In Memoriam

In Memory of James R. Hosch

James Robert (Bobby) Hosch, age 73, of Eddy, Texas, and formerly of Cameron, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in a Waco hospital.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, at MarekBurns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation was held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 6 at the funeral home with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m.

Mr. Hosch was born August 17, 1948, in Cameron to George Edward and Lillian Naomi (Valka) Hosch. He retired after 34 years of service from AT&T. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Rogers.

James served as president of SPJST Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy since 2020. Prior to that, he served as vice president/fraternal activities coordinator. He also represented his lodge as a delegate at the 2021 SPJST Convention. In 2012, James was recognized as honorable mention to the SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year. At lodge meetings throughout the year, he prepared meals for members and coordinated birthday recognitions. For Veterans Day in November, he organized a pancake supper with the lodge and prepared and served pancakes to Veterans. He was a liaison between SPJST Lodge 200 and Bruceville-Eddy Senior Citizens Center (Taylor Hall), providing countless volunteer hours to both organizations. He also volunteered on projects at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple.

James was also active in BrucevilleEddy, Temple, Cameron, Buckholts, and neighboring communities donating his time to assist with events and fundraisers. He helped with church picnics and activities at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Rogers. In past years, he served as Santa Claus at Knights of Columbus Christmas socials and while vis-

iting senior care centers. He was also instrumental with the Bruceville-Eddy Mayfest which supported the Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service. James was a proud supporter of National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA). He traveled to Ames, Iowa, for the NBBA World Series and to other locations around the United States and world where he volunteered his time to serve as an umpire. (This is the adaptive version of America’s favorite pastime for the blind and visually impaired.) James is survived by son Michael D. Hosch of Eddy; brother John Hosch of Temple; and step-brother Ronald Roithner and wife Helen of Manor. Memorials may be made to NBBA James R. Hosch (National Beep Baseball Association), 1400 Patriot Blvd. No. 290, Glen View, Illinois 60026-0290; Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 542, Eddy, Texas 76524; or Bruceville Senior Citizen Center, 100 4th Street, Eddy, Texas 76524. Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Bill Hutka

William Joe “Bill” Hutka, 87, of Temple, Texas, died at a local care facility on Monday, January 3, 2022.

Visitation was Thursday, January 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service was Friday, January 7 at 10 a.m. at ScanioHarper Funeral Home.

Mr. Hutka was born in Temple to Henry B. Hutka Sr. and Frances Hejl Bill Hutka Hutka. He graduated from Temple High School. He has been married to his loving wife Joanne for 25 years. He worked at the Veterans Administration hospital in Temple for 33 years and retired as the chief of supply. He was a lifelong member of SPJST Lodge 177, Academy where he was actively involved and held numerous leadership positions. Bill was a Master Mason and was recently awarded his 60-year membership pin.

Known to most as “Bill,” and to others as “Willy,” he was a loving father, husband, and grandad who loved and put his family above all things. Bill was the true self-made man; as a young boy living next to the railroad depot, he would buy candy then sell it to the troops that came in on the trains. He would also give shoe shines for a nickel. He would often reminisce about the times as a newspaper boy for the Temple Daily Telegram. Perhaps the thing that he most enjoyed was his love for music and dance. If he wasn’t up dancing to his favorite polkas or waltzes, his foot would be tapping to the beat. Later in life, he developed an affection for snow skiing and had treasured memories of numerous ski trips with his family. Undoubtedly, his most prized possession was his ranch in Gatesville, Texas, where so many friends and family were warmly welcomed for love and enjoyment of the beauty and nature of wildlife. He was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter.

Bill was preceded in death by sisters Evelyn and Frances; brothers Albert, Sonny, and Johnny; and oldest son Steve whom he so dearly missed.

Survivors include wife Joanne; sons Brady Hutka and wife Diane and Mike Hutka and wife Jana; grandchildren Celeste, Danielle, Max, Trinity, Brandy, Christopher, Spencer, Grayson, and Avery; and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, specifically for the research and cure of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). www.cancer.org/cancer/myelodysplastic-syndrome.html —SPJST—

In Memory of Richard Picha

Richard Louis “Rick” Picha, age 59, of West, Texas, passed away late Monday evening, November 8, 2021, at Homestead Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hillsboro.

