VĚSTNÍK
Monday, December 27, 2021
In Memoriam Expression of Sympathy We, the members of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of FATHER TIMOTHY PATRICK BUCEK, who passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021. Family was present to receive friends on Sunday, December 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Industry with Vigil at 7 p.m. followed by the Rosary. Family was also present to receive friends on Monday, Father Tim Bucek December 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bellville with Vigil at 7 p.m. followed by the Rosary. Mass of the Resurrection was recited at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 14 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Father Ed Kucera, Father Eric Pitre, and Father Ron Cloutier as celebrants. Graveside service followed at 3 p.m. in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Father Tim was born January 24, 1947, in Wharton, Texas. The son of Charlie, Jr. and Carrie (Schattel) Bucek, he grew up in Wharton, where he attended Holy Family and Wharton High School. He then attended the University of St. Thomas. From 1965 to 1972, Father Tim attended St. Mary Seminary. He then spent three years in Richmond where he worked as a social worker. From 1975 to 1976, Father Tim served at St. Michael’s in Houston as a Diaconate. Father Tim was ordained on May 15, 1976. His first priesthood was with St. Mary’s in Texas City from 1976 to 1978, before moving to St. Francis de Salles in Houston, where he served from 1978 to 1981. He was then with Sacred Heart in Conroe for one year. From 1981 to 1987, he was with St. Patrick’s in Galveston. In 1987, he moved to Sacred Heart in Brookshire where he re-
mained until 1998. At that time, Father Tim was called to Sts. Peter and Paul in Bellville and Immaculate Conception in Industry, where he remained until his retirement on November 12, 2021. Father Tim was the near perfect balance of joy and empathy that made him relatable and a friend to many parishioners and non-parishioners alike. He just absolutely loved life. He enjoyed dining on fine cuisine, the peacefulness of gardening, and a good scotch and water with warmth that paled in comparison to the warmth of his personality. Father Tim also had a soft spot for his cars. He named every one of the vehicles. His most recent car was named “Carrie,” in honor of his mother. In general, Father Tim enjoyed people. In social settings, his quickwitted humor always left those around him both trying to keep up and laughing hysterically once they finally did. He brought a light and a hope that lifted up countless people in the good and bad times. Though he may have loved a lot, he would also draw a line in the sand and could be uncompromising. He hated the color blue and despised cilantro and raisins. He would not tolerate those who put themselves above others or the apathetic. In people’s most difficult of times, of which Father Tim saw many, he did not try to make things better. But, those he was there for knew he related and knew he cared, which eased a tremendous amount of pain. Father Tim’s joy, demonstrated through his love of life and people, drew people into him. His empathy and realness made him a rock for many. Father Tim was a member of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton. He was preceded in death by parents Charlie and Carrie Bucek; brother Charles Lynn Bucek; sister-in-law Henrietta Bucek; and close friend Joe Szvmczak. Father Tim is survived by his sister Carolyn Bucek of Wharton; brothers Edwin Bucek and wife Margaret and David Bucek and wife Janie, both of Wharton, and Mike Bucek and wife Johnnie Sue of Arlington; numerous nieces and nephews; his best friends Joe and Mary Catherine Tambrella and Father Ed Kucera; his secretary Cassie Malinowski and husband Eddie and
their sons Layne, Levi, and Luke; and many dear friends. Pallbearers were Chris Bucek, Cindy Smith, Chuck Bucek, D.C. Bucek, Joan Grudeski, Carol Harris, Patricia Shaw, and Mary Bucek. Honorary pallbearers were Layne Malinowski, Levi Malinowski, Luke Malinowski, Anthony Henry, and the Knights of Columbus Members from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church; or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for children’s playground equipment, PO Box 808, Bellville, Texas 77418. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
In Memory of Justin Everett Justin Everett, age 27, of Temple, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Visitation was Tuesday, December 14 from 10:15 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church of Temple, followed by a graveside service at Marak Cemetery. He was born on December 8, 1994, in Temple. Justin was a member of SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone Justin Everett and attended and assisted with many of the activities. He was also a member of Trinity Church of Temple where he enjoyed taking part in mission trips and youth ministries. Justin wrote articles for Texas Polka News and Vestnik. From the time he was a child, he enjoyed playing drums in a polka band. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Albina Vrazel. Justin is survived by mother Rose Vrazel of Temple; father Mark Everett of Belton; sister Jennifer Everett of Temple; grandfather Anton Vrazel of
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Temple; grandparents Jerry and Frankie Everett of Moody; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Memorials will be appreciated to Justin’s family or to Trinity Church of Temple, both at 3501 Airport Road, Temple, Texas 76502. —SPJST—
Resolution of Sympathy We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed brother, ALTON LEE FRITZ. Alton Lee Fritz, age 93, of Temple, Texas, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at a local hospital. He was born on April 27, 1928, in Temple, the son of Willie Daniel and Annie (Lesikar) Fritz. Visitation was Sunday, December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Scanio Harper Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service was MonAlton Fritz day, December 13 at 10 a.m. at East Highway Baptist Church in Temple. Alton married the love of his life, Beverly Ann Hinch, on November 23, 1957. He was a lifelong farmer having farmed his land and doing so until 80 years of age. He was a member and former deacon at East Highway Baptist Church in Temple. He was a lifelong member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. Alton farmed corn, milo, and cotton, raised beef, hogs, and Jersey cows, and was an avid gardener. He was preceded in death by wife Beverly; parents Willie and Annie Fritz; brothers Earl Frits, Raymond Frits, Floyd Fritz, Delbert Frits, Jack Frits, W.D. Frits, and Daniel Fritz; and sisters Lorene Eickenhorst and Gladys Bean. Alton is survived by children Martin Fritz of Temple, Tammy Constancio and husband Junior of Belton, and Richard Fritz and wife Jill of Temple; grandchildren Justin Williams of Spicewood, Jacob Williams and wife Jamie of Temple, Garrett Fritz and wife Angela of Temple, and Gavin Fritz and fiancée