Spotlight

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Burleson County’s Unique Heritage

People in all walks of life influence those around them. In this column, we will be featuring those who have made an impact in our small towns. Daniel Junek

His Community Called...He Answered

Daniel Junek, our Spotlight person for this edition, is most deserving of this recognition. Daniel, the son of Rudolph and Milady Junek, grew up in the area, graduating from Snook High School and attending Texas A&M. He didn’t finish college, but had always thought he’d go back some day. In the early 70’s he began his career at a Safeway Store, starting as a stocker and worked his way up to store manager. He worked as assistant manager or manager at stores in Cameron, Houston, Bryan, and College Station. Manager days and hours are many, but he was grateful for the experience.

Daniel’s work in banking began through his brother Rudy who contacted him about an opening at Citizen’s State Bank in Somerville. He applied, and Mr. Ervin B. Flencher, Sr. interviewed him. He was hired in January of 1982, and began learning the banking business. He stayed in Somerville until 1990. Of course, he then came to Caldwell in July of 1990 and served Caldwell as Vice President and Branch Manager until January 2021, when his retirement began. Daniel and wife Elizabeth, who grew up in San Antonio, married in 1986. They and their five children have lived in the Birch Creek community over the years. Danny, Dwayne, Laura, David and Mark were involved students. Daniel has fond memories of his family participating in sports at early ages and then in high school competitions. From basketball, volleyball, football, baseball to track, they competed successfully. Daniel coached or assisted in the sports in their early playing years. He said as his role moved to being a spectator of his athletic family, he enjoyed that as well. Now his children are grown and have families of their own, and Daniel and Elizabeth enjoy three grandchildren: Colton, Lanie, and Dylan.

Daniel’s involvements are many and varied. One close to his heart is his participation at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Caldwell. He and Elizabeth serve in the church as Lector or reader, in collections, on the finance committee, and teaching RCIA, which trains people coming into the membership. Daniel is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus member. The KCs involve themselves in charity efforts. They help with graduating senior scholarships, coats for the needy, and sponsoring Seminarians of the faith. KCs help fund their efforts by selling many fried fish and other good dishes from the church area on OSR.

Daniel has also been a member of many secular organizations. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and served as president some years. He was also a member of the American Heart Association which Deanie Gold spearheaded. He is a Rotarian, having served as president twice here in Caldwell, and once in Somerville. Another involvement that means a lot to him is the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum. He was one of the original organizers. Daniel served as president several times. He commented that Annie and Bennie Polasek donated the property for the Czech Heritage Museum building.

When asked about his recent retirement from Citizens State Bank in Caldwell January 2021, he said it was time for him to make changes in his life. But he said he’d enjoyed being in banking over the years. He’d enjoyed the co-workers and commented that there is and has been a great environment at Citizens, and that their customers had become friends. He doesn’t miss being tied to the phone for so many hours of the day. He now has freedom to visit family and friends more often, and to care for his animals. Life changes, but they are good changes. In retirement, Daniel will have time to fish and hunt, his favorite hobbies. We wish Daniel the best in his new roles. Thank you for serving well.