ANNA MACH

Rosenberg Herald Coaster, date unknown

Rites Saturday for Mrs. Mach

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Mach, 79, are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Saturday in the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner and at 9 a.m. in St. Cecil Methodius [sic] Catholic Church.

Rev. John J. Hanacek will officiate at the services. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home in Shiner. Burial will be in the S.P.J.S.T. Cemetery, Shiner.

Mrs. Mach died Thursday morning in a Richmond nursing home. A native of Czechoslovakia, she came to the United States in 1906, arriving at Galveston on Aug. 4.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. John J. Pasteka of Needville, Mrs. Vlasta Bubenik of Houston and Mrs. Anna Bubenik of Alice; eight sons, Rudolph Mach of Needville, Joe Mach of Port Lavaca, Henry Mach and Adolph Mach, both of Alice, Edward Mach of Needville, Emil Mach of Monroe, La., Laddie Mach of Alice and Frank Mach of Spearman; two sisters, Mrs. Theresa Mikes of Moulton and Mrs. Christina Keolancy of Shiner; a brother, Frank Panus of Shiner; 27 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARGARET CINADR MACH

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, February 1, 1977

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Margaret Mach, 52, of Houston died at 9:10 p.m. Sunday in a Houston hospital.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Rev. Henry Psencik and the Rev. Stanley Petru officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hallettsville.

Mrs. Mach was born April 18, 1924, in Lavaca County, and married Peter Mach Jr. on Nov. 9, 1948, in Hallettsville.

Surviving are her husband; two brothers, Joe Cinadr of Houston and Edward Cinadr of Hallettsville; and four sisters, Mrs. Mary Jansky and Mrs. Annie Kanak of Hallettsville and Mrs. Justina Janak and Mrs. Lillie Herman of Houston.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ALEX EDWARD MACHA

Victoria Advocate, 17 Sep 2002

Alex E. Macha

YOAKUM - Alex Edward Macha, 81, of Yoakum, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002.

He was born Jan. 9, 1921, in Shiner, to the late Charles and Mary Konecny Macha. He was a retired sausage maker for Eddy's Packing and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He was a retired Staff Sgt for the U.S. Army.

Survivors: sons, Larry Macha and Ronnie Macha, both of Yoakum; sister, Viola Stewart of San Antonio; brother, Charles Macha of Mission Viejo, Calif.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Preceded in death by: wife, Lorene Lauer Macha; and parents.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE KALICH MACHA

The Cuero Record, Tuesday, July 24, 1962

Funeral services for Mrs. Joe Macha will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church Wednesday at 9 a.m. Rev. William Jansen will officiate.

Mrs. Macha died Monday in a local hospital of a heart attack. The 69-year-old Stratton resident had been in ill health for several days.

Rosary will be said in St. Michael's for Mrs. Macha at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be Wednesday in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Yoakum.

Survivors include the husband, Joe Macha; six daughters, Mrs. Henry Hanus of Skidmore, Mrs. Oscar Trlica of Sinton, Mrs. George Sumbera of Victoria, Mrs. Paul Hanus of Dinero and Mrs. Bernard Neslony of Alice; one son, Willie Joe Macha of Yoakum; four brothers, Reinhold Kalich, Henry Kalich, Joe Kalich and Antone Kalich, all of Victoria; seven sisters, Mrs. Howard Conwell of Thomaston, Mrs. F.W. Macha of Seguin, Mrs. Sam Mills of Corpus Christi, Mrs. Reinhold Neitchman of Victoria, and Mrs. Mary Neitelman, Mrs. Arnold Meyer and Mrs. Oscar Schlinke, Jr. all of Cuero; and 18 grandchildren.

Note only five daughters were listed in the obituary. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

E. E. "Ed" MACHA

Cuero Record, Friday, April 10, 1954

E. E. (Ed) Macha, 76-year-old Yoakum businessman, died there Thursday at 7 p.m. in a Yoakum hospital. He had been ill for some time.

He was born at Moulton on Feb. 26, 1888 a son of Joseph and Julia Macha.

At one time he and his wife resided on a farm in the Yoakum community, but for the past number of years head operated a business in Yoakum.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Edith Macha of Yoakum; one daughter, Mrs. Robert Keil of San Antonio; two sons, Wilson of Yoakum and Joe Macha of Cuero; four grandchildren; three brothers, W.M. Macha of Yoakum; Louis of Schulenburg and Alex Macha of Mission.

Mr. and Mrs. Macha resided at 604 E. Hugo St. in Yoakum.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from Buffington Funeral Home, the Rev. Gerald S. Wascom of The First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Shiner City Cemetery.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHN MACHA, Sr.

Weimar Mercury, May 9, 1913

Hallettsville New Era: John Macha, Sr., one of the old-time and solid Bohemian resident of this county, died at his home near Kinkler Tuesday at 6 p.m., after an illness of locked bowels. The funeral was largely attended by a host of friends and relatives, in the cemetery at Vsetin, Rev. Motycka officiating.

Mr. Macha was aged 79 years, was a native of Bohemia, Austria, but had resided in this county some thirty years.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JULIE MACHA

Shiner Gazette, 17 Dec 1902

Little Julie Macha, the four-months-old child of Mr. Joe Macha, died last Wednesday night at Yoakum, where it had been sent for treatment. The funeral took place Thursday evening in the city cemetery. This is the second death in Mr. Macha’s family, he having lost his wife only a few weeks since. He has the sympathy of his numerous friends.

Julie Macha, 28 Cvc 1902 – 10 Dec 1902, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

LORENE BARBARA LAUER MACHA

newsclipping probably from the Victoria Advocate

Yoakum—Lorene Barbara Macha, 71, of Yoakum died Monday, Oct. 5, 1992.

She was born Dec. 4, 1920, in Yoakum to the late Joseph and Virginia Albrecht Lauer. Mrs. Macha was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a homemaker.

Survivors: husband, Alex Macha; sons, Larry Macha and Ronald Macha, both of Yoakum; sisters, Roberta Rohan of Sweet Home, Gladys Hoffer of Hallettsville, Magaline Nickel of Yoakum, Virginia Fitch of Tyler, Genevieve Knox of Cuero and Jean Trammell of Victoria; brother, Joe Lauer of Yoakum; and three grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, the Rev. Gabriel Mensah officiating.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARY MACHA

Shiner Gazette, 26 Nov 1902

DIED.

At her home in Shiner, Sunday night, November 23, at 11 o’clock, Mrs. Mary Macha, wife of Mr. Joe Macha. Mrs. Macha had been ill for some time and the disease finally developed into pneumonia, to which she finally succumbed. She was but 33 years old and leaves a husband and eight children, seven boys and one girl, to mourn her untimely taking off. The many friends of the family join in offering sympathy to the bereaved ones. The funeral took place yesterday at 10 o’clock a. m., in the city cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Shiner Gazette, 26 Nov 1902

Messrs. Frank Bucek and Vinc Motl, of Moulton, were down yesterday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mary Macha.

Marie Macha, 23 Jan 1871 – 23 Nov 1902, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

EVA MACHAC

Hallettsville New Era, 24 Dec 1909

Birth and Death Record.

DEATHS

Dec 10—Eva Machac, aged 76 years, senility, old age, Sublime.

JOHN MACHAC

Shiner Gazette, 16 Jan 1908, page 1

Farmer Hangs Himself.

Halletsville, Texas, January 13. – John Machac, a Bohemian farmer residing on the Dickey place about six miles east of here, committed suicide early this morning by hanging himself to the limb of a tree in his yard. An inquest was held by Justice of the Peace, Peterson. No cause is known for the act, but the family state that he has been acting strangely for some time, and it is thought that he was becoming mentally unbalanced. It is said the act was committed during the early morning hours. When the family awoke this morning he was found hanging to the tree. Two other brothers are said to have killed themselves in the same manner. Machac was about 45 years old and an industrious farmer.

John Machac, 12 May 1862 – 13 Jan 1908, husband of Tereza, was buried in the Vsetin Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

NOEL MACHAC

Victoria Advocate, 7 Jul 2007

NOEL MACHAC

LAKE JACKSON - Noel Machac, 74, of Lake Jackson, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2007. He was born Jan. 2, 1933, in Yoakum, to Joe and Glenna Machac.

Noel served in the U.S. Air Force. He came to the Brazosport area in 1955. He retired from Dow after 25 years of service.  Noel was a member and past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a member of the Elks Lodge, and also a member of Chapelwood Methodist Church. Noel was a world traveler; he especially loved to visit Nevada. He was also a championship chili cooker and won many awards. He loved to spend time on the porch at his beach house and at his home on Shy Pond, hanging with "Bubba the Goose."

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Lake Jackson; two children, Donna Cowart and Jay of Angleton, and Mark Machac and wife, Sandi Warren, of Houston; and one brother, Joe Machac of Houston; and one sister, Karen Duke of Austin.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Craig Machac.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANK P. MACHACEK

Victoria Advocate, 5 Oct 1973, page 12A

Frank Machacek

SHINER - Funeral services were held Thursday for Frank P. Machacek, 71, who died at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday in a Shiner hospital.

Mr. Machacek was born Sept. 9, 1902 in Lavaca County.

Services were held from Shiner Catholic Church at 2 p.m. and burial followed in Shiner Catholic Cemetery, under direction of Buffington Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife Mrs. Margaret Machacek; two brothers, Ed of Corpus Christi and Anton Machacek of Shiner; three sisters, Mrs. Annie Korenek, Mrs. Johnny Knezek and Mrs. Art Steinbauer, all of Shiner.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN J. MACHACEK

Victoria Advocate, Saturday, May 25, 1968

SHINER—John J. Machacek, 62, of Shiner, died at 8:30 a.m. Friday in a local hospital.

Mr. Machacek was born June 23, 1905, in Lavaca County.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 10:45 a.m. at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel and 11 a.m. at Shiner Catholic Church. Burial will be in Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

A rosary will be recited Saturday at 7:45 p.m. by the KJT Society and at 8 p.m. by the parishioners.

Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Annie Korenek and Mrs. Johnnie Knezek of Shiner and Mrs. W.A. Steinbauer of New Braunfels; and five brothers, Joe, Frank, Anton and Emil Machacek of Shiner and Edward Machacek of Corpus Christi.

John Machacek was the son of Peter Machacek and Matilda Novak. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOSEPH H. MACHACEK

Shiner Gazette, 27 May 1971, page 1

Services Held For WWI Veteran Joe Machacek

Joseph J. Machacek, Sr. died at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 1971 at the Trinity Lutheran Home, Shiner, where he had been a resident for two weeks. He reached the age of 75 years, 4 months and 21 days.

The body lay in state at the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, until 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 17 when it was conveyed to the Shiner Catholic Church where services were held at 9:30 a.m. with a Requiem Mass offered by the Rev. Msgr. John J. Hanacek.

