An ancestry site for Texas Czechs
The Texas Polka Music Museum is located at 625 North Main inSchulenburg, TX.
Museum hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
10 am – 4 pm
If you have a love of polka, I would stop by for a visit!
The museum houses a collection of pictures of many past and present polka bands. There is an area where band items are displayed.
Above is a picture of the clarinet and hat that Henry Kubala used when he played for the Lone Star Brass Band.
1931-2012
Vernelle Norvella Edna (Muenzler) Vanek, 80, of La Grange, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 01, 2012 at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas.
Vernelle was born in Willow Springs, Texas on August 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Ernst and Carrie (Finck) Muenzler. She was baptized at home and was confirmed on August 29, 1943. On April 10, 1954, she married Charles F. Vanek at Industry United Methodist Church.
Vernelle attended school in Fayetteville. She was a member of Industry United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She then joined Travis Street United Methodist Church which is now First United Methodist Church where she sang in the church choir starting at the age of 16 through the age of 75. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and Friendship Sunday School Class. Vernelle was an organist for over 25 years. She was employed by Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District for 42 years, worked with 4-H, and with the Girl and Boy Scouts.
She is survived by her daughter, Charlene Baker of La Grange; two sons: Douglas Vanek and friend, Melisa Thames, of Beaumont, and David L. Vanek of La Grange; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Schultz and friend, Dan Lynd, of Nederland; three grandchildren: Alyson and Austen Vanek of Nederland, and Andrew Baker of La Grange; and numerous relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles F. Vanek, in January 1999; her sister, Evangeline Muenzler; and son-in-law, Larry Baker, in October 2011.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in La Grange, Texas at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Burial will follow at La Grange City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 89, La Grange, TX 78945 or American Cancer Society, Central Texas Region, 2433 Ridgepoint Drive B, Austin, TX 78754.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home-La Grange, TX
1922-2009
Emma Vrana, age 87, of Praha passed away Monday, November 30, 2009. Mrs. Vrana was born February 3, 1922 in Flatonia to Edward Branecky and Mary Sandera Branecky. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha, a lifetime member of Young Farmers, and a school custodian for many years.
Mrs. Vrana is survived by four sons: Charlie Vrana, Jr., and wife Carol of Flatonia, Johnny Vrana and wife Malisia of North Richland Hills, Bonaventure and wife Sharon of Flatonia, and Randy Vrana and wife Sian of Fort Worth; three daughters: Bernice Pokluda and husband Alphonse of Schulenburg, Helen Schaefer and husband Robert of Flatonia, and Irene Bartek and spouse J.D. of Flatonia; two brothers: Frank Branecky of Flatonia and Joe Branecky of Seguin; two sisters: Lillie Holubec of Bryan and Pauline Klesel of Richmond; 12 grandchildren: Theresa Pavlica, Deborah Friedrich, Richard Pokluda, Monica Pflughaupt, Greg Vrana, Ryan Vrana, Elizabeth Viktorin, Darlene Bartek, Shelia Vrana, Sherie Vrana, Jared Vrana, Rachel Vrana; 12 great-grandchildren: Janice Pavlica, Brandon Pavlica, Justin Pavlica, Macy Friedrich, Madison Pokluda, Taylor Viktorin, Tyler Viktorin, Claire Viktorin, Jack Vrana, Joshua Vrana, Avery Vrana, Parker Vrana. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charlie Vrana, Sr., son Leroy Vrana, two granddaughters Marica Pokluda and Allison Vrana, one great grandson Caleb Vrana, and two sisters Cecilia Vrana and Agnes Hajek.
Pallbearers will be Greg Vrana, Ryan Vrana, Richard Pokluda, Jared Vrana, Eric Viktorin, and Edward Branecky.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 am Wednesday December 2 at Smith Funeral Home – Flatonia. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Praha. Services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday December 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Praha with Rev. Joe Hybner and Rev. Edward Bartsch. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Source: Smith Funeral Home-Flatonia, TX
1919-2012
Edwin A. Vrana, age 92, of West, passed away early Thursday morning, July 26, 2012 at West Rest Haven in West.
Graveside services will be held 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott, with Rev. Boniface Onjefu officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West.
Mr. Vrana was born September 17, 1919 in Fayetteville, the son of August and Josephine (Machacek) Vrana. They soon moved to the Abbott area where he attended school. On February 28, 1941 he was united in marriage to Estelle “Esther” Pavlas in Abbott. She preceded him in death on April 2, 2008. Edwin served his country with the United States Army during World War II in the North African Theatre, Sicily and Germany. While in Germany, he was wounded and captured becoming a Prisoner of War. For his injuries in battle he was awarded a Purple Heart.
