm. and Anna Haska Leist. She was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributed by Carla Ratcliff.

HENRY W. PETERING

Victoria Advocate, 14 Jul 1965

Henry W. Petering

Yoakum - Henry W. Petering, 68 year old Yoakum carpenter and farmer, was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital at 5:20 p.m. Monday after suffering a heart attack.

A lifetime resident of Yoakum, Mr. Petering was born on May 25, 1897. He resided on Route 3.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Buffington Funeral Chapel and at 9 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Matocha officiating.

A rosary was recited Tuesday night at the funeral home chapel.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mary Petering of Yoakum, a son, Edwin Petering of Bay City; two sisters, Mrs. Albert DeDear and Mrs. Annie Condle, both of Yoakum and three grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HERMAN A. PETERING

Victoria Advocate, 7 Oct 1998, page 8A

HERMAN A. PETERING

YOAKUM - Herman A. Petering, 90, of Yoakum, died Monday, Oct. 5, 1998.

He was born Nov. 17, 1907, in DeWitt County, to the late Herman D. and Clara Leist Petering. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a farmer and was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and VFW.

Survivors: stepdaughters, Erleen Boedeker and Shirley Rehak; and sisters, Clara Petering of Yoakum and Alma Huber of Shiner.

Preceded in death by: wife, Annie M. Petering; stepson, Robert Mudd; sisters, Hattie Berg and Anna Hanzelka; and brother, Fred Petering.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Rev. Tim Van Antwerp officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, 293-2333.

Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or donor's choice.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARY PETERS

Shiner Gazette, 9 Mar 1898

Mrs. Mary Peters, aged 79, died at the home of Wm. Mulker Sunday and was buried at the Hermann Soehnes’ cemetery Monday evening. She was the mother of Mrs. August Jungerman of Cost, Gonzales county, and had been here on a visit for about a month.

[in adjacent column]

Aug. Jungerman desires us to thank his many friends here for their kindness and assistance to his last Sunday and Monday on the occasion of the death and burial of Mrs. Mary Peters, Mrs. Jungerman’s mother.

D. Peters of near Ledbetter came down Monday in answer to a telegram announcing the death of his mother, Mrs. Mary Peters.

Mary Peters may have an unmarked grave. Contributed by Matt Cross

LUDWIG PETREK

San Antonio Light, Tuesday, April 12, 1949

FLATONIA, April 12.-- Services for Ludwig Petrek, 44, were held Sunday from the Moulton Catholic church. Interment was in Moulton Catholic cemetery.

Petrek was found dead Friday.

Survivors are the parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Andrew Petrek, Moulton; six sisters, Mrs. Ed. Breitschaff, Flatonia; Mrs. Lexie Boehm, Mrs. Lee Jarasek, Mrs. Roy Kotzebue, Miss Josie Lee Petrek, all of Moulton, and Mrs. Johnny Kubenka, Witting, and three brothers, J.C. Petrek, Freeport, and Joe and Adolph Petrek, both of Moulton.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

EUGENE PETRU

Victoria Advocate, June 21, 2006

EUGENE PETRU

Yoakum—Eugene Petru, age 74 of Yoakum died June 20, 2006. He was born December 28, 1931 in Shiner to the late Anton & Rosie Janda Petru. He was a butcher and served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors are two daughters: Katherine Jendrzey and husband David, Linda Hagan and husband Dennis. Three grandchildren: Christopher Jendrzey and wife Elizabeth, Heath Hagan & Chance Hagan and one great-grandaughter: Aubrie Jendrzey.

Graveside services will be on Thursday at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Roger Hawes officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum 361-293-5656.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

FANNIE A. BERGER PETRU

Victoria Advocate, July 27, 1999

CORPUS CHRISTI—Fannie A. Petru, 82, of Corpus Christi, died Monday, July 26, 1999.

She was born May 28, 1917, in Chlottenberg, to the late Alois and Johanna Reif Berger. She was a retired cook and a Catholic.

Survivors: husband, James Petru; daughters, Betty Mraz of Houston and Barbara Allen of Sandia; sons, Charles Petru and James Petru Jr., both of Portland; sister, Evelyn Patek of Seguin; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceded in death by: daughter, Helen Herro; sister, Johanna Kurtz; and brothers, Alois Berger, Joseph Berger, Fred Berger, Louis Berger, Bill Berger, Edwin Berger, Elo Berger and Edgar Berger.

Visitation will be 3 p.m. today at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, the Rev. Morgan Rowsome officiating.

Burial will be at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Corpus Christi. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, 594-3352.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

FRANK PETRU, Sr.

San Antonio Express, Monday, March 22, 1926

SHINER, Tex., March 21.—Frank Petru Sr. died here Friday and was interred in a local cemetery Saturday afternoon. He was 69 years of age and is survived by numerous children and grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JENOVEFA PETRU

San Antonio Express, Sunday, October 20, 1935

YOAKUM, Tex., Oct. 19.—Mrs. Jenovefa Petru, 75, died at her home near here today. Funeral services will be held at the home Sunday morning. Interment will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph F. Petru, five daughters, Mrs. Frank Jurena, Yoakum; Mrs. Martin Lisy, Kingsville; Mrs. Robert Dornak, Gonzales; Miss Antonia Petru, Yoakum; Sister Mary Ann, Cuero; sons, Raymond Orsak, of Simpson, Okla; Victor Orsak of Simpson, John Chumchal, Shiner; 49 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Jenovefa Petru's birth and death dates are 1 Jan 1860 - 18 Oct 1935. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JIM RAYMOND PETRU

Victoria Advocate, November 25, 2003

CORPUS CHRISTI - Jim Raymond Petru, 89, of Corpus Christi and formerly of Shiner, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2003.