Burial was in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Daniel, Benjamin and Robert Machacek, all of Shiner, Joe Machacek III of Point Comfort, Eugene Machacek of Port Lavaca, and Alton Faltysek of Rosenberg.

Participating in the impressive military rites were American Legion members of Kolar-Stanek Post No. 201, Shiner. Color-bearers and color guards were Frank Janda, Adolph Pesek, Arthur Lucke and O.S.T. Meyer. Squad leader was Rudy Filip and members of the firing squad were Jim Dusek, Carlos D. Wenske, Raymond Kocian, Walter Buesing and Laddie Stluka. Ed Jaks folded the flag which was presented to the widow of the deceased by Chaplain Curt Messer. The sounding of “Taps,” pre-recorded by Leonard Darilek, concluded the graveside ritual.

Rosary recitations were at the Buffington Chapel Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m. by the Parishioners, Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus and at 7:45 p.m. by the KJT Society.

Joseph J. Machacek was born December 24, 1895 in Austria (now Czechoslovakia). He was one of 15 children, nine of whom were born in his native land. Six of the nine, four boys and two girls, died in infancy. He, his parents, Peter and Mathilda (Novak) Machacek, brother, Frank, and sister, Annie, came to America arriving at New York January 4, 1905 after a two-week ocean voyage. Mr. Machacek celebrated his 9th birthday aboard ship. In New York they transferred to another ship en route to Galveston. They continued their journey by train to Shiner where they visited with relatives. After two weeks they located near Praha where they farmed for three years, then five years in the Beasley School community near Shiner and two years at Dilworth, before returning to Shiner.

During World War I, he served with the U.S. Army. He was inducted May 25, 1918 at Hallettsville and was discharged December 2, 1918 at Camp Dix, N. J. with the rank of Corporal assigned to Co. 28, 7 Bn., 153rd Depot Brigade Camp.

On November 11, 1924, he was married to Rosie Svatek in Saints Cyril and Methodius’ Catholic Church, Shiner, with the Rev. Joseph Hudecek performing the ceremony. They made their home at Shiner and farmed for their livelihood. Five sons were born to them.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Rosie Machacek of Shiner; five sons, Julius and Joe Machacek Jr of Shiner, August Machacek of Port Lavaca, John and Laddie Machacek of Houston; four brothers, Frank, Anton and Emil Machacek, all of Shiner, Edward Peter Machacek of Corpus Christi; three sisters, Mrs. Joe (Annie) Korenek, Mrs. Johnnie (Hattie) Knezek, Mrs. William Art (Mary) Steinbauer, all of Shiner; 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, February 27, 1937; his mother, February 28, 1958 and five brothers, John Joe Machacek, May 24, 1968; Joe, at the age of six years; three named Peter, died as infants; two sisters, Annie, at the age of two years, and Mary, as an infant.

Mr. Machacek was a faithful member of the Shiner Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, KJT Society and the Shiner American Legion Post. He was an industrious citizen a kind and loving husband and father and helpful neighbor. Sincerest sympathy is extended to his bereaved family.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOYCE LORENE KONCABA MACHACEK

Victoria Advocate, 27 Dec 2008

JOYCE L. MACHACEK

MOULTON - Joyce Lorene Machacek, age 48, died on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. She was born on Sept. 22, 1960, in Shiner to Adolph and Lorene Pilat Koncaba Sr. She worked at Kaspar Wireworks and was a Catholic.

Survivors: mother, Lorene Koncaba of Moulton; husband, Emil Machacek of Moulton; daughter, Jeana Machacek of Cost; son, Michael Machacek of Shiner; brothers, Adolph Koncaba Jr. of Shiner, and Glen Koncaba and wife Julie of Shiner; one granddaughter, Allyson Rouse.

Preceded in death by her father, Adolph Koncaba Sr.

Rosary is on Sunday at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton.

Funeral service is on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton with the Rev. Bob Fisher officiating. Burial is at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Anthony Kristek, Kristy Koncaba, Brian Koncaba, Jeff Pilat, Kenneth Hanzel and Zachary Pilat.

Memorial contributions may be given to the donor's choice.

On-line guest book may be signed at thielecooper.com.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum, 361-293-5656.

Contributed by Matt Cross

LOUISE MACHACEK

Shiner Gazette

DEATH OF CHILD

Funeral services for Louise Machacek, aged 2 years, 2 months and 3 days, were held from the family residence to the Shiner Catholic Church on Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Rud. Hoffmann officiating. Interment followed in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Machacek and passed away at the family home on March 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Surviving are her parents and one sister, Dorothy.

The Gazette extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved survivors.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARGARET KUBICEK MACHACEK

Shiner Gazette, 13 Jun 1985

Margaret Machacek Rites

Mrs. Margaret Machacek of Shiner, age 83 years, 5 months and 3 days, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 1985 at 4:10 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Home in Shiner, where she was a resident since Mar. 18, 1983.

The body lay in state at the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, until 9:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, when it was conveyed to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church where Holy Mass was offered at 10:00 a.m. by the Rev. Patrick Fidgeon.

Burial was in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers were James Sofka, Edward Machacek, Edwin Machacek, Johnny Ray Knezek, all of Shiner; Frank Bannert Jr. and Mark Bannert, both of Houston.

Rosary was recited at the Buffington Chapel Wednesday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. by the parish and at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in church by the KJZT and Altar Societies.

Mrs. Machacek, one of five children, was born December 31, 1901 near Moulton, daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Branecky) Kubicek, natives of Frelsburg and Praha, Texas, respectively.  During her early childhood, her family moved to a farm in the Charlottenburg community near Shiner, where she since resided continuously.

On October 20, 1931, she was married to Frank Peter Machacek in the Shiner Catholic Church with the Rev. L.P. Netardus conducting the ceremony.  They made their home on part of the Kubicek farm, consequently, she lived most of her life farming the family homestead with her husband who died Oct. 3, 1973.

For the past two years, she had a very happy and productive life at the Trinity Lutheran Home, and was appreciative of the staff's care and attention.

She was very active in the nursing home's social activities, including quilt making, knitting, playing bingo, etc.  She loved to visit and talk with the staff and friends, always relying on her sense of humor to add joy to her life, as well as to others.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Dec. 1, 1945; her mother, May 5, 1952; two brothers, Jerome "Jerry" Kubicek, in 1900, at 7 years; John Ben Kubicek, Feb. 13, 1983; and two sisters Mrs. Johanna "Janie" Sofka Bujnoch, May 31, 1984, at the age of 96 years; and Annie Kubicek, in infancy.  Mrs. Machacek was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FREDDIE LEE MACHALEC

San Antonio Express, Wednesday, April 19, 1950

FLATONIA, April 18.—Burial services for Freddie Lee Machalec, 9, Flatonia, who died in a Galveston hospital, were held Tuesday in Moulton.

Survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Machalec, and two brothers.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ESTELLE J. MACHART

 Victoria Advocate -  July 22, 2010

YOAKUM - Estelle J. (Hanys) Machart, 88, of Yoakum died July 20, 2010. She was born on June 22, 1922 to Willie J. and Josephine Berkovsky Chaloupka in Sweet Home.  She married Marvin O. Hanys on June 23, 1947 and after thirty-two years she was widowed for seven years and married Gus A. Machart on Feb. 1, 1986 and they were married for twenty years. She retired from Torel Leather Co. and was very active in the Sweet Home American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Estelle is survived by: a daughter, Alice M. and her husband Ralph Manning of Yoakum; a son, Denis G. Hanys and his wife Pamela of Houston; three grandchildren, Alicia and her husband Lynn Neubauer of Lake Jackson, Angela Manning of San Antonio and Jared Manning and his wife Tracy of New Braunfels; and three great-grandchildren, Allison, Brett and Blake Neubauer of Lake Jackson.

Estelle was preceded in death by: her first husband, Marvin O. Hanys; second husband, Gus A. Machart; parents; three brothers, Eugene, Alfred and Willie Chaloupka; three sisters, Viola Cabla, Ella Slovacek and Ruby Schroeder; a brother-in-law, Leroy Hanys; and two great-grandchildren Riley and Reese Manning.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m., at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial will follow atSt. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum.  Pallbearers: Jared Manning, Lynn Neubauer, Eric Hanys, Drew Pattillo, Richard Cabla and Ladis Cabla. Honorary pallbearers: Alicia Neubauer, Angela Manning, Tracy Manning, Jana Loy Pattillo and Amy Riley.

Memorials: donor's choice or St. Joseph School Endowment Fund. 

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

MARTIN MACHART

Shiner Gazette, 16 Feb 1911

A very sad accident happened at the home of Mr. Vinc Machart last Monday morning. During the absence of the parents from the house the children were left alone in the house for a short time, and one of them, a little four-year-old boy, attempted to climb a ladder reaching to the loft, and when not more than four or five feet from the floor fell and broke his neck and when the mother returned from the field she found the child lying dead on the floor. The child was buried Tuesday in the Catholic cemetery. The sorrow stricken parents have our sympathy.

Martin Machart, son of Vaclav Machart and Marie Riha Machart, 30 Jan 1908 – 13 Feb 1911 (dates per death certificate). Contributed by Matt Cross

ALFRED MAEKER

Shiner Gazette, 8 Mar 1905, Dryer [Dreyer] Notes column

We are grieved to report the death of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. W. Maeker, which occurred last Saturday morning. Its death was a great shock to its parents, in that it was ill only a day or two before its death. The remains were laid to rest in the Shiner cemetery. We offer condolences to the grief stricken parents and relatives.

Alfred Maeker, 7 Nov 1901 – 25 Feb 1905, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN MAEKER

Shiner Gazette, 19 Sep 1907

Mr. John Maeker, aged 93 years, died last Monday evening at the home of his son, Chas. Maeker, and was buried Tuesday in the K. of P. cemetery in Shiner.

There is a John Maeker, with marker dated 1809-1906, in the Shiner City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHN MAEKER, Sr.

Shiner Gazette, 26 Sep 1906

Mr. John Maeker Sr., of near Dryer [sic.], died last Saturday at the age of 63 years. The burial took place on Sunday in the Shiner cemetery, and the obsequies were performed by Rev. Wm. Dziewas. The immediate family and other relatives have our deepest sympathy.

Johan Maeker, 24 Jan 1843 - 22 Sep 1906, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Hermann Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

EMMA HOLLUB MAGEE

Victoria Advocate, Monday, October 3, 1966

Mrs. A. L. Magee

Advocate News Service
YOAKUM -- Mrs. A. L. Magee, 71, of Yoakum, died at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. A lifetime resident of the Yoakum area, she was born March 5, 1895, at Victoria Prairie.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Gladys Terreo and Mrs. Annie Marie Brewer, both of Yoakum; two brothers, Anton and William Hollub, both of Yoakum; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Dubose of Yoakum, Mrs. Frances Harrell of San Antonio and Mrs. Lon Harrell of Floresville; a step-sister, Mrs. A. E. Tilley of Yoakum; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Buffington Funeral Home chapel. Services will be Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. at the chapel and at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. John Matocha officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

BERNHARD MAIKOETTER

Shiner Gazette, 13 Jul 1911, page 1, Local News Items and Personal Mention column

The death was reported Monday of Mr. B. Maikoether near Moulton. Mr. Maikoether was about 60 years old and was a member of Bluecher Lodge No. 20, O. D. H. S. The funeral took place Tuesday at Moulton.

