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, 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. HeFather Tim Bucek 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 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 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— Justin Everett

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 Monday, December 13 Alton Fritz 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

Catherine Klein of Dallas; and greatgrandchildren Kaleb, Kadence, Hailey, and Brookelyn Williams.

Pallbearers were Justin Williams, Jacob Williams, Garrett Fritz, Gavin Fritz, Ray Fritz, and Roy Wayne Frits.

Memorials to East Highway Baptist Church, c/o Jenna Palmer, 3901 Las Cienega Boulevard, Temple, Texas 76502, would be appreciated. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—

In Memory of Josephine Harrison

Josephine Murrow Harrison (Mrs. Tom Harrison) passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

Visitation was Tuesday, December 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service Wednesday, December 22 at 10 a.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with burial at Wilson Valley Cemetery.

Jo was born on March 5, 1939, in Little River, Texas, to Giles Nathan and Lorena Pruitt Murrow. She was raised around Troy graduating in 1958 from Troy High School.

After graduation, she worked as a car hop at Dairy Mart in Temple. She met the love of her life, Tom Harrison, and they married in February 1958. They started their family in Temple. Through the years, they lived in Moody, Georgetown, Lakeway, returning to Moody in 1980, where Jo continued to live until 2014. Tom preceded her in death in November 1996. Together, they shared many interests and hobbies. Enjoying Sundays at the Little River Dragway with many of their friends, Jo was known to race a car or two herself.

Genealogy was her passion. She loved her days digging through libraries, old books, pictures, and cemeteries. If you needed family history, you went to Jo!

She was a member of Moody Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary; “Cookie Mom” for the local Girl

Scouts; and June Fest and Cotton Harvest Festival volunteer. The Cotton Harvest Festival parade was one of her favorite things, and she was proud to lead. Time was spent inviting, arranging, and getting her “line up” ready. She received numerous awards for her community involvement. Jo was an elected member of the Moody City Council for 10-plus years. She was proud to be a member of The Eastern Star, Daughters of Republic of Texas, and participated in the Moody Masonic Lodge activities. She and Tom were charter members of the SPJST Lodge 177, Academy. She worked at Moody Care Center for 30-plus years. Being the activities director, she planned activities for the residents and their families. Starting a new chapter of her life, she relocated to the Austin area to enjoy more time with her family. She participated in Games for Life, enjoying music, parties, senior trips, and her retirement. Jo loved to dance and has been known to play a little “Cajun music” with her friends. Weekends were reserved for Aggie and Dallas Cowboy football. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings T J Threadgill, Joe Lee Murrow, Lola Mae Grospiron, and Ophelia Arnold. She leaves behind daughter Diana Klepac (Kenneth Akin) of De Leon; daughter Mary Galban (Victor) of Austin; son Richard Harrison (Becki) of Round Rock; grandchildren Brad KleJo Harrison pac (Stacy), Victoria Faulkner (JR), Brandon Galban, Derek Galban, Brandy Harrison Byers, James Harrison, and Shane Harrison; great-grandchildren Emery and Rennin Klepac, Halston, Steele and Hayes Faulkner, and Bryana Byers; brother Wilburn Murrow (Kathy) of Rogers; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Brad Klepac, Brandon Galban, Derek Galban, JR Faulkner, John Gutierrez, and John Carpenter. Honorary pallbearers were sons-in-law Victor Galban and Kenneth Akin. Jo touched the lives of so many with her unconditional love and kindness. She will forever be missed. —SPJST—

In Memory of Rita Janak

Rita Agnes (Fikac) Janak of Smithville, Texas, passed on Sunday, October 10, 2021. She was 86 years old.

Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 14 followed by rosary at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville. Mass was Friday, October 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Smithville.

Rita was born on May 21, 1935, to Joseph and Cecilia Janak Fikac in Shiner. She was married to her husband, Johnnie Janak, for 63 years and together, they had five sons - Johnnie Joe, Ronald, Irvin, Alvin, and Shawn.

Rita was a devoted member of SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar. and St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, playing bingo, visiting casinos, sitting on the front porch with her dog Precious, watching nature, and most of all, spending time with family especially the grandchildren. She had a long and love-filled life.

She was preceded in death by sons Alvin and Johnnie Joe Janak; brothers Joseph, Anthony, Leonard, Frank, and August Fikac and his wife, Janie; and sisters Eleanora Schaefer and Sidonia Klekar and her husband, Leon.

Rita is survived by husband Johnnie Janak of Smithville; son Ronald Janak of Smithville and his daughter, Lacey Lundgren and her husband, Dennis and their kids, Lane and Aspen; son Irvin Janak and his wife, Missy of Cedar Park and their daughters, Carleigh, Lexie, and Skylar; son Shawn Janak and his wife, Leticia of Kyle and their kids, Noah and Ysabella; sister Mary Deloach and husband Gordon of Victoria; sister Annie Wagner and husband Milton of Victoria; brother Paul Fikac and wife Carol of Houston; brother-in-law Calvin Schaefer of Hallettsville; sister-in-law Lillian Fikac of New Braunfels; sisterin-law JoAnn Fikac of New Braunfels; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were nephews Roman Fikac, Anthony Fikac, Mitch Wagner, Danny Fikac, and Gary Deloach, and grandson Noah Janak.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church in Smithville.

Rita was a wonderful person. She helped in the kitchen at SPJST Lodge 38, Kovar’s annual picnics for many years until her health started to decline. She will be missed. Submitted by, Dorothy Lastovica, Reporter —SPJST— Rita Janak

Resolution of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, express our sincere sympathy to the family of our departed sister, NELDA MAREK.

Nelda Marek, 86, of Cameron, Texas, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at her home. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 11 at Seaton Brethren Church. Burial followed in the Seaton Cemetery. Visitation was from 1 p.m. until service time at the Nelda Marek church.

Mrs. Marek, a homemaker, was born June 6, 1935, in the Salem Community of Milam County to Robert and Cleo (Sypert) Glaser. She was a 1954 graduate of C.H. Yoe High School. She was married to Edwin F. Marek for more than 60 years. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton and Seaton Brethren Church.

She was preceded in death by son Edwin Marek, Jr. in 2009.

She is survived by husband Edwin F. Marek of Cameron; sons Donny Marek of Cameron, Rodney Marek of Huntsville, and Dennis Marek of Buckholts; daughter Beverly Daniels of Temple; brother Franklin Glaser of the Salem community; sister Joyce Hoff of Burlington; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Resolution Committee Ruth Hanusch Joyce Skrabanek —SPJST—