He was born Aug. 30, 1914, in Shiner, to the late John and Antonia Zouzalik Petru. He was a retired carpenter and a Catholic. He was a member of Carpenter's Local.

Survivors: daughters, Betty Mraz of Houston and Barbara Allen of Sandia; sons, Charles Petru and Jimmy Petru, both of Portland; sister, Louise Berger of Houston; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Fannie Berger Petru; daughter, Helen Herro; sisters, Mary Heimann, Antonia Caka, Agnes Shimek and Bessie Smith; and brothers, John Herman Petru, Frank Petru, Clement Petru and John Petru.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. today at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Morgan Rowsome officiating.

Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN H. PETRU

Victoria Advocate, October 17, 2000

SHINER—John H. Petru, 93, of Shiner, died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000.

He was born Aug. 7, 1907 in Fayette County to the late John P. and Antonia Zouzalik Petru. He was a farmer/rancher and a Catholic.

Survivors: daughter, Marie Caka of Shiner; son, Melvin Petru of Shiner; sister, Louise Berger of Houston; brother, Jim Petru of Corpus Christi; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceded in death by: wife Olga Heinzel Petru; parents; sisters, Mary Heiman, Agnes Shimek, Bessie Smith and Antonia Caka; brothers, Frank Petru and Clement Petru and an infant brother.
A rosary will be recited 7:30 tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

OLGA HEINZEL PETRU

Victoria Advocate, September 27, 1999

SHINER—Olga Heinzel Petru, 90, of Shiner, died Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999.

She was born Nov. 24, 1908, in Breslau, to the late Frank and Anna Winkler Heinzel. She was a homemaker and a Catholic. She was a member of the KJZT and loved quilting.

Survivors: husband, John Petru; daughter, Marie Caka of Shiner; son, Malvin Petru of Shiner; sisters, Tracy Bonorden of Victoria and Mollie Pohler and Frances Brunkenheofer, both of Gonzales; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: sisters, Tillie Hoyer and Janie Huser.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.

Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, 594-3352.

Memorials: donor's choice.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

RAYMOND W. PETRU

Victoria Advocate, March 1, 2001

YOAKUM—Raymond William Petru, 65, of Yoakum, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2001.

He was born March 18, 1935, in Yoakum, to the late Godfrey and Anastasia Matus Petru. He was a small engine mechanic and a Catholic. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors: wife, Marilyn Pagel Petru; daughter, Dorothy Kocian of Alice; sons, Raymond Petru and Ronald Petru, both of Alice; sister, Elizabeth Janak of Moulton; and four grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; sister, Margaret Petru.

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Gary Janak officiating.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 361-293-2333.

Memorials: donor's choice.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

MARY AGNES POSPISIL PHILLIPS

Houston Chronicle, 21 Oct 2009

MARY AGNES PHILLIPS

MARY AGNES PHILLIPS, 90, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on the evening of October 15, 2009. She was born in Moulton, Texas on July 3, 1919 to Louis and Agnes Pospisil. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil C.Phillips Jr., and daughter, Charlene Cutaia.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Mireles and husband Jesse; son, Cecil Phillips and wife Mary; grandchildren, Laura Cook, Marc Cutaia, Joseph Cutaia, Louis Cutaia Jr., Misty Tyler, Rachael Phillips and Courtney Phillips; great-grand-children, Austin Cook, Tori Chumchal and Colin Tyler; and sister, Helen McMicken.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Contributed by Rebecca Herder

CATHERINE M. PICHA

Victoria Advocate, 9 Mar 2002

Catherine M. Picha

YOAKUM—Catherine M. Picha, 59, of Yoakum, died Friday, March 8, 2002.

She was born Oct. 17, 1942, in Yoakum, to Adeline Suhr Hagan of Yoakum and the late Lester F. Hagan. She worked for Double D Ranch Wear as a pattern cutter and was owner of Ye Olde Sewing Shoppe. She was a member of the Quilting Guild in Cuero and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors: husband, Milton E. Picha; sisters, Sharon Hopkins of Yoakum and Karen Holster of Sweet Home; and brother, Dennis Hagan of Yoakum.

Preceded in death by: father.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel in Yoakum. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home chapel, the Rev. Gary Janak officiating.

Private graveside services will be held. Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 361-293-2333.

Memorials: American Cancer Society or St. Joseph School Endowment Fund.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CLARA KUTACH KUBICEK PILAT

Lavaca County Tribune, 1 Apr 1955

Mrs. Clara Pilat Dies At Houston

Mrs. Clara Pilat, 60, former resident of this community, died at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schaefer, in Houston, March 30, at 1:00 a. m.

Funeral services were held at the Kubena Funeral Home here, Saturday, April 2, at 8:30 a. m., and at St. Mary's Church at 9:00 a. m. Rev. Henry Hilscher officiated at a Requiem High Mass. Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery.

The deceased was born in Hallettsville in 1865. She lived here almost all her life. In 1929, she married Jno Kubicek and he died in 1929, and in 1935 she married Albert Pilat who died in 1949.