Bernhard Maikoetter, 4 May 1846 – 10 Jul 1911, was buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moulton. Contributed by Matt Cross

MAIR Infant

Weimar Mercury, 9 Jul 1892, page 4

Victoria Advocate.

A telegram from Halletsville yesterday announced the death of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. w. A. Mair.

CORA BERCKENHOFF MAKER

Shiner Gazette, 26 Jun 1986, page 4B

Cora Maker Services Held Sunday

Mrs. Cora Maker of Shiner died at 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 1986 at her residence after an illness of some duration. She suffered injuries from a fall in August of last year, from which she never fully recovered.

Cora Berckenhoff Maker, the eldest of three children, was born August 4, 1904 in Shiner, daughter of Albert Joseph “A.J.” and Augusta (Eschenburg) Berckenhoff, natives respectively of the Mulberry, Lavaca County, and Middle Creek, Fayette County, communities. She was reared in the family home in Shiner, and attended the Shiner Public School, graduating with the class of 1922. She also attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio.

On Sept. 12, 1927, she was married to Leon L. Maker at the home of her parents with the Rev. L. P. Netardus officiating. The couple made their home in Shiner, where they were engaged in raising cattle and she, with her husband, owned and operated the Palace Theatre for almost 40 years. Her husband died Sept. 24, 1960. Following his death, she continued to operate the theatre for some six years.

Mrs. Maker was a member of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner.

Rosary was recited at Buffington Funeral Home in Shiner Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m., led by the Rev. Patrick Fidgeon.

Funeral services were held at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 22 with Father Fidgeon officiating.

Darryl Kalich served as lector and altar attendants were Bobby Kneifel, Patrick and Steven Patek.

Burial followed in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were his [sic] brother-in-law, Ewald Effenberger of Edna; a cousin, Kermit Eschenburg of Kenedy; neighbors and friends, Dr. R.J. Wagner, Henry Kalich, Carl Goerte, and Victor Kneifel, all of Shiner.

Surviving are her twin sisters, Miss Florine Berckenhoff of Shiner, Mrs. Ewald (Earline) Effenberger of Edna; two nieces, Miss Cynthia Effenberger of San Antonio; Mrs. Patrick (Sara) Doerning of Alexandria, Va.; and a nephew, Michael Effenberger of Houston.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Nov. 22, 1945; and her mother, May 1, 1965.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANCES A. MAKOVY

Victoria Advocate, Thursday, January 27, 1966

YOAKUM—Mrs. Frances A. Makovy, 76, longtime resident of Yoakum, was found burned to death in her burning home about 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Her body was found after an alarm had been turned in by neighbors. Mrs. Makovy lived alone.

Matt Chudej, Lavaca County justice of the peace, returned at verdict of death due by fire caused accidentally. Mrs. Makovy's body was found three or four feet from an open space heater. Fire Chief Elmer Hanna said that apparently her clothing had become ignited from the fire.

The body of Mrs. Makovy was found in a bedroom. However, the house was not badly damaged by the fire, with most of the damage confined to the one room and the attic.

Mrs. Makovy was born Oct. 16, 1890 in Lavaca County.

Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m . Thursday at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the chapel, and at 9:15 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Her husband died in 1949.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Frank Albrecht of Yoakum, Mrs. Lillian Labuda of Kingsville and Mrs. George Bowman of Agua Dulce; two sons, Robert of Seguin, and Leonard of Agua Dulce and 16 grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ROBERT ANTON MAKOVY

The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise, Wednesday, Jan 26, 1994

A funeral mass will be said for Robert Anton Makovy, 73, of Seguin, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas O'Callaghan officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 28 in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home and under the auspices of American Legion Post #245.

Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Thursday. A rosary will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. at Goetz Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Makovy died Tuesday, Jan. 25, in San Antonio.

Survivors include his wife, Pearl Makovy of Seguin; two daughters, Marilyn Knapp and husband Courtlin of Cedar Hill and Joyce Johnston and husband Eddie of Seguin; one sister, Genevieve Hill of San Marcos; four grandchildren, Claire and Laurie Knapp and Aaron and Anna Johnston.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank, Joseph and Leonard Makovy, and two sisters, Adele Albrecht and Lillian Labuda.

Pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post 245. Honorary pallbearers will ber Rufus Miller, Charles Read, Ladik Kocian, Manuel Rosas, Kenneth Bode and Harvey Woerndel.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ANNA SMISEK MALEC

Victoria Advocate, Saturday, March 13, 1965

Mrs. Walter Malec

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Walter Malec, 76, wife of the publisher of the Tribune in Hallettsville and other newspapers in this section of Texas, died in a local hospital Friday.

A solemn funeral high mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Alois J. Morkovsky will officiate.

The body will be returned to Kubena Funeral Home following the mass and will lie in state there until services at 4 p.m. Sunday. The body will be returned to the church for a service at 4:15 p.m. Sunday. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Mrs. Malec was especially well-known for her work in the Catholic Church. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the KJZT and the Catholic Workman.

She was born in Omaha, Neb., on Nov. 25, 1888, daughter of Mr. Smisek and Mrs. Mark Kunel Smisek. She was married to Walter Malec in Omaha, on Feb. 18, 1909.

Survivors are the husband; two sons, Richard of Hallettsville and Joe of Austin; four daughters, Miss Ann Malec and Mrs. Lawrence Rothbauer of Hallettsville, Mrs. Lawrence Biehunko of Moulton and Mrs. William Pearson of Austin; brother, William Smisek of Omaha; and 12 grandchildren.

Mrs. Malec was preceded in death by a son and a daughter.

Weimar Mercury, Thursday, March 18, 1965

Mrs. Walter Malec, Hallettsville, Dies

Funeral services were held Sunday at Hallettsville for Mrs. Anna Malec, 76, wife of Walter Malec, publisher of the Lavaca County Tribune and other papers.

Mrs. Malec died in her sleep early Friday at Renger Hospital after suffering a heart attack Thursday.

She was a native of Nebraska where she was married to Mr. Malec in 1909. They have lived in Hallettsville the past 35 years and also had lived there for a four-year period in the early 1900s.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

WALTER MALEC

Victoria Advocate, Friday, July 11, 1975

Walter Malec

HALLETTSVILLE—Walter Malec, 87, publisher emeritus and former publisher and owner of Hallettsville's biweekly newspaper, the Tribune-Herald, died Thursday at approximately 4 p.m. at his home here.

He was also the former publisher and owner of seven other area newspapers.

Mr. Malec was born in Ruda, Moravia, Czechoslovakia, on Sept. 3, 1887. He married the former Anna Smisek on Feb. 18, 1909, in Omaha, Neb. She preceded him in death on March 12, 1965.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the K.J.T. society. St. Isadore Society, State Historical Survey Association, and the Sons of the Republic.

The body will lie in state until Sunday at Kubena Funeral Home at 11:45 a.m. when it will be taken to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for services at 12:30 p.m. with Bishop John Morkovsky and the Rev. Stanley Petru officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Rosaries for the family be at 8 p.m. Friday, parish at 8 p.m. and society at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

Survivors include a son, Richard, of Hallettsville; four daughters, Miss Anna Malec and Mrs. Lawrence Rothbauer, both of Hallettsville, Mrs. Lawrence T. Biehunkio of Moulton and Mrs. William D. Pearson of Boston, Mass.; two brothers, Joe of Omaha and Bob of Palos Verdes, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Weimar Mercury, July 17, 1975

Hallettsville Publisher Malec Dies

Walter Malec, publisher emeritus of the Lavaca County Tribune-Herald and once head of a company that published seven area newspapers, died at his home in Hallettsville at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 10, a few hours after writing his final "Line or Two" editorical column. He was 87.

He had been ill for some time.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, with a mass concelebrated by Rev. Stanley Petru and Msgr. A.J. Morkovsky, assisted by Rev. Marcus Valenta of Praha, Rev. Vaclav Bily of Sweet Home, and Rev. Michael O'Shaughnessy of Yoakum.

Bishop John L. Morkovsky of the Houston-Galveston Diocese had led the family rosary Friday night.

Mr. Malec was a native of Czechoslovakia who came to this country in his early teens. His wife, the former Anna Smisek, whom he marrried in Nebraska in 1909, preceded him in death March 12, 1965.

They moved to Hallettsville shortly after their mariage, then a few years later returned to the cooler climate of the North on his doctor's advice. He and his family returned to Hallettsville in 1931, when he established the Lavaca County Tribune.

Five years ago the Tribune bought its Hallettsville competitor, the Herald, and operations of the two semi-weeklies were combined as the Tribune-Herald. In recent years the Malec Publishing Company had disposed of all seven of its papers, including the Tribune-Herald, which was sold last year to Buddy Preuss of Giddings. Mr. Malec stayed semi-active with the paper and two of his children were still associated with it. Richard Malec as publisher-editor and Miss Ann Malec as office manager.

Other survivors are three other daughters, Mrs. Lawrence Rothbauer of Hallettsville, Mrs. Lawrence T. Biehunko of Moulton and Mrs. William D. Pearson of Austin; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Joe Malec Sr. of Omaha, Nebraska, and Bob Malec of Palos Verdes, California.

Two sons, Walter Jr. and Joe, and a daughter, Margaret, preceded him in death.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

AUGUST MALIK

Dallas Morning News, March 16, 1913

Hallettsville, Tex., March 15.-- August Malik, a farmer residing about ten miles north of here, was shot in the temple with a 22-caliber rifle. He lived about four and a half hours after the shooting.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

GENEVA VIRGINIA MALIK

Tribune Herald, 25 Feb 2009

Shiner

Geneva Virginia Malik, age 69 years and 6 days passed away Thursday Feb. 12, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in Pasadena, Tex., surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer.

Geneva was born on Feb. 6, 1940 in Shiner, to William and Annie (Siegel) Bolech.

She graduated from St. Ludmila in 1958.

On May 19, 1960 she married Isidor Martin Malik, Jr., and to this union three children were born.

They moved to Houston where Geneva worked for Rice Food Market as a Receiving Clerk for 23 years.

After retiring, she moved to Hallettsville, and worked for Tandy Brands, Inc. for 10 years as a final inspector.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and former husband, Isidor Malik Jr.

Survivors include three children, Sharon Malik Culbertson and husband, David, Aaron Malik and Karon Malik King and husband, Dale; four granddaughters, Lauren, Elizabeth and Victoria Culbertson and Alexis Strech, daughter of Karon Malik King.