Upon his return, he worked as a carpenter for the Roy Herring Construction Company and the Henry Beck Construction Company for over 55 years before retiring in 1993. He was also co-owner of the Circle Burger in West for many years. Edwin was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4819 and the West Bass Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, Bar-B-Queuing, collecting old coins, and selling fireworks.
Edwin is also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lillian Kaska and Edna McCoy.
Survivors include two sons, Larry Vrana and wife Gayle of Dallas and Gary Vrana and wife Terri of Gholson; a daughter, Pat Seace and husband William of Irving; a sister, Estelle Ray; grandchildren, Kirk Seace and wife Susie, Michael Vrana, Matthew Vrana and Michelle, and Caitlin Vrana; a great granddaughter, Kadence Vrana; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Rest Haven Memorial Fund.
Source: Aderhold Funeral Home-West, TX
1912-2009
Mrs. Elsie Hildegard Zatopek, 96, of La Grange passed away Friday, February 27th, 2009 at Monument Hill Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Elsie was born in Ellinger, Texas on October 2, 1912, the daughter of the late Frank and Pauline (Miller) Cook. Elsie was a very talented quilt maker and could make some of the best Kolaches in Fayette county. Elsie was a hard worker and a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by: daughters, Ruby Bertsch and husband Leon of Sweeny,Tx; Vivian Renner and husband Wayland of Bloomingrove,Tx; grandchildren, Jerral Johnson and wife Cindy of Bellville,Tx; Elizabeth McGraw and husband Todd of Bloomingrove,Tx; Micheal Bertsch and wife Kelly of Sweeny, Tx; Mark Bertsch and wife Patti of Bay City, Tx; Marie Nairn and husband Ralph of Sweeny, Tx; Miron Bertsch and wife Julie of Tomball, Tx; Melinda Goodrum and husband Tim of Clute, Tx.
She is also survived by Great-Grandchildren, Carissa Johnson; Jerrad Johnson;Laura Bertsch; Amy Bertsch;Kyle, Wade, and Ross Nairn;Lindsey Bertsch; Leigh Bertsch; Sara Bertsch; Travis Bertsch;Katie and Lainie McGraw.
Mrs. Zatopek was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; eight brothers and sisters; great-granddaughter, Haley Bertsch;
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellinger, TX, at 10:00AM on Monday, March 2nd, with Rev Fr. Stephen Nesrsta officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Marys Catholic Church Cemetery Ellinger, TX.
Friends may call Koenig & Strickland JECMENEK Chapel in Ellinger Sunday 5:00-7:00PM with a Holy Rosary being recited at 6:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church 815 St. Mary’s Church Rd Ellinger, Tx .
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home
Family Names: Zatopek
1914-2010
Anita Zophia (Sladek) Zapalac, 95, long time La Grange resident, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Monument Hill Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
Anita was born on July 30, 1914 in Fayetteville, Texas to the late R.C. and Anna (Zapalac) Sladek. She was united in marriage with Louis Zapalac on June 10, 1935 and to this marriage two sons were born. She was a prominent and well respected business woman in La Grange until her retirement in 1978. She was very active after her retirement playing Bingo, fishing at the coast with her family, and traveling with her dear friends, Amanda Petras and Virginia Adamcik. Anita was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Sacred Heart Altar Society, and the hospital auxiliary.
Anita is survived by her two sons, Dr. Robert Zapalac and wife Mary of Alexandria, Virginia; Jim Zapalac and wife Sheron of La Grange; grandson, Russell Zapalac of Austin; granddaughters, Amy Heiden and husband David of Alexandria, Virginia; Laurie Zapalac of Boston, Massachusetts; Julie Zapalac of Lewisville; great-grandsons, David Francis and James Robert Heiden of Alexandria, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers: John, Arnold, Frank, and Ernest Sladek; and two sisters: Bessie Knesek and Mary Prasifka.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange, Texas, with Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz and Deacon Mike Meismer officiating. Interment will follow in the La Grange City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, 208 W. Pearl Street, La Grange, Texas.
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home
Family Names: Sladek, Zapalac, Knesek, Prasifka
1915-2012
Lillie Millie (Kulhanek) Zapalac, 96, of La Grange, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange.
Lillie was born in Colorado County, Texas on September 28, 1915, the daughter of the late Albert and Annie (Tomascheck) Kulhanek. She married Ben J. Zapalac on November 10, 1936 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger, Texas.
Lillie was a house wife and worked part-time at Kruez Meat Market. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a charter member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Annunciation #1962 since it was instituted in March, 1966.
She is survived by one daughter, Kay Karstedt and husband, James Karstedt, Sr. of La Grange; sister, Margie Halfmann and husband, Joe of Columbus; two sisters-in-law: Johnnie Mae Kulhanek and Bernice Zapalac both of La Grange; three grandchildren: James Karstedt, Jr. and wife, Julie; Katina Kunetka; John Karstedt and wife Bonny all of La Grange; five great grandchildren: Calley, Kolby and Madelyn Karstedt, Barrett and Wyatt Kunetka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben, of 67 years; seven sisters and 2 brothers.