Surviving are four sons, Bennie Kubicek of East Bernard, Johnnie Kubicek of Dallas and Pete Kubicek in Idaho, John Pilat of Houston; two daughters, Mrs. Robert Schaefer of Houston and Mrs. Emil Siegel of Shiner; five brothers, Sylvester Kutach of Speaks, Nick Kutach of San Antonio; Alfred Kutach of Houston, August Kutach of Rosenberg and Steve Kutach; and one sister, Mrs. Albert Drexler of Edna. Two grandchildren also survive.

Clara Pilat was first married to John Kubicek, who died in 1929. Contributed by Matt Cross

MELVIN P. PILSNER

Victoria Advocate, January 19, 2005

Melvin P. Pilsner passed on to the Lord peacefully on January 16, 2005, at the age of 75. He was born September 2, 1929 in Yoakum, Texas to the late Paul and Annie Louise Leist Pilsner.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Clara Belle Pilsner; sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Yolanda Pilsner of Wharton, and David and Suzanne Pilsner of Pearland; Grandchildren, Kyle, Eric and Luisa; brother, Raymond Pilsner, and his wife Pat, of Victoria; niece Terry Anderson and nephew Randy Pilsner.

After growing up in Yoakum, Melvin graduated from Victoria College and was Circulation Manager at the Victoria Advocate. He then served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. In 1954 he went to work for Union Carbide, where he retired as a Shift Supervisor in 1986.

He will be remembered as a compassionate man who was always helping his friends and neighbors, and for his great sense of humor.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, January 20, 2005 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Waak and Rev. Charles Placker officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Pilsner, David Pilsner, Kyle Pilsner, Eric Pilsner, Luisa Pilsner and Waylen Berger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of South Texas.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

WILLIAM PLAGEMANN

Eagle Light Headlight
30 Nov 1918

Billy Plagemann Dead.

Mr. Wm. Plagemann, a well known rice man, [died] in San Antonio Monday of pneumonia. The remains were shipped to Shiner where the funeral took place Tuesday. Mr. Plagemann was formerly stationed at Bay City in the rice business and frequently visited Eagle Lake during the rice seasons. He is survived by his wife and several children to whom the Headlight extends its sincerest sympathy. Mrs. Plagemann was formerlly Miss Cecil Habermacher, daughter of Editor and Mrs. J. C. Habermacher of Shiner, and before her marriage to Mr. Plagemann was a frequent visitor in Eagle Lake. Mrs. W. A. Thatcher of Houston was a passenger on the Sap train Monday night en route to Shiner to attend the funeral.

POHL Child

Weimar Mercury, 1 Jan 1898, page 7

Halletsville, Tex., December 22. Some two months since the little step-daughter of Mr. August Goeke, who resides at Seclusion, twenty miles below here, was bitten in the face by a dog supposed to be mad. She was at once taken to Yoakum, where a madstone was applied to the wound, and it was supposed that a cure had been effected,as the wounds healed and she appeared to be entirely well. She was, the first of the week, taken violently sick, affted with rabies, and died after great suffering. The same dog bit a man who was intoxicated, and it is believed he will not be affected.

ALFRED L. POHL

Lavaca County Tribune-Herald, 1988

Alfred Pohl

Alfred L. Pohl, 72, of Hallettsville, died Wednesday morning, June 29, 1988, at his residence.

A native of Lavaca County, he was born January 16, 1916, to the late Oscar and Antonia Rother Pohl.  Mr. Pohl had been employed as a farmer and businessman before his retirement.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, KJZT and the Old Timers Baseball Association.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m.,Friday, July 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Rev. William Halata and the Rev. Celestino Say officiating.

Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, under the direction of Kubena Funeral Home.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 30, at the funeral home and at 2:30 p.m., Friday, at the church.

Surviving are three daughters:  Mrs. Betty Lois Smidt of Houston, Janice Valicek of Friendswood, Cathy Berkenhoff of Hallettsville; a son, Robert J. Pohl of Hallettsville; a sister, Hilda Treptow of Hallettsville; 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Halata Pohl, in 1966.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

ALMA ELIZABETH HAAS MIKA POHL

The Weimar Mercury
May 12, 1977

Final Rites for Mrs. Alma Pohl At Hallettsville

Funeral services for Mrs. Harbett (Alma) Pohl, 54, of Hallettsville, formerly of Weimar, were held Monday afternoon, May 9, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial in the Salem Cemetery at Ezzell.

Mrs. Pohl died at 8:15 p.m. Friday in a Yoakum hospital.

Born at Weimar on Nov. 15, 1922, she was a daughter of Julius and Elizabeth Raabe Haas.  She was married first to Edward J. Mika, who died Feb. 27, 1953.  She was married to Harbett Pohl on May 25, 1961.

Her husband survives, along with five sons, Edward Mika of Houston, Eugene Mika of Alabama, Leroy, Milton and Jerry Mika of Hallettsville; one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Irene) Dunn of Israel; one brother, Frank J. Haas of California; and five sisters, Mrs. Arthur (Minnie) Otto of Glidden, Mrs. Richard (Anna) Carson of LaMarque, Mrs. Edmund (Alvina) Otto of Weimar, Mrs. Edwin (Mary) Hanzelka of Hungerford, and Mrs. Johnnie (Lena) Hanzelka of Pecos.  One sister, Mrs. Alfred (Theresia) Raabe, preceded her in death.