Other survivors include a sister, Maryann Pustejovsky and husband, Bohumir; a brother, Victor Bolech, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday Feb. 28 at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery, located at 154 CR 348 in Shiner, with Father Tommy Chen officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (Research) or charity of your choice.

Contributed by Regena Williamson

TOM MALINA

Weimar Mercury, 8 Dec 1894, page 2

Shiner cor. Herald:
Tom Malina, an old settler and respected farmer who lived about six miles west of Shiner committed suicide by taking arsenic. He was buried Sunday morning. Cause, it is said, was family trouble. He was insured in some New York company for $2000.

AUGUST MALINAK

Shiner Gazette, 26 Sep 1907, Halletsville News Notes column

Halletsville, Texas, Sept. 21. – August Malinak, the young Bohemian, who, while confined in the county jail on a charge of lunacy, tried to starve himself to death was taken to the poor farm, where he could better be cared for, is dead. While confined in one of the State asylums he twice escaped and came to the home of his father, a farmer residing near here.

This grave appears to be unmarked. Contributed by Matt Cross

F. J. MALONE

Colorado Citizen, 13 Dec 1891, page 2

Hallettsville Herald: The Houston Post of Sunday gives an account of the death of Col. F. J. Malone, at Beeville, on Saturday. From this it appears that Col. Malone settled in Lavaca county in 1850 and resided here until the breaking out of the war. Colonel Malone was marrked in 1850 to Miss Humphries, who survives him, besides nine grown children, a mother of over 90 years of age, and many other relatives and friends to mourn his untimely demise.

ADOLPH N. MALY

Victoria Advocate, June 12, 1999

MOULTON—Adolph N. Maly, 84, of Moulton, died Friday, June 11, 1999.

He was born Dec. 6, 1914, in Praha, to the late Joe and Mary Michulka Maly. He was a farmer and a Catholic.

Survivors: wife, Rosie M. Machicek Maly; daughters, Diana Machacek of Shiner and Dolores Wright of San Antonio; son, Robert Maly of Shiner; and four grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: sister, Bessie Maly.

A rosary/wake will be 7:30 p.m. today at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Moulton. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, (361) 594-3352.

Memorials: Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or Shiner Catholic School

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ELIZABETH MICHALEC MALY

Victoria Advocate, September 9, 2001

SHINER—Elizabeth Maly, 54, of Shiner, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2001.

She was born April 11, 1947, in Shiner, to Bessie Hundl Michalec of Shiner and the late Alfons Dolezal. She was a shipping supervisor for Torel Incorporated in Yoakum and a farmer and rancher. She was a member of Aggie Moms of Yoakum and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. She was a homemaker.

Survivors: husband, Robert Maly; daughter, Dawn Machacek of Shiner; son, Dwayne Scott Maly of Victoria; step-sisters, Jan Michalec of Shiner, Geraldine Butler and Edith Fordice, both of Miss.; half-brothers, David Michalec and Kenny Michalec, both of Shiner; step-brothers, Ed Michalec and Jim Michalec, both of Houston, and Marvin Michalec of Shiner; and one grandchild.

Preceded in death by: father.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. Monday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating.

Burial will be at Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, 361-594-3352.

Memorials: donor's choice.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

FRANK MANNING

Weimar Mercury, July 6, 1895 page 13

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

ANNIE FRANCIS SELZER MARBURGER

August 27, 1917 - February 11, 2013

Obituary from Smith Funeral Home, Moulton, Texas

Mrs. Annie F. Marburger age 95 of Moulton passed away February 11, 2013. Annie was born August 27, 1917 in Moulton to the late John Selzer and Rosie Divin Selzer. She was a homemaker, member of the Herman Sons and Zion Lutheran Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Oscar Marburger in 1984 and 2 brothers.

Survivors: 2 daughters-Shirley Maresh and husband Anthony of Moulton, Dorothy Matejcek and husband Bill of Henderson, 3 grand children-Donna Allison and husband Dale, Shelly Watson and husband Harold and Sheryl Friedrich, 7 great grand children-Rebecca Kitchens and husband Jeff, Joshua Sanders, Justin Jermigan and wife Chantell, Jacob Jermigan, Jesika Jones and husband Joshua, Devin and Jared Morrison, 3 great- great grand children –William Jermigan, Camilla Kitchens and Kara Jermigan.

Pallbearers: Devin and Jared Morrison, Rebecca Kitchens, Jesika Jones, Jacob Jermigan, Joshua Sanders

Visitation will start Wednesday February 13, 2013 at 8:00 am at the funeral home. Services will be held Thursday February 14, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Zion Lutheran Church-Moulton with Rev. Herbert Beyer officiating. Burial will follow at the Moulton City Cemetery.

Words of comfort maybe shared with the family at www.smithfuneralhomemoulton.com.

Smith Funeral home-404 West Bobkat Drive-Moulton, Texas 77975-

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

AUGUSTA MATHILDA ANNA MARBURGER

Marburger Child

Weimar Mercury, 30 Jul 1892, page 3

A genuine case of hydrophobia developed in the person of the 10-year-old daughter of Mr. Marburger, who lives a few miles from Witting, which resulted in her death Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The circumstances of this horrible event are as follows: About four weeks ago the family had spent the day from home. On returning the little girl was bitten on the face and wrist by one of the dogs around the house. Her father came to her relief and rescued the child, but was pursued by the dog into the house. The dog then jumped into a hog pen and bit three hogs, then left the place. It is believed he must have bit a mule of Mr. Henry Vollentine, which has since died with what is believed to have been hydrophobia. The little girl showed no signs of the effects of the bite until Monday afternoon, when she became ill. The poor child suffered terribly and died after about forty-eight hours of torture. Drs. Rabb and Eilers rendered all available medical aid, without much relief. The three hogs died and other hogs and dogs on the place have since been killed.

The Records of the Zion Evangelical LutheranChurch in Charlottenburg, Lavaca County, Texas identify the “Marburger Child” as Augusta Mathilda Anna Marburger. The tombstone at Witting Cemetery indicates she was born February 4, 1883 and died on July 20, 1892. Grave placement would indicate that Augusta was the Daughter of William and Louise (Nicholaj) Marburger.

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

JULIUS W. MARBURGER

The Shiner Gazette, August 15, 1913

The Victoria Advocate, August 9, 2013

YOAKUM - Julius W. Marburger, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2013.
He was born on December 22, 1919 in Wieting, Texas to Emil and Minnie Koch Marburger.
He was the assistant manager at Stanley's Supermarket, served in the U.S. Army and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Survivors: wife, Inez Zwerschke Marburger; daughter, Gayle Stasa and husband John of Yoakum; sons, Gary Marburger and wife Gwen of Onalaska, Garland Marburger and wife Allyson of Victoria and Greg Marburger of Yoakum; 8 grandchilden and 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, LaRay Behrens (Milton) of Austin, Viola Hagens, Evelyn Rab and Bernice Jirkovsky all of Yoakum; sisters-in-law, Joyce Pustka (Matt) and Irene Shimek (Johnny), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family visitation on Friday, August 9, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral service on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Pastor Jonathan Mielke officiating. Burial at Hermann Son's Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Garland Marburger, Gary Marburger, Jason Marburger, John Stasa, Donald Jirkovsky and Kirk Stasa.

Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

On-line guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

LOUIS ZWERNEMANN MARBURGER

Shiner Gazette, 15 Oct 1953, page 1

Burial Rites Of Mrs. Marburger Held in Moulton

Funeral services for Mrs. Robert Marburger of Shiner, Rt. 3, were conducted from the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, Monday, October 12 at 1 p.m. Religious rites were observed from Zion Lutheran Church, Moulton, conducted by the Rev. K. Windecker. Interment was in Moulton City Cemetery.

Mrs. Marburger passed away Saturday, October 10 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Laura Selzer, with whom she had made her home for two years.

Mrs. Marburger was born February 14, 1870, at Warrenton, Fayette County, and had reached the age of 83 years, 7 months and 26 days.

She was the daughter of Ludwig and Elizabeth Zwernemann, who preceded her to the grave.

Mrs. Marburger was married November 18, 1889, in Warrenton, by the Rev. Wm. Herms to Robert Marburger, who died April 1, 1943. Their first home was at Breslau. In 1909 they moved to Moulton. Farming was their occupation.

Survivors include two daughters and three sons, Mrs. Laura Selzer, Moulton; Mrs. Hugo (Hilda) Suehs, Caldwell; Otto and Oscar Marburger, Moulton; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Others preceding her in death were a daughter, Mrs. Charlie (Ella) Hartmann, two sisters, Mrs. Christian (Otilie) Spies and Mrs. Paul (Amelia) Suehs; also three brothers, Theo., August and Emil Zwernemann.

Pallbearers were Joe Luksovsky, Willie Schodde, Bill Wachtendorf, Chansey Hull, Emil Siems and Frank Rosenauer.

Contributed by Matt Cross

WILLIAM MARBURGER, Sr.

Shiner Gazette, 9 Mar 1911

Fatal Accident to Mr. Wm. Marburger, Sr.

A fatal accident happened to Mr. Wm. Marburger, Sr., last Thursday evening while walking across the railroad bridge near the Trautwein & Wolters gin. Mr. Marburger made a misstep, lost his balance and fell to the ground, a distance of about 18 feet. His spine was so badly injured that he became paralyzed. Everything that could be accomplished was done to relieve his suffering, but after lingering for two days, the end finally came last Sunday morning about 8 o’clock. The funeral took place Monday at Witting and was attended by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.

Mr. Marburger had but recently moved town, was a good citizen and well liked by everybody. He was 53 years old at the time of his death.

William Marburger, 9 Oct 1857 – 6 Mar 1911, was buried in the Witting Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE MAREK

Weimar Mercury, October 14, 1931

Mrs. Annie Marek Dead

Mrs. Annie Marek died last Thursday night at the home of her son, Joe at Bila Hora and was buried Friday eve at 4:30 p.m. in the Bila Hora cemetery, Rev. Piepenbrok of the Weimar Lutheran church officiating.

Mrs. Marek (nee Miss Annie Wojtek) was born in Austria, May 6, 1855 and was 69 years, 5 months old at the time of her death. Fifty-one years ago she was married to John Marek who preceded her to the grave six year ago. Ten children were bor to this union, one of which died a few days after birth. The living children are: Joe and John Marek, and Mrs. John Fojt of Bila Hora: Willie marek of Kinkler Mrs. Frank Peterek and Mrs. Martin Valla of Honey Creek, Mrs. Fritz Goette of Hackberry: Mrs. Anton Holly of Old Kinkler and Francis Marek of Radhost. She also was the grandmother of 48 children and great-grandmother of eight. Alson one step sister and a brother survive, Mrs. Paul Janus of Vestin and Joe Woytek of Rosenberg and other relatives and many friends.

Deceased has been suffering with dropsy for five years but was able to walk up until a month ago she was confined to her bed. May she rest in peace.—Hallettsville New Era

Contributed by Regena Williamson

ANNIE MAREK

Victoria Advocate, Saturday, March 19, 1977

Mrs. Marek

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Annie Marek, 95, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday in a Hallettsville hospital.