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home
Family Names: Kulhanek, Zapalac, Tomascheck, Kunetka
1916-2009
Mrs. Vlasta Madeline Vasek, 92, of Fayetteville, TX. died Saturday, January 24th, 2009.
Vlasta was born in Colorado County, Texas on May 15, 1916, the daughter of the late Joesph and Marie (Kulhanek) Canik. She Married Jerome J. Vasek in Frelsburg,Texas. She was preceded in death by her: Parents, Husband, Brothers: Rudolf, Joe, Alfred, August: Sisters, Mary Janish, Christina Pavlicek, Hermina Kubicek, Bertha Wostarek.
She is survived by Daughters Gladys Schwartz wife of Harold, Jr. of Brenham,TX; Mary Ann Coufal wife of William of La Grange,TX; Son Larry Vasek of Fayetteville; Sister, Tonie Halfmann of New Ulm,TX; Sisters In Law, Lorene Canik of Fayetteville,TX; Evelyn Kneblik wife of Arnold of Fayeteville; Brother in Law, Lad Vasek husband of Margie of Fayetteville,TX. She is also survived by 6 Grandchildren, and10 Great Grandchildren.
Family request donations to St. John’s Catholic Church Fayetteville, TX .
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home
1950-2010
Leroy Frank Vasut, 59, of Fayetteville, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 25th, 2010 at St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange, Texas.
Leroy was born in Fayetteville, Texas on November 22, 1950, the son of the late Frank J. and Vlasta Annie (Kollaja) Vasut.
He is survived by sister Doris Baker and husband Jay of Fayetteville; niece Jennifer Baker Schulze, husband Nathan, and daughter Colbey of Fayetteville; niece Amanda Pennybaker and children Sierra and Tristan of Austin; three nephews Nicholas Baker of Rockport, Johnnie Vasut and friend Robyn Zientek of Fayetteville, Jason Vasut and wife Wendy, and children Kaylee, Kyler and Kolten of Fayetteville; and special friends Mary Ervey of Fayetteville, Becky Ulbig of Paige, and Victor Ulbig of La Grange and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers John and Daniel Vasut, and several uncles and aunts.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 26th from 4 – 7:30 P.M. at Koenig & Strickland Knesek Chapel in Fayetteville. A rosary will be recited immediately following visitation at 7:30 P.M.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 10:00 A.M. at Koenig & Strickland Knesek Chapel with Rev. Fr. Stephen Nesrsta officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Family request donations be made to the American Cancer Society, St John’s Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home
1918-2011
Estella Justina Vasut, 92, of Houston, Texas (formerly of Fayetteville, Texas), passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Trucare Living Center in Columbus, Texas.
Estella was born in Fayetteville, Texas, on October 7, 1918, the daughter of the late Emil and Johanna “Jennie” (Slovacek) Coufal. She was baptized by Rev. Henry Juren in the Fayetteville Brethren Church and was confirmed at Industry Brethren Church by Rev. Anton Motycka where she played the organ for the confirmation class.
Estella married Edward “Eddie” W. Vasut on August 7, 1938, in La Grange, Texas after which they moved to Dallas. During WWII they moved to Freeport where her husband accepted a job in the Dow Chemical Plant. In 1959 they moved to Houston. She worked as a Sales Clerk for Palais Royale and retired in 1982 after 18 years of service.
Estella was a life-long member of the Unity of the Brethren Church, a member of the Christian Sisters Society in Fayetteville and Houston, an honorary member of the Fayetteville Brethren Christian Sisters Society and an organist/pianist at both churches. She was also active in the PTA and volunteered in the school library.
She is survived by three sons: Edward James Vasut and wife, Nancy, of Columbus; David Dean Vasut and wife, Janis, and Terry Lee Vasut and wife, Karen all of Houston; sister Doris Miller and husband, Leland; sister-in-law Adelle Coufal all of Fayetteville; four grandchildren: Brent David Vasut and wife, Sara; Sarah Louise Vasut Rose and husband, John; Rachel Louise Vasut Phan and husband, Quan; and Lindsey Leigh Vasut; three great grandchildren: Claire Katherine, Carsten Alexander, and Caden Brent Vasut; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Estella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eddie, who passed away on October 6, 2007; daughter Roxanne Vasut Harris; brother Emmett Coufal; and sister Ruby Reid.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Fayetteville Brethren Church in Fayetteville.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., immediately following visitation, on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Fayetteville Brethren Church with Rev. Milton Maley and Rev. Vanessa Mitchell officiating. A private burial will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fayetteville Brethren Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 11, Fayetteville, TX 78940.
Source: Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home