Pallbearers were nephews and fiends, including Marvin and Melvin Otto and David Raabe of Weimar.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

OLGA (OLLIE) JOSEPHINE HALATA POHL

Hallettsville New Era Herald
1966

Mrs. Alfred Pohl

Funeral services for Mrs. Alfred (Ollie) Pohl of Route 2, Hallettsville were held Monday, August 22, 1966, beginning at the Kubena Funeral Home at 9 a.m. and continuing at the Moravia Catholic Church at 9:30.  The Rev. William Halata brother of the deceased officiated at the Funeral High Mass and the Rev. Edward Bartsch delivered the sermon. Msgr. Alois J. Morkovsky and the Rev. John Orr also assisted.  Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Hallettsville.

A member of the Moravia Catholic Church and Altar Society, Mrs. Pohl was born in Fayette County on August 15, 1920, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe J. Halata. She died in the M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston at 11:45 p.m. Friday, August 19, 1966 at the age of 46 years.  She had been employed at the Hallettsville Ben Franklin Store until about six weeks before her passing.

On November 4, 1940, she was united in marriage to Alfred Pohl at Moravia and to this union were born four children, all of whom survive:  a son, Robert Pohl of Karnes City; and three daughters, Betty Lois Pohl of Houston, Cathy and Janice Pohl, both at home.

Also surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe J. Halata of Moravia; two brothers, Rev. William Halata of Schulenburg, Bernard Halata of Houston; three sisters, Mrs. Edwin Anders of Weimar, Mrs. Charles Sooter of Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Marvin Novak of Houston and two grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at the funeral home Sunday night at 7:30 by the parish.

Serving as pallbearers were Frank Gebauer, Thomas Janak, Charlie Halata Jr., A. E. Buss, Paul Neiser, Gilbert Schindler, Vladik Pesek and Henry Olsovsky.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

EMMA MARY KONCABA POHLER

Victoria Advocate, 5 Feb 2000

EMMA MARY POHLER

SUGARLAND—Emma Mary Pohler, 75, of Sugar Land, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000.  She was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Moulton, to the late Anton and Angelina Berckenhoff Koncaba. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugarland.  Survivors: daughter, E.J. Jackson of Sugar Land; sons, Franklin Pohler of McDade and Raymond Pohler of Richmond; sisters, Agnes Fojtik and Delores Drietner, both of Weimer, Viola Konvicka of Hallettsville and Patricia Faltisek of Rosenburg; brothers, Bill Koncaba of Houston, Ed Kent of Gilmer, George Koncaba of Hallettsville and Adolph Koncaba of Moulton; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  Preceded in death by: husband, John Frank Pohler; parents; brothers, Isidor Koncaba and Oscar Koncaba.  A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.   Services will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, (361) 594-3352.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EUGENE HARVEY (BOYCE) POHLER

Victoria Advocate, 22 Feb 2001

EUGENE H. POHLER

MOULTON—Eugene "Boyce" Harvey Pohler, 58, of Moulton, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001. He was born March 24, 1942, in Shiner, to Harvey Louis and Irene Kubicek Pohler of Shiner. He was a mechanic and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the K.C. He was a member of the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department.  Survivors: wife, Cornelia Sherry Pohler; daughter, Yvonne Mager of Needville; son, Jason Pohler of Houston; parents; brothers, Harvey Pohler, Donald Pohler and Michael Pohler, all of Shiner; and two grandchildren.  Preceded in death by: grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Kubicek and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pohler. A rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smith Funeral Home chapel. Services will be 10 a.m. today at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Gabriel Maison officiating.  Burial will be at Moulton Catholic Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Moulton, 361-596-4631.  Pallbearers: Maynard Wagner, Albert Krejci Jr., Dennis Barta, David Beyer, Daniel Beyer, Darren Fikac, Victor Jasek and Alvin Kocian. Honorary pallbearers: Moulton Volunteer Fire Department.  Memorials: donor's choice.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Mrs. JOHN POICHA

Shiner Gazette, 13 Jan 1897

Mrs. John Poicha of Herm’s postoffice, died Thursday of last week and was buried here Friday.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ALOYSIUS "LOUIS" POKLUDA

El Paso Times, April 7, 2007

Aloysius "Louie" Pokluda, 86, passed away Tuesday, February 27 in Kerrville, TX. He was buried Friday, March 2 in the place of his birth, Shiner TX.

He fought in World War II and was Honorably Discharged as a decorated Veteran. He lived in El Paso for 40 years retiring from Hotel Dieu Hospital in 1986.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Delores; children Vincent, Bridget, Angelo, Gino and their spouses; seven grand children and five great grand children; and his sister Mary Okruhlik.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

EMILY AGNES POKLUDA

Baytown Sun, January 10, 2007

Emily Agnes Pokluda, 86, was a homemaker and a Catholic. She died January 7, 2007 in Shiner, Texas.

Mrs. Pokluda was born in Wied, Texas on April 14, 1920 to Ludvik Pokluda and Anna Raschik Pokluda. She married Albert Pokluda.

Survivors include on daughter, Patricia Eilenstein of Pensacola, Florida; one sister, Mary Ohruhluk of Bryan, Texas; one brother, Louis Pokluda of Bandera, Texas; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on January 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the S.S. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas with Rev. Bob Knippenberg officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Buffington Funeral Home in Shiner, Texas.

