In Memoriam

SPJST Home Office Staff enjoy holiday charcuterie

Lynette Talasek of Lodge 47, Seaton and owner of Kerley’s Meat Market in Temple, designed and created a beautiful and delicious charcuterie for the SPJST Home Office staff on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Special thanks to President/CEO Brian Vanicek and wife Joan for surprising the Home Office staff with the nice holiday treat.

ABOVE PHOTO: Lynette Talasek, right, of Lodge 47, Seaton and owner of Kerley’s Meat Market in Temple, is pictured with daughter Zoe, in back, and friend Eli.

Expression of Sympathy

We, the members of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of

ALLEN JOSEPH KOHLEFFEL.

Allen Joseph Kohleffel, “Big Al,” a lifelong resident of the Eagle Lake area passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022, peacefully in his sleep.

He was born on January 16, 1961, and attended Rice Consolidated, graduating in May 1979. He continued farming Big Al Kohleffel with family while pursuing his rodeo dreams. Allen was a fourth generation farmer on Kaechele Ranch as well as family land. He took pride in every crop he planted. In true Allen Kohleffel fashion, he got his final crop out for the 2022 Harvest.

Allen married Katrina Poorman of Katy on November 2, 1991. In 1992, they welcomed their first son, Cody Kohleffel. Five years later, they welcomed their second son, Cord Kohleffel. Together with Nena and Harlan Boettcher, they started the Chute and Barrel Junior Rodeo Association.

Big Al’s sons were the light of his life. He often referred to them as his greatest gifts. Allen loved to spend his time with them farming, roping, and riding around on the prairie. They spent every day together working on the farm side by side.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton.

Allen was preceded in death by his father Raymond Lee Kohleffel; mother Dorothy Mahalitc-Kohleffel; aunt Dorothy Kohleffel-Cassady; and uncle Dale Cassady.

He is survived by wife Katrina Kohleffel; son and daughter-in-law Cody Allen and Summer Kohleffel of East Bernard; son Cord Raymond Kohleffel and Bailey Taylor of Chesterville; sister Dina Kohleffel Livermore and husband Bob of Houston; and grandsons Rhett, his right hand man (age 7), and Clint, the twinkle in his eyes (8 months). son and husband Ronny; brother Frankie and wife Evelyn Svehlak; grandchildren Caiden, Tate, and Brenim; sister-in-law Ginny Svehlak; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Jerry Joe and Edwin.

Visitation was Tuesday, November 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at J.E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis, Texas with a Rosary at 7pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 at 10a.m. in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church of Ennis. Betty Macalik Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—

Visitation was Thursday, August 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Funeral mass was Friday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at Parish of the Nativity Catholic Church in Eagle Lake with Fr. Robert Guerra officiating. He is resting eternally at Chesterville Cemetery in Chesterville.

Pallbearers were August Jochec, Mark Meyer, Greg Zwernemann, Buddy Mascheck, Johnny Philipp, Kurt Kelso, Pat Pavlu, and Bunge Halla. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Reznicek, Cliff Mock, Mark Daigle, Tommy Mahalitc, and Rusty Graves.

Memorial donations may be made to WCJC Rodeo Team, 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, Texas 77488 (Memo: Allen Kohleffel). Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—

In Memory of Al Svehlak

Alphonse “Al” Charlie Svehlak, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 27, 2022, with his loving family.

Al was born January 18, 1950, to Jerry Svehlak and Lucy Honza in Ennis, Texas. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1968. He then met and married the love of his life, Nancy, on September 8, 1973, and had two beautiful children. He worked at H-E-B Al Svehlak and Super One as a butcher for 20 years, then went to work for Blazek Lumber Yard for 23 years. Al loved his family deeply and had a passion for hunting, fishing, and watching the Texas Rangers.

He was a member at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis, St. Johns Catholic Church, KJT, and Knight of Columbus.

Al is survived by wife Nancy (Vrzalik) Svehlak; son Michael Svehlak and wife Vanessa; daughter Stephanie Gib-

In Memory of Marvin Labaj

Marvin Robert Labaj, 91, of Temple, passed away, at home, on Saturday, November 12, 2022. Mr. Labaj was born on May 26, 1931, in Granger, Texas. He married his wife, Johnnie Ann Kristinek, on December 23, 1960, at Seaton Brethren Church.

Marvin proudly served his country in the United States Army. He served during the Korean Marvin Labaj Conflict.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple.

He is survived by wife Johnnie; sons Alan Labaj and wife Melissa and Craig Labaj and wife Lori; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Thursday, November 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Temple. Burial with military honors followed at Seaton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church on Birdcreek at 2202 Birdcreek Drive, Temple, Texas 76502 or The American Legion Post 133, 1300 South 25th Street, Temple, Texas 76504.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerstemple.com for the Labaj family. —SPJST—