In Memoriam

Resolution of Sympathy

The Resolution Committee of Lodge Karel Havlicek No. 4, Hallettsville, on behalf of our entire membership wish to express our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the family of our departed sister,

LILLIE ANNIE BALUSEK, 92, of Moulton, Texas, who passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Funeral service was at 9 a.m., Monday July 3 at Czech Moravian Church in Vsetin. Reverend Dr. Mark Labaj officiated. Burial followed in Vsetin Cemetery.

She was born on August 15, 1930, to Joe and Hermina Trcalek Belicek, in Lavaca County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin, where she has been a member her entire life. She attended school in Breslau and graduated as the salutatorian of her class, then went to Blinn College.

Lillie married Joe Balusek on June 16, 1956, at Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin. She helped Joe farm and raise cattle in Hallettsville. Later, they moved to Yoakum, where Joe worked at the highway department, and she was a devoted mother and housewife. Joe and Lillie later moved to Bay City and Texas City with Joe’s employment and finally retired to their farm in Moulton.

Lillie enjoyed farm life, and she also had a very green thumb, growing a variety of flowers. She was an avid gardener. Her family was fond of her vegetables that she canned during spring and summer. She was a great cook and baked some amazing desserts. Her kolaches were enjoyed by many.

Lillie loved going to bingos, playing bunco in a local bunco group, and playing marbles and dominoes with family members. She enjoyed visiting family and friends and was known for her beautiful smile. She adored her small dog, Margarita, who she spoiled. Margarita was a great companion for her because Margarita kept Lillie entertained.

Lillie was a member of several organizations during her life: Vsetin Christian Sisters; American Legion Auxiliary; VFW Auxiliary; Farm Bureau; FFA Buyers Club; 50-plus year member of SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville; and volunteer at local nursing homes with bingos and church services.

Lillie was preceded in death by husband Joe; parents; sister Wilelmina Prasek; and brothers Joe, Willie, Walter, Jerome, and Julius Balicek.

Lillie is survived by daughter Susan Siptak and husband Joe; son Glenn Balusek and wife Robyn; sister-in-law Theresa Belicek; grandchildren Adam Siptak (Amanda), Joshua Siptak (Melissa), Mark Siptak (Lauren), Sarah Brashear (Jeff), Lee Balusek, Madelyn Balusek, Brent Hill, and Meagan Harden; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Czech Moravian Brethren Church.

May our departed sister rest in eternal peace.

Resolution Committee

Victoria Zak

Gayenell Chudej —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

The officers and members of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar send their condolences to the family of RAYMOND OTTO GRUNEWALD.

Raymond Otto Grunewald, 78, of Weimar, Texas, passed away on November 22, 2021, in Houston.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 30 at 10 a.m. at Weimar United Church of Christ in Weimar. Pastor Glen Schoeneberg officiated. Visitation was on November 30 at church from 8 to 10 a.m. Burial took place in Weimar Masonic Cemetery in Weimar.

Raymond was born on December 10, 1942, to Otto Karl Grunewald and Agnes Annie (Melnar) Grunewald in Schulenburg.

Raymond worked as a freight truck driver for many years for Herder Truck Lines.

He was a member of Weimar United Church of Christ.

Raymond looked forward to the weekends where he was always working on projects around the house. He loved to go dancing at New Bielau which is where he met his wife, Evelyn of 52 years. They were married on November 15, 1969 in Nada. There was sleet on the ground that year. They spent this year’s (2021) anniversary in the hospital after recovering from his surgery.

His favorite seasons were fall and winter. He enjoyed deer hunting with all his buddies, and he decorated his old No. 40 tractor and placed it the front yard for the yearly Christmas decorating contest. This past year, they were putting the lights on the wheels of the tractor and came to realize the back wheel was turning backwards instead of forward. They got a good laugh out of that one! He enjoyed going to barbecue in different cook-offs. It wasn’t so much about winning, but just sitting back with friends and family and having a good time. He also enjoyed trailriding where he perfected walking barefoot to the Bandera River to cool off.

He had a dog name Brutus that he loved and enjoyed taking him to ride around town and walking through the neighborhood. He enjoyed cutting the grass, picking and peeling pecans, playing solitaire on the computer, and always going to all Weimar Wildcats and Lady Cats sporting events.

Raymond was a retired truck driver for MG’s, Herder’s and R&L Trucking for almost 38 years. He was on the road many hours a day, living 100 miles from the terminal. He said his favorite part of his day was being out among the people. He retired on December 30, 2010. Even though he retired from life on the road, he still enjoyed coming home and riding around town. Raymond was also a cancer survivor in 2007.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Grunewald and Agnes Grunewald; brother Frank C. Grunewald and wife Marjorie; and brother-in-law Ronnie Guenther.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evelyn Grunewald; daughters Kimberly Elstner and husband Craig and Kelli Grunewald; sister Billie Faye Guenther; and grandchildren Addison Elstner, Avery Elstner, Cayden Wilson, and Carter Wilson.