Rosary will be Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Buffington Funeral Home.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ROSE MARY KALIVODA POKLUDA

Victoria Advocate, 7 June 1999

CUERO -- Rose Mary Pokluda, 82, of Cuero, died Saturday, June 5, 1999.
She was born June 14, 1916, in Sweet Home, to the late John and Mary Netardus Kalivoda. She was a nurse's aide at Burns Hospital, Bohman Hospital and Cuero Community Hospital, having served 25 years. She was a Catholic.
Survivors: daughter, Mary Ann Rath of El Campo; sons, Robert Pokluda of Victoria and Anthony Pokluda of Las Vegas, N.M.; sister, Mary Pokluda of Shiner; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: sister, Margaret Hirsch.
A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at Freund Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Johnson Owusu-Boateng officiating.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, the Rev. Johnson Owusu-Boateng officiating.
Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery in Shiner. Freund Funeral Home, Cuero, 275-2343.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

FRANCES POLANSKY

San Antonio Express, Sunday, January 7, 1940

HALLETTSVILLE, Jan. 6.—Death is taking heavy toll among the elderly people of this community since Christmas. Thursday, Mrs. Frances Polansky of Koerth died at the age of 82 and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery Saturday. Three daughters, two sons and a stepson survive.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

HEDWIG BUESCHER POTH

Hallettsville Herald
Oct 17, 1889, page 7, column 1

From Moulton

Ed. Herald - Yesterday Mrs. Richard Poth was interred at the Catholic cemetery at this place. She was the daughter-in-law of Jacob Poth, of this community. There were many in attendance at the funeral. Her early demise is much to be regretted. She had just become a mother and leaves an infant daughter seven days old. The sympathy of this entire community is extended to the bereaved ones. Those most interested were loth to give her up, but she was taken from them almost without warning.

Hedwig Buescher, born April 25, 1867, New Ulm, Austin Co., Texas, married Richard James Poth Nov 30, 1887, died Oct 12, 1889 in Lavaca Co., Texas after giving birth to her only child, a daughter Sara Clara Poth. Contributed by Rebecca Herder

JACOB POTH

Yoakum Daily Herald, August 22, 1912, page 1 (accompanied by a photo)

Jacob Poth

Native of Germany Comes To America When But a Small Child

Pioneer of South Texas Nearly Three Score and Ten Years at Time of Death

The venerable Jacob Poth, who passed away at his estate on Hochheim Prairie on August the 13, was a native of Germany. He was born at Buedesheim-on-the-Rhein, August 15, 1843.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Poth joined a company of emigrants to sail for America when young Jacob was only three years of age. In this company were 75 people. Their destination was the republic of Texas.

In early winter they landed at Galveston. Here they entrained via the ox wagon route for what was known as Bernard Prairie. This trip required more than two weeks time. It takes less time now, much less, possibly not much over two hours. On this journey they encountered a Texas Norther, a veritable blizzard. This introduction to their new home was all but pleasing and it left one memory that time could not erase. A child in the party was frozen to death.

They finally reached Bernard where a colony had previously settled. The senior Poth, a farsighted man, decided it would not be wise for too many to settle in the same community, so advised that his friends go further. After prospecting, or rather exploring for some time they decided to settle in what is now Austin County. They named their little village settlement New Ulm, which name it still bears. Here the subject of our sketch grew to manhood. During this period the senior Mr. Poth followed his vocation of blacksmith and wheel-wright.

In those days money was scarce, in fact there was no money in the country, and Mr. Poth took his pay in such things as the colonist had to offer. For instance the fee for relaying a plow point was a good horse. So in this way these early settlers compensated each other for their work.

Young Jacob was a weakly child. He could not stand the strenuous work of the blacksmith so aided his mother, and the only sister, now Mrs. Brune in doing the work of the farm. This sister still survives and was at the funeral of her brother last week.

At the age of 19 Poth enlisted in the Confederate army and followed the Stars and Bars until the close of the war. He was a member of Welhausen's Company of Artillery.

On the 27th day of June, 1865 he was married to Miss Anna Laake, who through all these years since has shared his joys and his sorrows and now survives to grieve over the separation from her life long companion. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Poth remained with the New Ulm colony five years and then moved to Lavaca County in the year 1870. They settled near what is now Moulton. There they improved the elegant place. Four years later he erected a cotton gin and grist mill. This was the old time horse gin, horses and oxen being used to furnish the motive power. In addition to running this plant he was engaged in farming and sheep raising continuously up to 1890. At that time he purchased some three thousand acres of fine land out on Hochheim Prairie, which has developed into one of the best agricultural sections of DeWitt County. Mr. Poth moved to this place and established one of the best country homes to be found anywhere.

The physical weakness that characterized his childhood gave way as he grew to manhood and he became a very hale and robust man. He led an active aggressive life, being very stern and emphatic in his dealings with his fellowmen and very prompt in meeting any obligations he may have incurred.

In 1884 he was the victim of an accident that resulted in a broken leg, the effects of which he never fully recovered from. He always limped on this broken member. Again on May 25, 1911 he sustained a fall which resulted in breaking his hip. This accident proved too much for him and his decline set in from that date and rapidly carried him to the end.