Memorial service was held at 7 p.m Tuesday, No- Rick Picha vember 16 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West with Deacon Ronnie Sykora officiating. The family received visitors from 6 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Rick was born June 4, 1962, in Hillsboro, the son of Albin and Patricia (Urbanovsky) Picha. He attended St. Mary’s School and West High School, with the Class of 1980. Rick was a sound engineer for several radio stations including KHBR in Hillsboro, Comcast, K95, FM100, KWTX, and set up the sound systems for the old West Trojan Football Field and Aderhold Funeral Home. He also owned a couple of restaurants in the Hillsboro area. Rick enjoyed reading, repairing anything and everything, and dee-jaying many events at several night clubs under the stage name “Rick Lewis.” He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he was a faithful altar server. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West and was a former Cub Scout.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Mae “Patsy” Picha; brother-in-law Dennis Pavlas; and his beloved dog of 17 years, “Teddy.”

Survivors include his father, Albin Picha of West; sons John Picha and wife Amanda of Abbott and Jason Picha and wife Nicole of Hewitt; grandchildren Tiffany Adair and Bailey Adair, both of West; great-grandchildren Kaiden Henson and Kolby Henson, both of West; sisters Sharon Russell and husband Buster of Abbott, Michele Pavlas of West, and Jenene Gueringer and husband Billy of China Spring; brothers Darrell Picha and Greg Picha and wife Karen, all of West; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School Endowment Fund.

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

In Memory of Carol Pekar

Carol Ann (Chupik) Pekar, age 73, of Lewisville, Texas, passed away early Thursday morning, February 18, 2021, in Lewisville.

Graveside service was at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 at West Brethren Cemetery near West with Reverend Gerry Davis officiating. The family received visitors Carol Pekar from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 at Aderhold Funeral Home in West.

Carol was born September 26, 1947, in Waco, the daughter of Bohus and Marie (Wedeking) Chupik. She was a 1965 graduate of Aquilla High School. Carol was employed as head accountant for Southwest Material Handling in Dallas for more than 25 years before retiring in 1995. She then worked for several places including being a receptionist at Health South Rehabilitation in Lewisville. Carol enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She loved gardening, traveling, playing the slots at Winstar, bingo, reading, and being a sample attendant at Target. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, who called her “Honey Carol,” and anything to do with Elvis Presley.

Carol was a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; brother Bohus Chupik Jr.; and sisters Betty Lindeman and Ruth Owen.

Survivors include daughter, Kimberley Lyons and husband Michael of Highland Village; beloved grandchildren Sarah and Micah Lyons; brothers John Chupik and wife Charlotte, Stephen Chupik, and Jimmy Chupik and wife Joan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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

In Memory of Edward Muehlstein Jr.

Edward J. Muehlstein Jr., age 81, of Abbott, Texas, passed away early Monday morning, March 22, 2021, at his daughter’s home in Bryan.

A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, March 26 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 27 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott with Reverend Brijil Lawrence as celebrant. Burial followed at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott.

Edward was born August 22, 1939, in Stamford, the son of Annie (Hykel) and Edward Muehlstein Sr. He attended schools in Hillsboro and received his bachelor’s degree in drafting from University of North Texas in 1961. On October 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Virginia Valagura in Dallas. Edward was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2305 in West; KJT Society 107; SPJST Lodge 54, West; and Music Masters Orchestra in Ennis where he played saxophone and clarinet. Edward’s interest in music began at age 13 when he joined the John Rejcek Band. He was a farmer and worked for Gamblers Racing and Boeing for many years before retiring in the mid-1990s. Edward enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and playing dominos. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Eugenia Muehlstein; and sisters Irene Gerik and Virginia Jaska.

