In Memoriam

In Memory of Ernest Dvorak In Memoriam

In Memory of Samantha Holub

Ernest James Dvorak, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Crisp, Texas, on Friday, October 14, 2022, with his loving wife and sons by his side.

He was born January 12, 1936, to Wesley Dvorak and Emma (Prochaska) Dvorak in Ennis. He graduated from Ennis High School in Ernest Dvorak 1954. Ernest was in the Army National Guard for five years. He worked at Ennis Business Forms for 43 years and farmed and ranched his entire life.

Ernest was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; St. John’s Catholic Church; and director of the Crisp Cemetery Association.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy (Novy) Dvorak; sons and their wives, Timothy Dvorak and Kimberly, Danny Dvorak and Diana; granddaughters April and Misty Dvorak; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Dolores (Dvorak) Venable; and brother-in-law Winford Venable.

Visitation was held Tuesday, October 18 from noon until 2 p.m. with rosary at 1 p.m. in J. E. Keever Mortuary Chapel, Ennis. Liturgy outside of Mass was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18 in J.E. Keever Mortuary. Betty Macalik Financial Secretary Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST— dear daughter, sister, family member, girlfriend, and friend. But Samantha wouldn’t want anyone feeling sad. She would want us to remember all of the memories we’ve made with her. For her closest friends, Samantha wrote a book full of her favorite quotes. Quote No. 399 in The Final Installment of Sam’s Words of Wisdom states, “Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever; you just have to live.”

Samantha was a member of SPJST Lodge 23, Moravia.

Visitation was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 31, followed by the parish rosary led by Reverend Jasper Liggio.

Funeral service was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 31 and officiated by Reverend Jasper Liggio. Interment followed at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hostyn. Serving as pallbearers were her uncles, Michael Olsovsky and Greg Shindler, and cousins David Holub, Blake Rerich, Bart Rerich, and Dylan Rerich. Honorary pallbearers were aunts Donna Holub, Theresa Rerich, Linda Baker, and Karen Schindler; uncles David Holub, Tony Rerich, and Marc Baker; and cousins Madison Shindler, Hunter Simon, Luke Holub, Lauren Holub, Bo Rerich, and Beth Rerich.

Samantha was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert E. and Dorothy Olsovsky and George P. Holub.

The family wishes that any donations be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Schulenburg, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

—SPJST—

Samantha Holub passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022, after a year-long battle with a rare form of lung cancer. She was 25 years old. Samantha is survived by her parents, Mike and Elizabeth Holub of Schulenburg; brother Matthew Holub of Schulenburg; boyfriend Seth Harvey of Houston; and Samantha Holub grandmother Dorothy Holub of Fayetteville.

Samantha was born on May 30, 1997, and grew up in Freyburg, Texas. She attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Schulenburg and Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Hallettsville. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a major in political science paired with a minor in English. Samantha dedicated her life to serving others. She began actively serving her community in college when she became an intern at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as the president of For the Kids, a foundation that directly supports children at University Hospital in San Antonio. After graduating college, she took a job at the Alzheimer’s Association where she worked as a development assistant for two years. Following this, she worked at UT Health, managing the major gifts department. Samantha was a proud feminist, a passionate supporter of both the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and she was a strong advocate of equal rights for all.

Among her family and friends, she had a reputation for being smart, sassy, and at times, outspoken. It’s safe to say that Sam’s upfront shy demeanor quickly faded once you got to know her, but the love and support she gave to family and friends was constant. Throughout her journey this past year, Samantha had proven that love and friendship are what truly matter in this world. For those of us left on Earth, we feel sadness. We are going to miss our

In Memory of Johnny Mach

Johnny Charles Mach passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

He was born in Ennis, Texas, on June 20, 1952, to John Antone and Rosie Slovak Mach. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1970 and worked for Fallen Electric afterward.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis.

He is survived by sisters Betty Huff and husband Milton of Murchison and Nancy Cline and Tony Jurick of Ennis; nephews Milton Jr. and Daryl Huff; niece Lauren Cline; along with many grand nephews and nieces.