She was born in Washington County on Sept. 17, 1881. She married William Marek on Nov. 18, 1902, in Moravia, Tex. He died on Aug. 14, 1956.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Kubena Funeral Home here. Burial will be in City cemetery. The Rev. Henry Beseda will officiate.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Alvina Schumaker of Weimar, and Mrs. Hermina Spies of Hallettsville; 14 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Marek was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three sons.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ANNIE WOYTEK MAREK

Weimar Mercury, 14 Oct 1921, page 8

MRS. ANNIE MAREK DEAD.

Mrs. Annie Marek died last Thursday night at the home of her son, Joe, at Bila Hora and was buried Friday eve, at 4:30 p. m. in the Bila Hora cemetery, Rev. Piepenbrok of Weimar Lutheran Church officiating. 

Mrs. Marek (nee Miss Annie Woytek) was born in Austria May 6, 1852, and was 69 years old and 5 months at the time of her death. Fifty-one years ago she was married to John Marek who preceded her to the grave nine years ago. Ten children were born of this union, one of which died a few days after birth. The living children are: Joe and John Marek , and Mrs. John Fojt of Bila Hora; Willie Marek of Kinkler; Mrs. Frank Peterek and Mrs. Martin Valla of Honey Creek; Mrs. Fritz Goette of Hackberry; Mr. Anton Holly of Old Kinkler, and Frank Marek of Radhost. She was also the grandmother of 48 children and great grandmother of 8. Also one sister and a brother survive, Mrs. Paul Janda of Vsetin and Joe Woytek of Rosenberg and other relatives and manyfriends.

Deceased has been suffering with dropsy for five years, but was able to walk up until a month ago she was confined to her bed. May she rest in peace!—Halletsville New Era.

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

AUGUST EMIL MAREK

Weimar Mercury, 21 Jul 1944, page 1

Aug E. Marek, 46, Dies; Burial in Bila Hora Cemetery

August Emil Marek, formerly of the Bila Hora community, died at his home in Schulenburg at 10:55 p.m. Thursday, after two months' illness. He had been in poor health for the past 11 years.

Funeral services were held form the Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, with the Rev. C. Emigholz, pastor of the Weimar Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment was made in the Bila Hora Cemetery.

Mr. Marek was [born] in Hallettsville on Jan. 1. 1898 and spent most of his life there. He has lived the past three years near Schulenburg. He was united in marriage to Miss Alvina Dusek in November, 1920, and to this union three children were born. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Schulenburg.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Alvina Marek, two daughters, Elsie and Evelyn Marek; one child died in infancy; a half brother, Fritz Goette, of Hackberry; half sister, Mrs. L. Hartman of San Antonio.

The Mercury extends sympathy.

EDWARD J. MAREK, Sr.

Victoria Advocate, Wednesday, July 19, 1967

HALLETTSVILLE—Edward J. Marek Sr., 58, of Hallettsville, died at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday in a Yoakum hospital.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete Tuesday night.

Mr. Marek was a veteran of World War II, and a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include a son, Edward Jr., with the U.S. Army in Fresno, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Bill Johnson of Grand Chimier, La., and Gayle Marek of Hallettsville; a brother, Victor of Hallettsville; and two sisters, Mrs. Hermina Spies of Hallettsville and Mrs. Albina Schumaker of Weimar.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

JOHNNIE AUGUST MAREK

Gonzales Inquirer, Mar 27, 2009

Johnnie August Marek, 90, of San Antonio, formerly of Shiner and Gonzales, died Sunday, March 22, 2009.

He was born on December 14, 1918 in the Kokernot Community near Shiner in Gonzales County to Joseph and Theresa Pechacek Marek, the youngest of four sons. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corp during World War II as a clerk and messenger. He worked as a wholesale produce salesman in San Antonio after the war until his retirement in 1992.

On August 25, 1938 he was married to Mary Breitschopf, of Gonzales, in the Gonzales Catholic Church. They made their home in San Antonio, devoted to each other and their families.

Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Marek, on November 25, 1995; his father, on March 20, 1930; his mother, on February 19, 1979; three brothers, Albert Marek, on February 20, 1970, Joseph Marek, on August 15, 1998, Edward Marek, on July 29, 1993 and nephew, Daniel Marek, on December 12, 2008.

Funeral mass was celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, with Rev. Tommy Chen officiating.

Pallbearers were great nephews: Kenneth, Darryl and Randy Lauer of Yoakum, and Edward Jr., Michael and Matthew Kloesel of Victoria. Burial followed at the Shiner Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home of Yoakum.

Honorary pallbearers: Joe David Marek, Brenda Marek, Cynthia Kloesel, Barbara Lauer, Gary Lauer, Michael Lauer, Ronnie Lauer, Mary Vaclavic, Vicki White.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

On-line guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com.

Arrangements with Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum 361-293-5656

Contributed by Roland Beausoleil

JOSEPH MAREK

Weimar Mercury, 23 May 1952, page 5

Joseph Marek, 76, Buried Tuesday

Funeral services for Joseph Marek, 76. who died Monday morning at 12:15 in the Colonial Rest Home in Schulenburg, were held form Hubbard Funeral Home here Tuesday afternoon, May 20, with Rev. C. Emigholz officiating. Interment was in Bila Hora Cemetery.

Mr. Marek was born April 17, 1878, near Hackberry, the son of John and Anna Marek. He married Miss Frances Fojt Nov. 18, 1898, and they settled near Weimar.

Survivors include four sons, J. H. and Otto of Port Lavaca, V. J. of El Campo, and A. J. of Louise; five daughters, Mrs. Agnes Rosnovak of Bila Hora community, Mrs. P. O Bernar of La Grange, Mrs. Ben Davis of El Campo, Mrs. Augusta Kingston of San Antonio, and Mrs. Annie Bucanek of El Campo; three brothers, John of Oakland, Willie and Frank of Hallettsville; one sister, Mrs. France Valla of this area; 28 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Marek's wife and four of his sisters preceded him in death.

LARRY D. MAREK, Jr.

Victoria Advocate, Tuesday, July 20, 1976

Infant Marek

SHINER—Graveside services for Larry D. Marek Jr., infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Marek Sr. of Victoria, were held Monday at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

He was born Sunday at 4:30 p.m. in a Victoria hospital and died the same day.

Other survivors besides the parents are grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Justin Mach of New Gulf and a grandmother, Mrs. Percy Marek of Yoakum; a great-grandmother, Mrs. Elma Reuss of San Antonio; and other relatives.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Mrs. VINC MAREK

Shiner Gazette, 14 Jun 1899

There were two funerals in town last Monday from the Catholic church. Mrs. Vinc Marek and the little baby of Mr. Gus Holster. Both were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery.

Contributed by Matt Cross

VINCENZ MAREK

Galveston Daily News, Monday, October 16, 1905

Shiner, Tex., Oct. 15—A sad and terrible tragedy occurred about nine miles west of here in Gonzales County at about 10 o'clock last night in which man lost his life, being killed by his own brother.

The following story is obtained from the officers: Mr. Vinrenz [sic.]Marek and his brother, Frank, had a dispute at the home of the former, during which Frank Marek grabbed a ten-bore shotgun and placing the muzzle close to this brother's body fired, the charge entering his body near the heart and producing almost instant death. The only remark made by Vinrenz Marek after being shot was: "I've got enough," and he fell over and expired.

After committing the deed Frank ran to a neighbor's house, Mr. Yaks, and on entering remarked: "Oh, neighbor, what have I done! I have killed Vinrenz, my own brother, and you go or send to Shiner and get the Sheriff."

Mr. Vinrenz Marek was about 56 years old and was married four times and leaves a large family.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Shiner Gazette, 18 Oct 1905

KILLED BY BROTHER.

Vinc Marek Slain Near Shiner.

Shiner, Tex., October 15.—About nine miles west of here, in Gonzales county, Frank Marek shot and instantly killed his brother, Vinc Marek, in the latter’s house at 10 o’clock last night.

Frank Marek was living with his brother Vinc for the past four months; a dispute arose between them, when Frank grabbed a shotgun and fired a load of buckshot at close range into his brother’s body, passing entirely through the body, killing him instantly.

Vinc Marek was an industrious farmer, aged about 56 years, and leaves a large family, having been married four times.

After the shooting, Frank Marek went to a neighbor’s house and informed him that he had killed his brother, to notify the sheriff he was willing to surrender.

Sheriff Johnson of Gonzales left for the scene of the killing at 3 a. m. today, having been notified from here by phone.

Shiner Gazette, 25 Oct 1905

Frank Marek Given Examining Trial at Gonzales.

Gonzales, Texas, Oct. 20. – The examining trial of Frank Marek, charged with the murder of his brother, Vinc Marek, was held yesterday before Justice W. B. Green. County Attorney R. F. Nixon represented the State. The defendant had no counsel. Only one witness, the wife of the dead man, was put on the stand. The defendant was remanded to jail without bail to await the action of the grand jury. The murder was committed at the home of the dead man last Saturday night, fifteen miles east of here. The prisoner is about 61 years old and has no family. The deceased had been married four times. Marek says he is indifferent as to his fate; wants to be tried and disposed of as soon as possible.

Shiner Gazette, 7 Feb 1906

Frank Marek, the aged Bohemian who killed his brother, Vince, a short time since, near Dilworth, was given two years in the penitentiary.

Vinc Marek, 1849 – 14 Oct 1905, born at Bitove se Slesku, was buried in the Shiner City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

WILLIAM A. "BILL" MAREK, Sr.

Houston Chronicle, March 30, 2008

William A. Marek Sr.

WILLIAM A. MAREK SR. age 87, passed away March 28, 2008. William A. "Bill" Marek was born on a farm in Yoakum, Texas on June 9, 1920. After completing ten years of school, Bill dropped out to assist his parents during the depression. In spite of his best efforts, his parents lost their farm through foreclosure. Seeing no future in farming, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. After one year, he came to Houston and joined his brother John, who was in the process of founding the Marek Brothers Company, which after a three year interruption in which Bill served his country oversea as an aviation Mechanic, ultimately became the largest interior contractor in the South with branches in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Harlingen and Atlanta. Bill was also, together with his brothers John and Ralph, founder of Stanley Construction and Development Co. which developed several subdivisions in Harris and Montgomery counties. Bill was instrumental in expanding the early Marek Brothers Company from a predominantly residential subcontractor into the more complicated commercial area which ultimately proved to be successful. After the second generation of Marek's was able to provide management skills for the interior construction business, Bill contributed his energies to the development of Blue Bell Village, which at the time of his death consisted of more than 1,000 homes and apartments. He was a major donor in establishing St. Vincent de Paul, a transitional housing project for the poor. He was also instrumental in founding three St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores, where no one was ever turned away for whatever assistance was needed. He also served as a member of the Diocesan Building Commission for a period of ten years. Bill also served on the Board of Directors and as President of the International Association of Wall and Ceiling Contractors for several years. Bill together with his brothers John and Ralph, was instrumental in establishing the Bonita House of Hope, a 200 bed facility providing services to women with substance abuse problems. Bill is survived his two children William A. Marek Jr. and Angela and Keith McClanahan; four grandchildren William A. Marek III, Nicholas Marek, Timothy McClanahan, and Eric McClanahan; four great grandchildren; brother Ralph Marek and wife Martha. Bill also has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Visitation will be Sunday, March 30th from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2370 Nelwood Dr. where Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 31st at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Bill Marek was the son of John and Hermina Marek. Contributed by Rebecca Herder.