Pallbearers were Brad Corliss, Rodney Corliss, John Guenther, Jason Oncken, Larry Stolar, and Tony Stolar. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, Addison Elstner, Avery Elstner, Cayden Wilson, and Carter Wilson.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Carolyn Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

We, the Resolution Committee of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of JERRY W. MANAK.

Brother Jerry Manak, age 83, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at BaylorScott and White Medical Center of Waxahachie, Texas. He was born January 11, 1940 to John and Theresa (Malish) Manak in Bardwell.

Services for Brother Jerry was mass of Christian burial held on Wednesday, July 12 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis with Father John Dick officiating. A celebration of life followed at the American Legion Hall in Ennis with many family and friends present.

Jerry was raised in Ennis, graduating from St. John School. He married Joann Vita in February 1961. They were married 57 years before her passing in 2018.

Brother Jerry worked for Watson Food Service for 35 years before owning and operating Original Lemon Wrap. Later, he bought K&K Meat Company on Corinth Street in Dallas, which he and his family operated for 15 years.

The Manaks raised three children living in Dallas. He lived out his dream to return to the farm building a house raising cows, horses, and dogs - all of which he loved dearly.

Brother Jerry was an active member of SPJST Lodge 84, Pokrok, Dallas for over 50 years. He held several offices within the lodge including president. He also played on the Lodge 84, Dallas fastpitch softball team. He became an avid supporter after no longer playing.

He had a loving family and enjoyed family reunions, being outdoors, cooking out, and showing his farm to people.

He was an active member of SE Thomas Aquanious Catholic Church in Dallas and St. John Nempomucene Catholic Church in Ennis. Jerry was also a Fourth Degree Knight (Knights of Columbus).

Brother Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joann; three sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include children Jerry William Manak, Jr. (wife Robin), Sally Wendel, and Paul Manak (wife Meredith); sister Rose Mitchell; and grandchildren Rachel Manak, Remy Manak, and Roan Manak.

May he rest in peace.

Resolution Committee

Cheryl Petr Lodge 84, Dallas —SPJST—

In Memory of Bennie J. Matusek

Bennie J. Matusek received his eternal reward on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Visitation was Tuesday, August 8 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park. Graveside service was at 11:30 a.m. at Grand View Funeral Home Bethany Cemetery in Pasadena.

Bennie was born on January 24, 1930, to Anton Louis and Mary Kubena Matusek on the family farm and ranch where he grew up in Hungerford, Texas. He was the seventh of eight children. On the farm, he learned the value of hard work and discipline.

Bennie was the first person in his family to go to college. He attended Texas A&M College, and from that point on, there was maroon blood in the family. With little money for school, he would sweep the floor of Sbisa Dining Hall for a meal. On the weekends, Bennie would hitchhike to/from the farm in Hungerford to fill up on his mom’s home cooking. She would send him back to A&M with a jar full of bacon to tide him over. Bennie graduated in 1952 with a degree in agricultural education.

After graduation, Bennie enlisted in the Army as a private, was honorably discharged two years later as a 2nd Lieutenant, but continued for the next several years in the Army Reserve as a 1st Lieutenant.

Bennie began his professional career in 1954 at Shell Chemical in Deer Park, starting as a lab assistant, and later specializing in industrial hygiene where he tested refinery air samples, attended fireman training school, and taught safety classes to refinery workers. Bennie retired in 1991 at 61 years of age, after 37 years of employment.

Bennie was proud of his Czech heritage. He loved all things Czech – the work ethic, the people, the food, and the music. Bennie and Barbara and their kids could often be found at Czech festivals and SPJST dancehalls. Bennie was a 75-year member of SPJST Lodge 172, Pasadena.

Bennie met his wife of 62 years, Barbara, at the Bill Mraz Dance Hall in Houston. They traveled to Czechoslovakia several times where they visited his distant cousins.

Bennie volunteered in the community in many ways. He was a charter member of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church which was established in 1965. The church was a big part of Bennie’s life, and he served as a Eucharistic minister, was a member of the Men’s Club, and served in many other capacities. Bennie served on the Deer Park High School Orchestra Booster Club as president and committee leader. All three of Bennie’s sons achieved Eagle Scout. Bennie volunteered in the scout troop, helping with meetings, campouts, and Eagle projects. He hiked Philmont twice, the second time when he was 61. Bennie served on the City of Deer Park Planning and Zoning Commission for 18 years and the Shell Adopt-a-School Committee for seven years.

Bennie’s acting career spanned two movies which were filmed in Houston. He played a lieutenant in Terms of Endearment, and he was also in Tin Cup as part of the golf crowd.

Bennie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Dill Matusek of Deer Park; daughter Donna Pruitt and husband Kyle of Katy; daughter Teri Broussard and husband Dane of Wylie; son Bennie Matusek and wife Lucy of Pearland; son Ed Matusek of Spartanburg, South Carolina; son John Matusek and wife Danielle of Deer Park; grandchildren Ashley Rice and husband Justin, Matthew Barton, Adam Broussard and wife Anna, Crispin Matusek, Hayley Matusek, Addison Matusek, and Nathan Matusek; and great-grandchildren Henry, Lexi, Philip, and Stephen Rice.