Private memorial service will be held at a later date. Betty Macalik Financial Secretary Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

In Memory of Johnnie Marek

Johnnie T. Marek, age 88, of Ennis, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. He was born November 9, 1933, in West to Joseph and Marie (Makovy) Marek. He spent his childhood going to school and working on the family farm with Johnnie T. Marek his siblings. After his graduation from West High School, Johnnie proudly served his country overseas (Germany) in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He later studied geology while attending Navarro College, University of Texas, and North Texas State University.

After college, he went to work for Slurry Seal in Waco. During this time, he met the love of his life, Ann Rita Jurik, and they were married in 1961. Shortly afterward, he started East Texas Paving with partner Stanley Marak; they were in business for more than 30 years. While still being involved in the paving business, Johnnie and Ann built and operated a motel in Waxahachie.

After retiring from business, Johnnie could be found where everyone knew him to be – in the kitchen at one of the halls, cooking for various events. He was also known for treating lots of people to his famous homemade wine. In later years, he became devoted to caring for Ann until her last day. Another of his favorite ways of serving the Lord was to recite rosaries for friends and loved ones. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Pappa John” will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Johnnie was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis. He was also a member of Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church, KJT, Knights of Columbus, Sokol KHB Ennis, VFW, and American Legion. He was a past president of the National Polka Festival, former chairman of the Saint John Bazaar, and a 2014 recipient of the Diocese of Dallas Bishop’s Award.

Surviving Johnnie are his children, Lana Mikuda and husband Edward, Kevin Marek and wife Suzanne, and John Marek Jr. and Lori Laznovsky; grandchildren Matthew Mikuda, Jon David Marek and wife Angela, Varvara Marek and Ksenia Marek; great-grandchildren Raylee Marek and Ava Marek; sister Lois Kallus; brother Cy Marek; sister-in-law Unett Svrcek and husband Cy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ann; son Bart; his parents; sisters Christine Svrcek, Sophie Young, and Mary Pavlovsky; and brothers Edward Marek and Joseph Marek Jr.

Please consider donations to Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ennis or Saint Joseph Cemetery in Ennis. —SPJST—

In Memory of Arlene Marshall

Arlene Ottmers Marshall, 89, of Weimar, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Weimar. She was born on February 6, 1933, to Joe and Pearl (Lindemann) Ottmers in Brenham.

Arlene grew up in Industry and Houston and grad- Arlene Marshall uated from Reagan High School. On June 7, 1951, she married Alfred Marshall in Houston. As a bookkeeper, she worked for Weimar ISD and Parkview Manor. She loved serving Trinity Church as a member of the choir, Tuesday Bible Study Group, and Ladies Aid. She was also a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar; Hermann Sons; and Po.L.K. of A. She enjoyed golfing, dancing, phoning friends, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 68 years, Al.

She is survived by children Joe Marshall and wife Pam of Weimar, Karen Hernandez and husband Larry of Waco, and Susan Perkovich and husband Tim of Seguin; grandchildren Shawn Hernandez and wife Crystal, Adam Marshall and wife Jessi, and Heather Perkovich; and great-grandchildren Norah, Robbie, Sammie, Jackson, Jacob, Charlotte, Reylee, and Oliver.

Serving as pallbearers were Shawn Hernandez, Adam Marshall, Heather Perkovich, Dale Muenzler, Franklin Addicks, and Melvin Shumbera. —SPJST—

In Memory of Thomas Mraz

Thomas (Tommy) W. Mraz passed away Saturday, September 17, 2022, at approximately 10:47 p.m. at Bluebonnet Rehabilitation Center in Ennis, Texas.

He was born January 24, 1939, in Ennis, Ellis County, to Thomas V. Mraz and Alva Inez Smith. He was the third child of six siblings. He grew up in Ennis and attended Ennis Public Schools. After school, he was employed by Ennis Business Forms and worked there his entire career, never missing a day of work.

Tommy chose to not pursue marriage, but rather, live with and help care for his parents until they both passed.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church; and Knights of Columbus. For leisure, he enjoyed fishing and visiting with family.

Tommy is survived by brothers Richard and wife Janie; Ronald and wife Carol; Billy and wife Linda; sister Patricia Anthony; nephews Jeffrey Mraz and wife Julie, Dennis Harrison and wife Tammy, Christopher Harrison and wife Virginia, Brendon Harrison and wife Linda, Jason Mraz and wife Andria, Bryan Anthony and wife Tegan, Patrick Anthony and wife Nicole, and Lester Jones; nieces Donna Harrison and Rhonda Huntress; along with a host of extended family and friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joyce Just; and nephew Mark Mraz.