ADOLPH MARESCH

Shiner Gazette, 22 Jun 1978

Ad. Maresh Funeral Rites

Adolph Maresch of Yoakum, age 80 years, 8 months and 24 days, died Wednesday, June 14, 1978 at 1:17 p.m. in Huth Memorial Hospital following a short illness.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday. June 16 in the Holy Cross Lutheran Church with the Rev. D.I. Dolton officiating.  Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home of Yoakum.

Pallbearers were his nephews, Edwin Petering, Alvin and Herbert Leist, Marvin Schumacher, Raymond Richter, and Morris Voelkel.

Honorary pallbearers wre [sic] his grandsons, Steve Maresch and Glenn Maresch, Clyde Jr. and Milton Sommerlatte, David Schoenfield, Jame Raab, Leroy Mikulencak Jr. and Curtis Billimek.

Adolph Maresch was born July 20, 1897 at Praha, Texas, son of Frank and Mary (Brosch) Maresch.  On October 31, 1920, he was married to Meta Voelkel and they have resided at Yoakum for many years.

He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Meta Maresch of Yoakum; a daughter, Mrs. Clyde (Bernice) Sommerlatte of Gonzales; two sons, Sterling Maresch of Alice, Cecil Maresch of Yoakum; five sisters, Mrs Arthur (Elsie) Schumacher of Cuero, Mrs. Willie (Annie) Leist, Mrs. H. W. (Mary) Petering, Mrs. Edwin (Eleanora) Richter and Mrs. Edwin (Cora) Regner; all of Yoakum; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Oscar (Albina) Leist, June 6, 1966.

Contributed by Matt Cross

CECIL M. MARESCH

Shiner Gazette newspaper clipping

Veteran Cecil M. Maresch Accorded Military Rites

Cecil M. Maresch of 1400 Davis Ave., Yoakum, died after a week's hospitalization at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1979 in the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio after a terminal illness. He attained the age of 52 years, 9 months and 24 days.

A longtime resident of Yoakum and owner of Hub City Recreation Club, Mr. Maresch was born Dec. 2, 1926, in Moulton, son of Adolph and Meta (Voelkel) Maresch. His father died June 14, 1978.

He served with the Army of Occupation in Japan. He was inducted at Ft. Sam Houston Apr. 25, 1945 and was discharged Dec. 7, 1946. His citations included the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Army of Occupation Ribbon in Japan, Victory Medal and one Service Bar.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the Shiner American Legion Post, Yoakum VFW Post, Yoakum Knights of Columbus and Hermann Sons Lodge.

A rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, led by the Rev. Michael O'Shaughnessy at the Buffington Funeral Home Chapel where the body lay in state.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael O'Shaughnessy officiating.

Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Steve and Glen Maresch, Milton and Clyde Sommerlatte Jr., Billy Einkauf and Robert Boudreaux Jr.

Full military honors were accorded the veteran by fellow members of the Yoakum VFW Post and the Shiner American Legion Post.

Cecil Milton Maresch and Marie Smolik were married Nov. 8, 1949 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church at Sweet Home with the Rev. Godfrey Kuratko officiating. The couple celebrated their 25th anniversary in 1949 [sic].

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Marie Maresch of Yoakum; four daughters, Mrs. David (Shirley) Schoenfeld, Mrs. James (Jo Ann) Raab, Mrs. Leroy (Patricia) Mikulencak, Jr. and Mrs. Curtis (Mary Ann) Billimek, all of Moulton; his mother, Mrs. Meta Maresch of Yoakum; a sister, Mrs. Clyde (Bernice) Sommerlatte Sr. of Gonzales; a brother, Sterling Maresch of Alice, and four grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANK MARESCH

Weimar Mercury, 14 Mar 1952, page 10

Mrs. Alvin Prause's Grandfather Dies, Buried at Hochheim

Frank Maresch, 79, of Yoakum, grandfather of Mrs. Alvin Prause of Weimar, was buried Wednesday, March 12, at St. Ann's Cemetery in Hochheim, after services in St. Ann's Church. Msgr. Joe Pustka officiated.

Mr. Maresch, a retired farmer, died March 10 after about nine weeks' illness.

Born in Germany August 21, 1873, he came to this country at the age of 16, settling at Yoakum. He married Miss Mary Brosch at Praha on November 18, 1897. Mr. Maresch was a member of the Catholic Church.

Surviving are six daughters, Miss Cora Maresch, Mrs. Ella Richter, Mrs. Willie Leist, Mrs. Henry Petering and Mrs. Oscar Leist, all of Yoakum, and Mrs. Arthur Schumacher of Cuero; one son, Adolph Maresch of Yoakum; a sister, Mrs. Matilda Kubenka of Flatonia; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Edwin Petering, Wilfred Leist, Cecil Maresch, Marvin Schumacher, Raymond Richter and Herbert Leist.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARY BROSCH MARESCH

Yoakum Weekly Herald, 16 Jul 1942, and Shiner Gazette, 23 Jul 1942

FINAL RITES FOR MRS MARY MARESCH HELD FRIDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Maresch were held from the family home on Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m. and at St. Ann's church conducted by Rev H. V. Hog. Burial was in St. Ann's cemetery. Mrs. Maresch died at her home Wednesday, July 8, at 11:35 p.m. She was born Feb. 2, 1877.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Maresch, one son Adolph Maresch and 6 daughters: Mrs. Willie Leist, Mrs. H. W. Petering, Mrs. Oscar E. Leist, Mrs. Arthur Schumacher, Mrs. Edwin Richter, Miss Cora Maresch, and 15 grandchildren, 1 sister, Mrs. Mat Blier, 3 brothers, Willie Brosch, Moulton; Frank Brosch, Praha; Adolph Brosch, Yoakum, and one half-brother, Herman Bauerman of Floresville.

Pall bearers were: Geo. Suhr, Louis Erdelt, Albert Blier, John Richter, Frank J. Peters, John Braden, Alfred Schroeder, and Rudy Peters.

Contributed by Matt Cross

META VOELKEL MARESCH

Victoria Advocate, 26 Oct 1982, page 8A

Mrs. Meta Maresch

YOAKUM - Funeral services for Mrs. Meta Maresch, 80, of 1400 Davis Ave., who died Sunday at a local hospital, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

The Rev. D.I. Dolton will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.

She was born in Williamson County Dec. 31, 1901, and had lived in the Yoakum area for 50 years.

Surviving are a son, Sterling of Alice; a daughter, Mrs. Bernice Sommerlatte of Gonzales; a sister, Mrs. Mildred Luedecke of Galveston; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Adolph in 1978, a son Cecil, in 1979 and five brothers.

Pallbearers will be Steve Maresch, Glen Maresch, Clyde Sommerlatte Jr., Milton Sommerlatte, David Schonefeld, James Rabb, Leroy Mikulencak Jr. and Curtis Billimek.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNIE KREJCI MARESH

Victoria Advocate, July 5, 2000

MOULTON—Annie Krejci Maresh, 91, of Moulton, died Sunday, July 2, 2000.

She was born July 25, 1908, in Moulton, to the late Frank and Margaret Pech Krejci. She was a homemaker and a member of VFW Auxiliary, SPJST, Altar Society and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Survivors: sons, Willie E. Maresh of Moulton, James Maresh of Lake Jackson, Larry Maresh of Pearland; 13 grandchildren; 11 grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceded in death by: parents; husband, Eddie Maresh; eight sisters; and four brothers.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. today at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Moulton.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moulton.

Burial will be at Moulton Catholic Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Moulton

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

PAULINE MARKO

Victoria Advocate, 7 Jul 2006

PAULINE MARKO - ANGLETON

ANGLETON - Pauline Marko, 83, of Angleton, died Thursday, July 6, 2006.

She was born Nov. 25, 1922, to the late Paul and Mary Wotipka Dierschke. She was a homemaker and a Catholic.

Survivors: daughters, Deborah Dierschke and Jeannette Pietsch, both of Rosenburg, and Barbara Braun of Columbus; son, Victor Marko of Angleton; brother, Alfred Dierschke of Moulton; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Victor Marko Sr.; nine stepsisters; and brother, Roman Dierschke.

Visitation will be noon today at Smith Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at the chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Moulton, 361-596-4631.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MARGARET R. MARTIN

Shiner Gazette, 10 Jun 1903, page 1

DEATH OF MRS. MARGARET R. MARTIN.

It is with deep regret we chronicle the death of one of the pioneer ladies of Lavaca county, Mrs. Margaret R. Martin.

Mrs. Martin was born in Tennessee, December 11, 1823 and was married to Joshua E. Martin in Concrete, Texas, December 21, 1852 and came to Sweet Home, at which place she has since resided, until death called her at 5 a. m., June 3, 1903.

Of late years she had grown feeble in strength and for the last seven months Miss Selma Kuenstler was her constant companion.

Her children, Mr. J. E. Martin and wife, R.L. Martin and wife, W.L. Martin, grand children, nephews and an only surviving brother, Mr. Wm. Howard, of Concrete, were with her when she fell into “the sleep that knoweth no awakening.”

She was laid to rest in Mount Zion cemetery by the side of her husband who had preceded her August 18, 1866. A large concourse of friends paid their last tribute with beautiful flowers and sweet songs.

The funeral service was conducted by her pastor, Rev. O. F. Hatfield, she having been a member of the Methodist church since her early womanhood.

“A lovable character is at rest.”

[in same issue]

Mrs. M. R. Martin Dead.

Wednesday morning at 5 o’clock the spirit of Mrs. M. R. Martin of Old Sweet Home quietly and peacefully passed across the border of spiritland to join beloved ones who had gone before.

Mrs. Martin was over eighty years old and was one of the pioneer ladies of Lavaca. She was a widow of Joshua E. Martin, an early and prominent citizen and their life was spent in this country watching it grow and spread from semi-frontier conditions into a bustling center of agricultural and industrial life. Three sons survive her, J. E. Wm. and Robert, all leading men of Lavaca.

The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock at Mount Zion cemetery. Another mother in Israel has gone to join the angelic throng in Heavenly domains gone to the reward that she so richly deserves. And on earth relatives, friends and acquaintances alike, mourn with a sorrow that knows no surcease.—Halletsville Herald.