Survivors include beloved wife of 62 years, Virginia Muehlstein of Abbott; children Monica Muehlstein of Abbott, Jeffrey Muehlstein and wife Sherri of Abbott, Eddie Muehlstein and wife Netta of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Cindy Betik and husband John of Bryan; sister Patricia Zapletal; grandchildren Beth Martinson and husband Jace, Jamie Beauchamp, Charla Reeves and husband Cody, Nathan Muehlstein and wife Kodie, Ethan Muehlstein, Chris Betik and wife Sadie, Brittany Horvat and husband

Alex, Kristy Lane and husband Jason, Christopher Osborn and wife April, Shae Wiltse and husband Nathan, and Dusty Osborn; great-grandchildren Paizlee, Wyatt, Karter, Charlee, Cole, Ty, Jeffrey, Gregory, Faith, Kylie, Laci, Khloe, and Nathan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers were grandsons and nephew Josh Zapletal. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Muehlstein, Frankie “Buddy” Muehlstein, Hollace Muehlstein, and Anton Hajek. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund or American Cancer Society. E. Muehlstein, Jr. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Martha Gerik

Martha Sulak Gerik, age 96, of West, Texas, passed away late Tuesday afternoon, April 13, 2021, at Providence Health Center in Waco.

A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, April 16 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West with Reverend John Boiko as celebrant. Burial followed at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott.

Martha was born August 20, 1924, in Stamford, the daughter of Frank and Annie (Muehlstein) Kutach. She was a 1940 graduate of Avoca High School. On April 3, 1942, she was united in marriage to Eugene Sulak in Stamford. Eugene preceded her in death on September 21, 1997. Martha was then united in marriage to Jerry Gerik Sr. on August 19, 2006, in Abbott. Jerry preceded her in death on July 14, 2013. Martha was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of KJZT Society 11 and SPJST Lodge 54, West. Martha was a receptionist for Texas Farm Bureau for many years before retiring in 1993. She enjoyed gardening, baking kolaches, sewing, quilting, canning, watching western movies, watching EWTN, and spent many hours volunteering for West Rest Haven. Martha was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, Texas A&M Aggies, and Dallas Mavericks. She loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Martha was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters Marie Lillie Kolar and Agnes Ann Webb; and grandson Aaron Janek.

Survivors include children Sandra Schroeder and husband Larry of Granbury, Jeanette Janek and husband Ronald of Italy, Dale Sulak and wife Martha of Red Oak, Tommy Sulak and wife Rita of Ennis, Denise Hall and husband Alan of Granbury, and Dianna Gerik and husband Edwin Jr. of Waxahachie; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers were Eric Schroeder, Brian Schroeder, Ronnie Janek, Stephen Janek, Dennis Janek, Ryan Janek, Joshua Sulak, Jeremy Sulak, Trey Gerik, and Taylor Gerik.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School Wish List or St. Mary’s School Endowment Fund.

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

In Memory of Gladys Quilter

Gladys Quilter, age 92, of West, Texas, passed away early Sunday morning, June 20, 2021, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.

A rosary was recited and memorial Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the As- Gladys Quilter sumption in West with the Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Gladys was born March 10, 1929, in West, the daughter of August and Mary

(Peters) Morris. She was a 1946 graduate of West High School prior to attending Baylor University. On October 8, 1971, she was united in marriage to James Quilter in Dallas. James preceded her in death on June 18, 2013. Gladys was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America Court 829; St. Anne’s Altar Society; St. Mary’s School Alumni Association; and SPJST Lodge 54, West. In 1973, Gladys, along with her sisters Lucille Price and Georgia Montgomery, purchased the Famous, a clothing store in West, and renamed it The Village Shoppe which they owned and operated for many years. Gladys enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, cats, Texas Ranger Baseball, and buying at Dallas Market for The Village Shoppe. The three sisters were known and recognized by all the vendors at Apparel Mart in Dallas because they had been going there for so many years.

Gladys was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters Georgia Montgomery, Lucille Price, and Lillian J. Brewington; niece Mimi Montgomery Irwin; and nephew John Morris Price.

Survivors include nieces Patricia Arms and husband Geoff of Houston, Brenda Price of West, and Mary Suzanne Price of Santa Fe, New Mexico; great-niece and nephews Lauren Beck and husband Chris, Austin Price and John T. Price and wife Rachel; greatgreat-nephews and nieces Christopher Beck, Lillian Josephine Beck, John Geoffrey Beck, Sadie Ann Price, Sophia Price. and John Thomas Price Jr.; her loving cats, Lacy, Grady, Little Pumpkin, and Socks; and many other relatives and friends.