Visitation was Thursday, September 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. in J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis with rosary at 7 p.m.

Graveside service was at St. Joseph Cemetery on Friday, September 23 at 10 a.m. under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. Betty Macalik Financial Secretary Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

In Memory of Bertha Podhrasky

Bertha Hattie Podhrasky was born in a farmhouse in Creechville, a community just east of Ennis, Texas, to Joe and Vojteska Jurcik Janicek. She attended the Creechville community school and graduated from Ennis High School in 1944. As a child, Bertha lived and worked on the family farm with Bertha Podhrasky parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles nearby. As a child, she participated in Sokol and SPJST activities with her family. She moved to Dallas after graduating high school and began her working career at the Sears and Roebuck catalog fulfillment center on Lamar Street in Dallas. Only when she moved to Dallas did she get to enjoy luxuries like electricity, indoor plumbing, gas heat, and telephone. It was in Dallas that she met the love of her life at the Sokol Hall. Julius was a Sokol gymnast and a torpedo bomber pilot who had recently returned from active duty in the Pacific. Bertha and Julius married on January 4, 1947. Son David was born later that same year, and Robert was born 13 months later. Bertha was dedicated to family life. Her children, parents, and in-laws were always number one. She made sure their every need was taken care of. She had several jobs to aid in family finances. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed dresses for herself, shirts for Julius and the kids, and clothing for a variety of customers. She also worked at Sears demonstrating sewing machines on the showroom floor and for several years at the State Fair of Texas. Bertha was a farm girl who never forgot her roots. At home in Dallas, she and Julius maintained a large garden. From seeds to starts to harvest she was often found outdoors covered in dirt, tending to her plants with as much care as she tended to those around her.

Bertha’s nature was to be kind, generous, and helpful in any way possible. As a young mother, she served as room mother and on numerous PTA committees. In the Czech community, she was a member and president of the Dallas Circle of Czech Women; president of

the Dallas Czech Culture Society; member and major contributor to Sokol Dallas; SPJST Lodge 130, Dallas; WFLA Lodge 401; and Ennis Sewing Circle. Bertha and Julius cherished their friendships in the Czech communities of Dallas and Ennis. They spent their lives dancing to the music of local polka bands and working for the betterment of the organizations to which they belonged. As president of Dallas Czech Culture Society, Bertha was instrumental in keeping the Czech Day at the State Fair celebrations alive and could always be found with a smiling face in her Czech kroj.

She and Julius enjoyed traveling to the Czech Republic several times to visit family and friends. Their home was always warm and welcoming and hosted many visitors from the Czech Republic including relatives, members of youth soccer clubs, music and dance groups that toured Texas as well as dignitaries visiting from the city of Brno.

Bertha was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Julius; parents; brothers Joe and George; and sister Ann.

She is survived by sons David Podhrasky and Robert Podhrasky and Diane; grandchildren Tricia Hambrick and Mike, Philip Podhrasky and Jenny, Jana Reynolds and Matt, Julie Podhrasky and Jessica Villalobos; greatgrandchildren Kristian Graves and Hillary, Autumn Hambrick, Ashley, Madison and Ryan Podhrasky, Ace Reynolds, and Olivia Villalobos; and great-great grandchildren Emma and Sophia Graves.

One of Bertha’s wishes was to spend her final days in the home that she and Julius built together in 1952. The family is forever grateful to all who helped make this possible.

Bertha was laid to rest alongside Julius at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

—SPJST—

In Memory of Johnny Slovak

Johnny Slovak passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Visitation was Thursday, October 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis. A rosary was held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was Friday, October 7 at 10 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis with Father John Dick officiat- Johnny Slovak ing. Interment followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ennis.

Johnny was born to Antonie (Galetka) Slovak and Frank Josef Slovak in Ennis, Texas, on March 25, 1935. He married Frances Elleven on April 11, 1964, in Ennis. They made their home in Ennis on Creechville Road. They were married for 54 years. Johnny worked for the Dallas County Sheriff Department for more than 30 years and retired as a lieutenant. He loved his family, Czech heritage, camping, polka music, and repairing accordions. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis; KJT; KJZT; Knights of Columbus; Sokol; Ellis County Czech Heritage Society; and Dallas Sheriff Association.