Margaret R. Martin, 11 Dec 1823 – 3 Jun 1903, was buried in the Mount Zion Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

MRS. JOHN MARTISEK

Victoria Advocate, Monday, May 16, 1966

Mrs. John Martisek
 
Advocate News Service

HALLETTSVILLE -- Mrs. John Martisek, 88, of Route 1, Hallettsville, died at 5 p.m. Saturday in a Flatonia nursing.

Mrs. Martisek was born in Czechoslovakia Aug. 22, 1877, daughter of John Woytek.  She came to the Vsetin community at the age of six.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1944.

Surviving are a son, R. A. Martisek of Beeville; four daughters, Mrs. Tracy Trilich of Hallettsville, Mrs. Joe Koenig of Yoakum, Mrs. Victor Jahn of Hallettsville and Mrs. W. H. King of Fort Worth; a brother, Frank Woytek of Hallettsville; a sister, Mrs. D. A. Hanak of Hallettsville, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Two sons and two daughters preceded her in death.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

LEOPOLD MASCHEK

Weimar Mercury, 4 Feb 1927

LAVACA COUNTY CITIZEN DEAD.

Halletsville, Jan. 20. —Leopold Maschek, 72, a native of Fayette county, but who for 50 years had resided on his farm about seven miles east of Halletsville, died Thursday at his home while sitting in a rocking chair. Mr. Maschek was the tallest man in this section and was highly esteemed because of his jovial disposition.

JOE MATEJEK

Weimar Mercury, 15 Jan 1915

Body of Drowned Farmer Found.

Halletsville, Tex., Jan. 10. – The body of George Matejek, who was drowned on Christmas Eve night about eight miles above here, was found this morning about one and a half miles above here floating down the river, by Anton Stiborek, who lives on the river bank.

Matejek was drowned while on his way home Christmas Eve. When he failed to return home his family and others began a search for him. His horse and buggy were found near the river. They were unable to find the body, although the search has been continued since the night of the drowning. It is thought that it was buried in the sand and last night’s rise in the river washed it up. An inquest was held this morning. The place where the body was found this morning is about eight miles from the scene of the drowning. Matejek was a farmer about 45 years of age and had a family.

A review of Texas death certificates indicates this man is probably Joe Matejek, not George Matejek. Contributed by Matt Cross

E. W. MATHEWS

Shiner Gazette, 18 Jun 1902, page 1

Death of Mr. Mathews.

The Houston Post of last Thursday contained the following account of the accidental death of Mr. E. W. Matthews:

Mr. J. B. Blair said he was at work to the rear of the tin shop and happened to glance up at the hotel building. His gaze became riveted upon a white robed figure that was slowly advancing toward the window of a room on the third floor. “The man appeared to be asleep,” said Mr. Blair. “He walked directly to the window and his knee just reached to the ledge. When he struck the ledge he seemed to awaken and recover his senses, but on the instant the upper part of his body shot out into space and down he came toward the pavement, head first. When he went out of the window he uttered an awful cry that was not intelligible. He struck on his head and when I reached him a second later he was dead, blood and brains being spattered on the sidewalk.”

Mr. Blair said he was satisfied that Mr. Mathews was walking in his sleep. Had the window ledge been a foot higher he would not have fallen out. The deceased was well known in many Texas cities and towns. He leaves a wife and seven children at Yoakum and to that place his remains were shipped last night at 11 o’clock. Mr. Matthews was a Royal Arch Mason. He had been with the McFadden company for several years and of late his headquarter had been at Hearne. The remains were accompanied to Yoakum by Mr. J. S. Ferrell, a cousin, and Mr. H. G. Lindstone, Jr.

Contributed by Matt Cross

HAZEL MATHIS & VAN LEE MATHIS, Jr.

Victoria Advocate, 9 May 1971, page 1A

Man, Six-Year-Old Boy Killed In Shiner Shoot-Out

Advocate News Service

SHINER – A 43-year-old man and a six-year-old boy were killed Saturday night during a shoot-out that involved two highway patrolmen in a Shiner residential section.

The dead are Hazel Mathis of San Antonio, a former Shiner resident, and Van Lee Mathis Jr. of Shiner.

The boy’s father, Van Lee Mathis Sr., was undergoing surgery in a Shiner hospital late Saturday night. His condition was not known.

Neither of the patrolmen, Johnny Aycock and L. B. Gamble of Hallettsville, was wounded.

The shoot-out occurred about 7:30 p.m.

Ranger Bill Nelson of Victoria released the following information:

Aycock and Gamble were patrolling in the Shiner area when they stopped a car on State Highway 95 outside Shiner. The car was being driven on the wrong side of the highway.

Hazel Mathis and an unidentified man and woman were in the car. The officers planned to take the men to the Lavaca County Jail in Hallettsville, but took the woman by the residence first to let her off.

A crowd gathered and one of the men ran inside the house, came out with a rifle and started firing. The officers returned the fire.

Nelson said the case is still under investigation. Working with Nelson are Highway Patrol Sgt. Dudley Thomas of Cuero and Lavaca County Sheriff Hilmer Woytek of Hallettsville.

See also Victoria Advocate 5/10/71 page 1A; 5/11/71 pages 1A, 7A; 5/12/71, pages 1A, 9A; 5/13/71, pages 1A, 16A. Contributed by Matt Cross

FRANTISKA "FRANCES" MATOCHA

San Antonio Express, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1949

YOAKUM, Nov. 8.—Funeral Services were held Sunday for Mrs. Frances Matocha, 86, who died at her home near here.

Survivors include five sons, John Matocha of Jourdanton; Frank, William, and Joe of Yoakum; R.D. of Victoria; five daughters, Mrs. Louise Baca of La Grange; Mrs. Mary Kubicek, Prague, Okla.; Mrs. Julia Rossman, San Antonio; Mrs. Amelia Goerig, Sealy, and Mrs. Cecelia Kasjarek, Yoakum; a brother, a sister, 35 grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.

Frantiska Matocha, 20 Apr 1863 - 4 Nov 1949, was buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

MATULA Child

Shiner Gazette, 7 Jul 1910, page 1

A Fatal Accident.

A most deplorable accident happened Tuesday evening at the residence of Mr. Valenta Matula, near Kokernot. Mr. and Mrs. Matula were attending church in Shiner leaving three children at home, a girl of 10 years, a boy of 7 years, and a girl of 4 years. About 2 o’clock in the evening the children began playing, and the boy picked up a shotgun. The two girls ran into a closet and the boy took aim and fired. The charge of shot struck the youngest girl in the face, killing her instantly. The oldest girl was shot in the knee and will likely be a cripple for life. The parents did not return until 6 o’clock p. m., and the children were alone in the house until that hour.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Galveston Daily News, Thursday, July 7, 1910

Shiner, Tex., July 6.—A deplorable and fatal accident happened yesterday afternoon at the farm of Valentine Matula, resulting in the death of one of the children and the probable fatal injury to another.

Mr. and Mrs. Matula left the house during the early part of the afternoon on their way to attend church in this city. Seemingly during their absence the 8-year-old boy gained possession of a shotgun and with youthful curiosity in some manner touched off the trigger. In what manner the gun was held at the tie of the explosion it is uncertain, but destruction was wrought from both ends. A little 4-year-old sister was shot and instantly killed and a second sister of 10 years had her leg broken. It is assumed that the broken leg was caused by the rebound of the gun.

The most pathetic feature of the accident was that the injured child, small and helpless had to remain suffering agony in its own lifeblood. The dead child remained where it had fallen until the parents returned from church late in the afternoon. The loss of blood and the shock will probably cause the death of the injured child.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

AGNES ULCAK MATULA

The Tribune, Friday, June 18, 1937

Mrs. Agnes Matula  

Tuesday morning death came to a pioneer woman of St. Mary's, Mrs. Agnes Matula at the age of 82 yrs. and five months.  Her funeral was conducted from the home of her son, former Co. Commissioner, Frank Matula in Hallettsville, to the Sacred Heart church where Requiem Mass was sung by Rev. G. Kuratko.  Burial was in the St. Mary's Catholic cemetery, by the side of her husband who preceeded her in death 45 years ago. -- The deceased was born in Hajova, Czechoslovakia, came to America in 1875, June 20, the same year she married Frank Matula.  These children survive them:  one son, Frank, and daughters -- Mrs. Mary Krauskopf of El Campo, Mrs. Frances (V. J.) Prasek, Mrs. Agnes Morisak, Mrs. Elizabeth Mikulenka, Mrs. Antonie Bujnoch; also 33 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  She was a hard working and kind Christian mother devoted to her children. -- May God grant her soul eternal peace and console her survivors!

Contributed by Nancy Schmidt

ALBINA MATULA

The Victoria Advocate, Thursday, March 24, 1983, page 16A

Miss Albina Matula

HALLETTSVILLE -- Albina Matula, 79, of Hallettsville, died Tuesday afternoon at a San Antonio Hospital following a lengthy illness.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America and a member of the KJCT [KJZT] Society.

A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Kubena Funeral Home chapel.  Another will be recited at 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

The body will lie in state at the Kubena Funeral Home until 2 p.m. Friday before being taken to the Sacred Heart Church for services at 3 p.m.  The Bishop Charles Grahmann and the Rev. Celestino Say will officiate.

Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Oscar Koerth of Hallettsville; and a brother, Leon Matula of Hobson.  

Honorary pallbearers will be William Allen, Lewis Allen Jr., W. H. Baber, Judge W. C. Roznovsky, Jimmy Sanchez, Charles Strauss, Robert Kubena and Daniel Kubena.

Contributed by Nancy Schmidt

Msgr. ANTHONY MATULA

San Antonio Express-News, November 28, 1994

Matula wanted all to appreciate nature

Monsignor Anthony J. Matula loved God and the living things God created.

A Catholic priest for 55 years, the Halletsville native served in many South Texas parishes and was devoted to his vocation, family members recalled.

"He had a balanced perspective," said niece Dorothy Franta. "He wanted people to be happy materially as well as spiritually. He wanted everyone to appreciate nature; he thought God's creation was dramatic."

Matula died Saturday at the age of 82.

Matula enrolled in St. John's Seminary in San Antonio in 1930 and was ordained into the priesthood March 20, 1939 at San Fernando Cathedral. He later obtained a master's degree in counseling and education from Our Lady of the Lake University.

He served in many parishes in San Antonio and South Central Texas, including 12 years at Immaculate Conception Church in Panna Maria and 17 years at Sacred Heart Church in Flatonia.

While in San Antonio, he was moderator of diocesan youth activities and the Archdiocese Council of Women. Matula also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the KJT.

He retired in 1993 and spent his final year at Padua Place retirement center in San Antonio.

Franta said Matula was a lover of nature. He planted trees wherever he lived - pines and pecans were his favorites - and he relished in watching them grow, Franta said.

"He planted a forest of pines on some land he inherited in Lavaca County," she said. "He planted a pine in Flatonia by the rectory. He was so proud of it because it was such a magnificent tree."