Donations in Bennie’s memory can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or to the charity of your choice. —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

The officers and members of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar send their condolences to the family of JOHN “JOHNNY” MICHALCIK.

John “Johnny” Frank Michalcik, 84, of Weimar, Texas, passed away on April 3, 2021.

Rosary was held Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Funeral service was Friday, April 9 at 2 p.m. with Father Wayne Flagg officiating. Both services were held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Weimar. Visitation was on Thursday, April 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Friday, April 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Weimar. Burial was in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Weimar.

He was born on April 19, 1936, to John Michalcik and Vlasta (Melnar) Michalcik in Osage. He graduated from Weimar High School in 1956. After graduation, he spent time in the National Guard serving his country. On September 13, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Guenther, and they settled down in Houston.

Johnny worked as a shop foreman for Semco Inc. in Houston for 31 years, and he also worked at Koomey, Inc. for 15 years. After retirement, they moved back to Weimar and enjoyed being closer to family. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

Johnny was a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar.

Johnny enjoyed spending time at his family farm in Bila Hora with his family and his dog, Molly. He loved being outdoors, whether that was hunting, checking cows, or riding his tractor. In his afternoons, Johnny could be found listening to polka music, playing dominoes, and drinking Lone Star Light beer. His loved ones will remember him for his easy-going personality, never taking life too seriously and enjoying every moment.

He was preceded in death by parents John and Vlasta Michalcik; wife Dolores Michalcik; and brother-in-law Victor “Butch” Michalec.

Johnny is survived by daughters Roxanne Menis and husband Ronnie and Judy Horton and husband Bobby; sister Carol Michalec; grandchildren Lauren Hollas and husband Conner, Courtney Menis and boyfriend John Crawford, Jacob Horton, and Casey Menis.

Serving as pallbearers were John Crawford, Randy Fojt, Conner Hollas, Jacob Horton, Lester Little, Willie Shaw, Darrin Thumann, and Dean Thumann.

Memorials may be given to St. Michael Catholic Church or School, P.O. Box 36, Weimar, Texas 78962; or charity of your choice.

Carolyn Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—

Resolution of Sympathy

The officers and members of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar send their condolences to the family of JOHN PAUL INNOCENC

PESAK.

John Paul Innocenc Pesak was called home by God on September 30, 2022, at the young age of 51 years.

Visitation was Thursday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus and on Friday, October 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral service was Friday, October 7 at 10 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Kethan officiating. Graveside service followed at Miller Creek Cemetery in Oak Grove Community.

John Paul was born to Gladys and Joseph Pesak, Sr. on December 20, 1970, in Whartons and baptized in Damon at Damon Lutheran Church on January 17, 1971.

John Paul graduated from Weimar High School in 1989. Throughout his high school years, he worked at several jobs including Kainer’s Dairy, M-G, and Cox Ranch.

After graduating high school, he worked in the ranching industry. He also was a heavy equipment operator and a professional truck driver – “Team Driving” with his friend David “Butter” Brandt. He also drove for several trucking companies and worked for Waste Management Systems and Weatherford International.

John Paul married the love of his life, Rhonda Millette Thumann, on January 19, 2002. They resided in Dickinson with their three beautiful children – Edward Morris (17), Emilie Rose (15), and Ericka Ann (12).

In December 2019, John Paul and his children moved back to his hometown of Weimar where he worked for Heller Material until his death.

John Paul was a godfather to Spencer Guthmann and Jonathan Shupak.

He was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing, but his passion was his children. He taught them everything he knew about life! He took after his parents by never meeting a stranger and always welcoming them into his home. He could light up the room with his laugh and smile, and he will be truly missed.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar.

He was preceded in death by parents Gladys and Joseph Pesak, Sr.; wife Rhonda Pesak; and brother Joseph Pesak, Jr.

John Paul is survived by children Edward, Emilie, and Ericka; sister and brother-in-law Bethany and Walter Guthmann of Weimar; sister-in-law Judy Pesak of Weimar; niece Charlotte Pesak of Weimar; nephews J.E. (Spud) Pesak and wife Leslee of Mont Belvieu, Colby Guthmann and fiancé Kasey Bangs of Katy, and Spencer Guthmann and fiancé Calli Guentert of Weimar.

Pallbearers were Kevin Melvin, David “Butter” Brandt, Roy Christen, Ronald Rosenauer, Fillip Pesak, Danny Jankowski, Jr., Lynn Reising, Bradley “Moose” Roberts, Aaron Hilscher, Michael Pavlik, and Reece Thumann. Honorary pallbearers were J.E. Pesak, III, Colby Guthmann, Spencer Guthmann, Jonathan Shupak, and Hunter Shupak.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Carolyn Tobola Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—