Johnny was preceded in death by parents Frank and Antonie Slovak; wife Frances Slovak; and siblings Bob, Mildred Slovacek, Elsie Slama, Frank Jr., Georgie Harrell, Henry, Victor, Stanley, and Mary Mikel.

He is survived by children John Paul Slovak and wife Leslie; children Annika and Cade; David F. Slovak and wife Michelle, children Josef and Isabella; Jennifer, husband Zeke Martinez, children Varya and Ksenia Marek, and sister-inlaw, Louise Slovak.

Pallbearers were Ray Elleven, Wayne Sylvester Jr., John Marek Jr., John Slovak, Josh Mikel, and Joshua Zapletal. Honorary pallbearers were Josef Slovak, Cade Slovak, and Danny Zapletal.

Donations can be made to Sokol Ennis and/or St. Joseph Cemetery in Ennis. Betty Macalik Financial Secretary Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

In Memory of Vallie Zavodny

Vallie Zavodny, 95, passed away peacefully at home in Leedale, Texas, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

The family accepted visitors at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple on Friday, November 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral immediately followed. Burial was at Seaton Cemetery in Seaton.

Vallie was born on July 20, 1927, Vallie Zavodny in Red Ranger to Joe Pechal and Rosie Vitek. She was baptized and confirmed at Ocker Brethren Church and was a member of Seaton Brethren Church. She was a member of the Bell County Extension Association for 50 years and was an insurance sales representative for SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She sang in the Seaton Choral Group and performed with the beseda dancers for many years.

She married Leon on January 10, 1948, in Temple and they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in January 2023.

Vallie enjoyed dancing and listening to Czech music, traveling, gardening and canning, and sitting on her front porch. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Leon Sr.; first born son Michael; parents; grandchildren Sarah, Landon, and Candice; sisters Albina and Francis Pechal, Josephine Dudley, and Lorene Kotrla; and brothers Arnold, Ed, Joe, Raymond, Jerry, and Clarence.

She is survived by children Leon Jr. and wife Mary, Elaine, Theresa, Jodie and wife Abbeye, and Elden; grandchildren Alyssa and husband Chris, Chris and wife Jennifer, Ashlyn and husband Ryan, and Julia and partner Carlos; and great-grandchildren Cannon and Oaklyn.

Memorials in honor of Vallie’s life may be made to Seaton Brethren Church or to Seaton Brethren Church Christian Sisters. —SPJST—

In Memory of Lillian Kopecky Curry

Lillian Kopecky Curry, born in Dallas, Texas, on July 12, 1926, passed quietly away in Houston on Saturday, October 8, 2022. She was 96 years old.

A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, October 13 at 10 a.m. at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston.

The daughter of Czech immigrants, Lil was the first in her family to grad- Lillian Curry uate from college. She received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University where she became a member of the Pierian Literary Society and a life-long member of Alpha Phi.

She married Jack Phillip Curry of Dallas in 1949. With her teaching degree from Houston Baptist University, Lil taught in Christian preschools in the Houston metropolitan area for many decades. She was a beloved teacher whose now-grown students frequently approached her with their love and gratitude.

Lillian was a strong Christian and faithful churchgoer. She was a longtime member of Richmond Plaza Baptist Church in Bellaire and Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston.

She was a past member of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas.

She is survived by devoted children Edie Ramey (Fred) of Denver, Jacqueline Berry (Chris) of Los Angeles, and Charles Phillip Curry (Jennifer) of Houston; sister Mary Kopecky Steely (Jerry) of Corsicana; grandchildren Parker Ramey (Muliha), Anna Ramey Borden (Colin), Phillip Curry (Aimee), Tricia Curry, and Jack Curry (Sydney, fiancée); and four great-grandchildren.

Lil was preceded in death by parents Anna Kovar and Frank Kopecky; husband Jack; and older sister Bessie Kopecky Tardy.

Memorial donations in Lil’s honor may be made to Memorial Assistance Ministries or to UNICEF, where she volunteered for many years. —SPJST—