Mr. Poth was fond of travel and had seen a considerable portion of the country. In 1903, he made the trip to Europe, accompanied by his two youngest children and spent some time in the land of his birth. Mr. Poth and wife reared a large family of children; fourteen in all. Of these all survive except one son, Jacob Poth, Jr., who died at the age of 13 years and shortly after the family had moved to their present home. Also surviving are forty-five grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

These children and grandchildren had planned a family reunion to celebrate Mr. Poth's sixty-ninth birth, which would have fallen on August 15th. They came, not with joy and gladness to celebrate his natal day, but with sadness and gloom to consign his earthly remains to their last resting place.

His death had not been expected so soon. In fact it was no thought but what he would live for a long time just until a short while before the end came. So suddenly did the final summons come that not even could the swift speeding auto and railroad train bring the members of the family to his bedside, after it was apparent that the end was near.

Hence his death was a severe shock to his aged companion and to the entire community.

Of the large family of children, all are married except the two youngest.

Mr. Poth's remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground at St. Ann's Catholic Church on August 15th, 1912, the day he would have been 69 years old.

As stated above, Mr. Poth is survived by his aged companion and thirteen children as follows: Richard Poth, Hochheim Prairie; Edward Poth, Corpus Christi; Will Poth, Cheapside; Edmund Poth, Elgin; Arnold Poth, Poth; Arthur Poth, Hochheim Prairie; Dr. Norman Poth, Marian; Charley Poth, Elgin; Ewald Poth, Louis Poth, both of Hochheim Prairie; Mrs. A.L. Leissner, Nopal; Mrs. A.H. Gerhardt, Yorktown; and Miss Elvira Poth, Hochheim Prairie.

Contributed by Rebecca Herder

JOSEPHINE RAYMOND POTH

June 1975 newspaper clipping

Mrs. Louis Poth Dies Unexpectedly in Irving, Texas

Mrs. Louis (Josephine) Poth, 79, died unexpectedly Monday, June 23rd at 1 p.m. in a hospital at Irving, Texas where she was visiting with her daughter, Mrs. James Dreyer.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Peters officiating. Burial, under direction of Buffington Funeral Home, will be in St. Ann's Cemetery with nephews as pallbearers.

Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel.

Mrs. Poth was born Sept. 18, 1895 in Hallettsville, and had resided for most of her life in the Yoakum area.

Survivors include a son, Louis Poth Jr. of Texas City; the daughter; and five granddaughters.

Josephine Antonia Raymond was born to Raymond and Antonia Raymond in Hallettsville. Josephine married Louis Poth in Yoakum on June 12, 1935. He preceded his wife in death on June 23, 1974 in Lavaca County. Contributed by Rebecca Herder.

WILLIAM POTH

undated newspaper clipping

William Poth of Cheapside Taken by Death Monday

Funeral Services Were Held Here Tuesday For Well Known Man

William Poth, aged 70 years and 10 months, well known farmer and ginner of Cheapside community, passed away at Shiner at 12:35 p.m. Monday following an illness of about two years.

Mr. Poth was well known throughout this section and had friends in all walks of life. He was born in Austin County, Texas, but had made Cheapside his home for about 43 years. He had been engaged in farming and ginning during this time.

He was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church, and was a member of the Hermann Sons Lodge.

Funeral services will be held at the Beck Mortuary Chapel at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, and interment will be made in the Oak Grove cemetery. Rev. H.V. Hug, pastor of the St. Joseph's Catholic church will be in charge of the services.

Mr. Poth is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emilie Poth, of Cheapside; five sons, Dick, Elo and Elgin Poth of Cheapside, Mansley Poth of Galveston, and Ernest Poth of Austin; three daughters, Mrs. Clyde (Elvira) Spinks of San Antonio; Mrs. Wilber (Curley) Minear of Shiner, Mrs. Geo. (Ann) Fahrenthold of San Antonio.

Mr. Poth is also survived by 9 brothers: Richard, Arthur A. and L.J. (Louis) Poth of Yoakum, Edward Poth of Corpus Christi; E.B. (Edmund) Poth and A.H. (Arnold) Poth of Poth, Texas; Dr. N.A. (Norman) Poth of Seguin; C.J. (Charles) Poth of Elgin and E.A. (Ewald) Poth of Houston; three sisters, Mrs. Albert (Clara) Leissner of Yorktown, Mrs. Albert (Annie) Gerhardt of Yorktown and Mrs. Elvira (Buntyn) Kempen of Yoakum; and four grandchildren.

William Poth, born on March 27, 1870 in New Ulm, Austin County, Texas, was the third of Jacob Richard and Anna Angelina Laake Poth's fourteen children. He married Emilie Voelkel on November 26, 1893 in Dewitt County. To this union, 12 children were born. Esther (1894-1897), Jacob (1896-1897), Annie (1897-1900) and Jake (1905-1910) preceded him in death. Contributed by Rebecca Herder.

AUGUSTA POWERS

Yoakum Weekly Herald
5 Nov 1908

Mrs. Agusta Powers, who has been for a long time a sufferer from dropsy, and whose condition gradually grew worse until finally the last summons came at 7:20 last night and separated her soul from the casement of clay of this noble lady and carried it home to God in glory who gave it. She was 54 years old and lived in Yoakum with her sister, Mrs. John FRELS.

[Oak Grove Cemetery records have Augusta Powers birth date as 1855. 1900 Lavaca County census record states that she was born Jan 1862.]