Honorary urn bearers were the greatnieces and great-nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School Endowment Fund, West Volunteer Ambulance Association, or West Senior Center.

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

In Memory of Lou Ellen Holasek

Lou Ellen “Wencie” Holasek, age 95, of West, Texas, passed away late Monday morning, July 19, 2021, at West Rest Haven.

Graveside service was at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Waco Memorial Park in Waco with Johnny Hurtick officiating. The family received visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Wencie Holasek Friday, July 23 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel.

Wencie was born July 8, 1926, in Streetman, the daughter of Carroll and Eula (Carroll) Jenkins. She was a 1944 graduate of West High School. On December 31, 1948, she was united in marriage to Raymond J. Holasek in Marlin. Raymond preceded her in death on June 24, 2005. Wencie was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling around the world during Raymond’s career. Her greatest joy was visiting with her children and grandchildren, and she looked forward to their monthly trips from California. Wencie often accompanied Raymond to check on the cows at the farms and spend time with him in the outdoors. She loved Christmas time with her family and enjoyed making her mother’s angel food cake and deviled eggs. She was very loved and will surely be missed.

She was a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West.

Wencie was also preceded in death by her parents; her second dad, John Hurtick; sister-in-law Doris Henderson; nephew Joe Henderson; and niece Barbara O’Rear.

Survivors include children Joseph Holasek and wife Debbie and Karla Holasek, both of San Diego, California; brother Johnny Hurtick and wife Alison of West; granddaughters Halea and Alana Holasek; nieces Susan Trammell and husband Ben, and Lorri Park; greatnieces Kaitlin Hargrove and husband Jacob and Anna Trammell; caregiver Rachel Pickens; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to West Rest Haven Memorial Fund.

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

In Memory of Bernice Sawyer

Bernice Sawyer, age 63, of West, Texas, passed away Sunday afternoon, September 12, 2021, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.

A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 15 at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West with Reverend Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Bernice was born March 12, 1958, in Waco, the daughter of Joe and Marie Elsie (Marek) Sulak. She was a 1976 graduate of West High School and received an associate’s degree in audio visual technology from TSTC in 1993. On November 27, 1973, she was united in marriage to Steve Sawyer in Waco. Bernice was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America Court 829; KJZT St. Ludmila Society 11; United Postmasters Managers of America; SPJST Lodge 54, West; and was a Westfest Associate Director. Bernice taught CCE classes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West, was a Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteered for many benefits in the West area.

Bernice currently served as postmaster at Elm Mott Post Office. In her earlier career, she worked as a clerk at Hillsboro Post Office, and was postmaster for Prairie Hill Post Office and Frost Post Office. She also worked for Wolf Manufacturing, Waco Apparel, Fox 44, Little Czech Bakery, and Heitmiller’s Restaurant.

Bernice enjoyed dancing, traveling, cruising, going to the postmaster conventions, Westfest weekend, and visiting with her many family and friends. She cherished time with family, especially her grandson Bryson, whose sporting events she would never miss.

Bernice was preceded in death by parents; and brothers-in-law Larry Mynar Sr. and Frankie Caughenbaugh Sr.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 48 years, Steve Sawyer of West; son Michael Sawyer and Becky Snokhous of Elm Mott; daughter Ginger Buzan and husband Billy of West; brothers Raymond “Jake” Sulak and Randy Sulak; sisters Barbara Mynar and Doris Caughenbaugh; sister-in-law Beverly Eastwood; grandchildren Bryson Buzan, Lauren Snokhous, Scott Vineyard, and Laken Horton and husband Zac; great-grandchildren Hogan, Ryder, and Douglas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers were Larry Mynar Jr., Leland Mynar, Mark Mynar, Perry Miller, Bernice Sawyer John Paul Matus, and Josh Breitkreutz. Honorary pallbearers were the Class of 1976. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice. Aderhold Funeral Home in West was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST—

In Memory of Harry Hykel

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

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

Harry Lee was born August 13, 1931, in West, the son of Edward and Vlasta (Hrabal) Hykel. He attended Elk and St. Mary’s School in West. On August 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Holecek in West. Harry Lee proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West.