Notes and obituary contributed by Carla Hillman Ratcliff

AGNES ROZNOVSKY PRASEK

Victoria Advocate, Monday, September 1, 1975

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Frank Prasek, 83, of Hallettsville, native and lifelong resident of Lavaca County, died at 2:15 a.m. Sunday in a Moulton nursing home.

Mrs. Prasek was born Jan. 21, 1892, and was married to Frank Prasek Oct. 2, 1912 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He died Aug. 11, 1968.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the KJZT, and the Witting Altar Society.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. Monday at Kubena Funeral Home.

The body will lie in state at the funeral home until 8:45 a.m. Tuesday when it will be taken to St. Mary's Church for funeral services at 10 a.m.

The Rev. Henry Psencik will officiate, with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Survivors include two sons, Tom and Frank Jr., both of Houston; two daughters, Mrs. Rudy Konarik and Mrs. Alfred Technik, both of Hallettsville; two brothers Victor Roznovsky of Hallettsville and Steve Roznovsky of Moulton; a sister, Mrs. Julie Mican of Moulton; 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ALBINA PRASEK

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, Jan 11, 1977

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. John R. Albina Prasek, 88, died Sunday at 8 p.m. at a local hospital.

Mrs. Prasek, a member of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home, was born in Lavaca County Dec. 19, 1888. She married John R. Prasek on Feb. 9, 1909 in St. Mary's, Tex. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 1975.

The body will lie in state at the Kubena Funeral Home Chapel until 1 p.m. Tuesday when it will be taken to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for services at 2 p.m. The Rev. Celestino Say and the Rev. Al Padalecki will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frankie Kupka, Allen Settle, Edward Kupka, Eugene Koerth, Marvin and Johnny Ulcak, and Harvey and Ronnie Prasek.

Survivors include three sons, James F. Prasek of Houston, L.J. Prasek of Hallettsville, Willie J. Prasek of Houston; six daughters, Mrs. Charlie Kupka, Mrs. Irvin Koerth and Mrs. Eddie Kupka, all of Hallettsville, Mrs. Edwin Ulcak of Shiner, Mrs. Lynn Settle and Mrs. Bill Gray of Houston; 33 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOE RAY PRASEK

Victoria Advocate, Jan 28, 2003

HALLETTSVILLE - Joe Ray Prasek, 80, of Hallettsville, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003.

He was born Jan. 16, 1923, in Hallettsville to the late Emil and Agnes Staha Prasek. He worked for Shell Oil Company, serving 33 years at the Gohlke Field location. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville.

Survivors: daughters, Phyllis Siecko of Sugar Land and Shana Opela of Hallettsville; step-daughter, Cindy Rother of Hallettsville; step-son, Blake A. Bethke of Victoria; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Delores Landgrebe Prasek; parents; sister, Leona Burt; and brother, Julius John Prasek.

Visitation begins at 3 p.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville, the Rev. Herb Beyer officiating.

Burial will be at Hallettsville City Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Memorials: Lavaca County Senior Citizens Program, P.O. Box 53, Hallettsville, Texas; or St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN PRASEK

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, March 27, 1973

YOAKUM—John Prasek, 69, retired employe of the Swift Co., was dead on arrival at a local hospital at 3:20 p.m. Monday. Death was attributed to natural causes.

Mr. Prasek was born Aug. 9, 1903, in Hallettsville.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael O'Shaughnessy officiating. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Thelma Munsch Prasek of Yoakum; two daughters, Mrs. Douglas Crews of Mt. Enterprise, Tex.; and Mrs. Steve Frost of Houston; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Plummer of Hallettsville and Mrs. Martin Wagner of Shiner; and four grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

CAROLINE PRAUSE

Shiner Gazette, 6 Nov 1901, Witting Warblings column

Witting, Tex., Nov. 1. – Mrs. Prausa [sic.], who died Monday morning at her home in Yoakum, was buried in the Witting cemetery Tuesday afternoon. The deceased suffered from slow fever for a long time and was then stricken with paralysis. After much suffering her soul passed into eternity Monday morning Oct. 28. We sympathize with the relatives. The deceased lived in this section for a long time and moved to Yoakum five or six years ago and has lived there ever since.

Caroline Prause, 23 Apr 1847 – 28 Oct 1901, was the wife of Gustav Prause. Contributed by Matt Cross

EDWIN J. PROCHAZKA

Victoria Advocate, Jan 30, 2004

Edwin J. Prochazka

Sunday, January 25th, 2004

DEER PARK - Edwin Joe Prochazka, 73, of Deer Park, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2004.
He was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Robstown. He was a member of Vsetin Czech Moravin Brethren Church.

Survivors: daughter, Debbie Quick of Arizona; son, Gary Prochazka of Liberty; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Gladys Balusek Prochazka.

Visitation will be 4 p.m. Monday at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Vsetin Czech Moravin Brethren Church, the Rev. Henry Beseda officiating.

Burial will be at Vsetin Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

LEONA PROSCHKO

from Thiele Cooper Funeral Home - Yoakum, TX

Leona J. Proschko

Leona J. Proschko, age 81, died on Thursday, April 2, 2009. She was born in Sweet Home, TX on December 10, 1927, to William and Justina Kocian Pekar.

She was a homemaker, member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters and a past member of the Kiwanis Club.

Survivors: son, Charlie Proschko and wife Janet of Yoakum; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Proschko, Catherine Ward and husband Brett, Jamie Baylor, Brandon Baylor and wife Cindy and Jennifer Predmore; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Georgia Petering and husband Gary of Houston, Beatrice Tobola and husband Chester of Victoria and Henrietta Srubar of Victoria. Honorary son, Fr. Johnson of Vanderbuilt.

Preceded in death by: parents; husband, Alfred Proschko; daughter, Sharon Marie Baylor; sons, Billy Joseph Proschko and Karl Wayne Proschko, RPH; and brothers, Edward Pekar and Gene Pekar.

Visitation was from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with rosary at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Catholic Daughters rosary was at 9:30 a.m. on Monday and funeral mass was at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Entombment at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum.

Pallbearers: Christopher Proschko, Brandon Baylor, Brett Ward, Troy Petering, Dean Wenske, Todd Jacobs, Tony Stary and Dr. William Moehlman. Honorary pallbearers: Claud Jacobs, Vernon Matusek, Mark Tobola, Chester Tobola and Gary Petering.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Alzheimer’s Association or The American Heart Association.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

FRIEDA HERALD PROVAZEK

Victoria Advocate, August 4, 2003

Frieda H. Provazek

HALLETTSVILLE - Frieda Herold Provazek, 86, of Hallettsville, died Saturday, August 2, 2003.

She was born Aug. 11, 1916, in Lavaca County, to the late Henry and Annie Lorfing Herold. She was a member of Hackberry-Shiloh Home Demonstration Club and a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Preceded in death by: husband, Julius Provazek.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

A prayer service will be 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home chapel, the Rev. Herb Beyer officiating.

Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Memorials: Shiloh Community Center.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

LORRAINE RASKA PULKRABEK

Victoria Advocate, 22 Apr 1974, page 10A

Mrs. Pulkrabek

YOAKUM – Mrs. Emil Pulkrabek, 62, of Yoakum, died unexpectedly at noon Sunday while on a trip to Laredo.

She was born Oct. 22, 1911 in Yoakum and was a lifetime resident.

Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Monday at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Marshall Crouch of Bryan, a son, David E. Pulkrabek of Houston; two brothers, E. G. and Henry Raska, both of Yoakum; a sister, Mrs. Ludwig Dot of San Antonio; and four grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH PUSTEJOVSKY

Weimar Mercury
23 Apr 1937, page 1

Well Known Farmer Dies of Blood Poison

Mr. Jos. Pustejovsky, well know farmer living south of Weimar, was in town for medical attention Tuesday morning of last week. He was suffering from blood poison, caused thru a defective tooth. He returned home, but getting worse the following day, he was attended by a local physician in his home.

He grew worse steadily, and was urged to go to a hospital. This was finally decided upon, and he was taken to a Halletsville hospital, buthis condition continued to grow worse, and he diedd Friday night, so a neighbor, Mr. Frank Melnar, informed us Saturday morning.

Mr. Melnar stated that the trouble turned into lockjaw toward the last.

From the Halletsville Herald we glean the following further particulars of the sad event:

Mr. Pustejovsky was buried at the Vsetin Cemetery Sunday at 3 p.m., with Rev. Jos. Zimermann of Weimar officiating. The funeral was largely attended, the floral emblems at the grave being especially noticeable.

Deceased was born in the old country, coming to America at the age of 2 years. For twenty-two years he lived in Fayette county, but for the past forty-two yearss made his home in Lavaca county, in the Bila Hora section. In 1903 he was united in marriage to Miss Veronica Mikulencak at Weimar, and she, together with the following children, survive: One son, Julius, two daughters, Mrs. Frank Zapalac of Oakland and Mrs. Jos. Rokyta of ort Lavaca; also two grandhildren: three brothers, Charles of Alma, Ark, Felix of Hobson and Willie of Sublime; four sisters, Mrs. Carrie Walters of Beasley, Mrs. Frances Walters, Miss Julia Pustejovsky of San Antonio and Miss Mary Pustejovsky.

Mr. Pustejovsky was a mighty fine man, having the respect and esteem of all his neighbors and friends. He was a quiet, law-abiding, good citizen, a devoted husband and fathr, a sincere friend and kindly neighbor, and his death is deeply and sincerely deplored.

Msgr. JOSEPH A. PUSTKA

Weimar Mercury, 11 Mar 1955, page 1

Msgr. Jos. Pustka, Former Pastor Here, Dies Suddenly

Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Pustka, 58, a former Weimar pastor, died Monday evening at Santa Rosa Hospital, about five hours after he collapsed while visiting another priest at the hospital.

Hospital officials said his death apparently was caused by a brain hemmorhage [sic].

He had been visiting Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Jacobi of High Hill. Msgr. Pustka’s parish is the adjacent one, he being pastor of Holy Rosary Church at Hostyn and St. Peter & Paul Church at Plum.

He was pastor here from 1923 to about 1926 and is credited with organizing the Boy Scout troop here in 1925. Later he served at Schulenburg, Nada, Flatonia and Yoakum.

A native of Hallettsville, he was ordained to the priesthood May 1, 1922, in St. Mary’s Church in Hallettsville and became a papal chamberlain Aug. 24, 1948.

Msgr. A. F. Drozd of Weimar officiated in Mass held for him Wednesday morning at Hostyn, after which the body was taken to Hallettsville for burial.

Msgr. Pustka is survived by two brothers and three sisters.

Contributed by Matt Cross