Survivors include his sister, Hedwig Bordovsky of Halletsville, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Emelie Matula; a sister, Gussie Franta, and two brothers, Frank Matula and Louis L. Matula Jr.

A rosary is to recited at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church in Flatonia. A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday in Sacred Heart Church in Halletsville.

Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home in Halletsville is in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

CHRISTINE CAKA MATULA

Victoria Advocate, 12 Feb 1984, page 16A

Christine Matula

SHINER – Christine Matula, 78, of Shiner, died Saturday morning in a Shiner hospital.

Funeral services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Shiner Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Emil Heinrichs of Shiner; three sons, Ben and Dennis, both of Shiner, and John of Schulenburg; two sisters, Mrs. Julius Zissa of Shiner and Mrs. Theresa Matula of California; three brothers, Herman, Ludwig and Albert Caka, all of Shiner; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ELIZABETH BIEHUNKO MATULA

Victoria Advocate, May18, 2004)

Elizabeth B. Matula

May 17, 2004

AUSTIN - Elizabeth Biehunko Matula, 89, of Austin, died Saturday, May 15, 2004.

She was born Nov. 2, 1914, in Hallettsville, to the late James and Mary Janak Cervenka. She was a member of alter and rosary societies, Catholic Daughters of Americas, the KJZT, and Our Lady of Fatima in Galena Park.

Survivors: daughter, Bernadett Lytle of Spicewood; son, Johnnie Biehunko of Rosenberg; sisters, Matilda Matula of Hallettsville and Agnes Svetlik of Wied; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: first husband, John Frank Biehunko; and second husband, George Benjamin Matula.

Visitation will begin 5 p.m. Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert Guerra officiating.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

FRANK MATULA

Galveston Daily News, Sunday, January 29, 1893

HALLETTSVILLE, Tex., Jan. 28.—Last night James Goodson came to town and reported to the officers that he had killed Frank Matula at Witting, about nine miles above here. He was soon followed by a courier for officers, it not being known that he had come in and surrendered. Squire S.J. Townsend at once left for Witting to hold an inquest on the body of Matula, while Constable O.T. East placed Goodson in jail.

Goodson claims that he was justifiable. He is quite young, not more than 20, is well connected and can give any kind of a bond when permitted to. Matula was a small man and known as Little Fighting Matula. He was a married man.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Weimar Mercury, 4 Feb 1893, page 2

Halletsville, Tex., Jan. 23—Last night at about dusk at Witting, nine miles above here, James Goodsen shot and killed Frank Matula in the public road. They had been quarreling during the afternoon in a saloon, and were on their way home when the killing occurred. Matula was in a gig and Goodsen on horseback. Goodsen at once came to town and surrendered, and is in jail, where he will probably remain until Monday. He is well connected and can give bond in any amount. Matula leaves a family. Goodsen is not over 20 years old. He claims to have acted in self-defense. No weapons were found on Matula.

Transcribed by Sharon Sutton

FRANK MATULA

Hallettsville Herald, Friday, April 8, 1927

Funeral of Frank Matula

The funeral of Frank Matula who died Tuesday morning at 3 o'clock at his home at Inez was held from his home Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock to St. Joseph's Church at Inez. After which interment was made in the Inez Catholic Cemetery. Father Jason of Port Lavaca officiating.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife and nine children. He was a native of Europe but came to this country at the age of 22 years. He had lived most of the time in the Hallettsville community and moved to Inez about four years ago where he resided until his death. He was 68 years old.

The children surviving are seven daughters: Annie, Frances, Mary, Lillie, Lena, Josephine, and Agnes and two sons Vaclav and Martin.

Those from here that attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Val Matula son Adolph, Mr. and Mrs. Louie Matula, Mr. John Liberda and son, Fred.

To those who are left to mourn his death the Herald extends sympathy.

Contributed by Darlene Baker

FRANK MATULA

Lavaca County Tribune, Tuesday, January 24, 1961, page 1

Funeral services were held at the Kubena Funeral Home at 9:15 a. m., and at 9:30 a. m. at

Sacred Heart Church here, Tuesday, January 24th. Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery in Hallettsville. Rt. Rev. Msgr. A. J. Morkovsky offered the Requiem High Mass at the church and also officiated at the cemetery.

Pallbearers were James Mikulenka, Frank Krauskopf, Mike Krauskopf, Martin Plummer, Julius Prasek and Alphonse Bujnoch.

Frank Matula was highly influential in county business and political affairs. He was commissioner of Precincts 1 and 8, which includes Hallettsville, for a number of years and kept up his interest even after he retired from politics until illness made him incapable some time ago. He retired as County Commissioner in the early thirties.

He served as county commissioner for sixteen years; before that time he was Hallettsville City Alderman and also served as deputy sheriff under three Lavaca County sheriffs.

Surviving are two sons, Frank Matula, Jr., of Hallettsville, and Leon Matula of Hobson; two daughters, Miss Albina Matula and Mrs. Oscar (Mildred) Koerth of Hallettsville; four sisters, Mrs. Mary Krauskopf of El Campo, Mrs. Frances Prasek and Mrs. Antonia Bujnoch of Hallettsville, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mikulenka of Columbus; and four grandsons. A daughter, Miss Lillie, also preceded him in death.

Rosary was recited Monday evening, Jan. 23, at the Kubena Funeral Home, at 7:00 p. m. by the Catholic Daughters of America, at 7:15 p. m. by the KJZT, and 7:45 p. m. by Sacred Heart Parish, and at 8:00 p. m. by the Catholic Knights of America.

Honorary pallbearers were Jaro Kafka, John Quitta, Anton Zaruba, William Allen, AltonAllen, Charles Strauss, Floyd O'Brien, Julius Spacek, Frank Konvicka, Alfred Koerth, Ernest Janak, Alton Evans, Leo Gerdes and Chas. Zavesky, Sr.

Contributed by Nancy Schmidt

JOHANNA MICNA MATULA

Brazosport Facts, Thursday, August 7, 1952

Mrs. Johanna Micna Matula died suddenly Wednesday at her home in Clute. She was 52 years old.

Mrs. Matula had been a Clute resident for more than 15 years.

Services will be held at Hallettsville and burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery there. Announcement of the time will be made by the Kubena Funeral Home.

She is survived by her husband, Cyril M. Sr.; three sons, Alphonse of Clute, Pvt. Cyril M. Jr., A/3C Joseph J.; and two daughters, Mrs. W.H. Dent of Clute and Mrs. James B. Martin of Houston.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

MARY PRASEK MATULA

Lavaca County Tribune, Tuesday, October 2, 1951, page 1

Mrs. Frank Matula Laid To Rest

Mrs. Frank Matula, 68, wife of the former County Commissioner Frank Matula, died at the Renger Hospital here, Friday, September 28, at 12:30 a.m., after a lingering illness.

Funeral services were held from the Kubena Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Solemn Requiem High Mass at the Sacred Heart Church at 10:30 a. m., Saturday, September 29th.  Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery here.  Officiating were Very Rev. A. J. Morkovsky, assisted by Rev. Clarence Leopold and Rev. Julius Dworaczyk.  Rosary was recited by Rev. Dworaczyk, by the C. D. of A. and by the KJZT Friday night.

Mrs. Matula was born in Praha, Fayette County, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Prasek.  The family moved to the St. Mary's community, west of Hallettsville when she was a small child.  On November 11, 1902 at St. Mary's, she married Frank Matula, the wedding being performed by Rev. J. V. Vrana.

Surviving are her husband, Frank Matula; children:  Mrs. Oscar Koerth, Miss Albina Matula and Frank Matula Jr. of here; Leon Matula of Hobson.  Two children died in infancy, and a daughter, Lillian, died on January 18, 1944.  Also surviving are the following sisters and brothers:  Mrs. John L. (Emily) Mikulenka, Ms. J. F. (Rosie) Holubec, Mrs. Max (Albina) Stepchinsky and Mrs. Henry (Annie) Hruzek, all of Hallettsville; Joe Prasek of here and Emil Prasek of St. Mary's.  Two grandchildren survive also.

Pallbearers were Julius Mikulenka, Julius Prasek, Julius Holubec, Dannie Joe Prasek, Forest W. Timm and George Bucek.

Contributed by Nancy Schmidt

VALENTIN G. MATULA

Victoria Advocate, Wednesday, July 21, 1965

Flier From Area Killed On Carrier

Comdr. Valentin G. Matula, 41, formerly of Hallettsville, was killed Tuesday in an accident aboard the aircraft carrier Independence.

Matula's plane was landing on the carrier when the arresting cable broke, plunging the plane into the ocean. Exact scene of the accident was not known Tuesday night.

Matula, who was born in Hallettsville, had been in the Navy since 1941.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete Tuesday night, but burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; a daughter, Pamela Ann, and a son, Mark, all of Milan, Tenn.; four sisters, Mrs. J.E. Edgar of Victoria, Mrs. Irvin Mertz of Hallettsville, Mrs. Jean Christen and Mrs. Arthur Strobel, both of Schulenberg, and Sister M. Francis, a nun, of San Antonio; and four brothers, Frank of Hallettsville, Adolph of Ganado, George of Houston, and Sidney Matula of East Bernard, Tex.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

VALENTINE MATULA

Weimar Mercury, Friday, February 27, 1942

Funeral services for Valentine Matula Sr., 73, were held here with burial in the Hallettsville Roman Catholic cemetery.

He is survived by five daughters, Sister M. Frances of Hostyn, Mrs. Erwin Mertz and Mrs. Eugene Christen of Hallettsville, Lillie Matula of Houston and Frances Matula of Schulenburg; six sons, Cyril Matula of Freeport, Adolph Matula of Ganado, George Matula of Houston, Victor Matula of Shreveport, La.; Frank Matula of Camp Bowie and Val Matula, Jr., of San Diego, and nine grandchildren.

Valentine Matula, 14 Feb 1869 - 19 Feb 1942, was buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hallettsville. Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ANGELINE M. DOLEZAL MATUS

Unidentified news clipping

Angeline M. Matus

SHINER - Angeline M. Matus, 87, of Shiner died at her residence Thursday,
December 26, 1991, following a lengthy illness.

She was born Nov. 28, 1904, in Lavaca County to the late John J. and Mary
Jares Dolezal. She was a housewife and a Catholic.

Survivors: sons, Laddie L. and Benjamin Matus, both of Victoria, and Daniel
Matus of Schulenburg; sister, Christina Lopez of Austin; brother, Bennie
Dolezal of Shiner; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents and husband, John J. Matus.

Rosary 7:30 p.m. Friday at Buffington Funeral Home chapel in Shiner.

Services 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, the Rev. Jerry Caponi officiating.

Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner.

Contributed by Regina Janak

BENJAMIN "BEN" MATUS

Victoria Advocate, May 10, 2011

BENJAMIN "BEN" MATUS

VICTORIA - Benjamin "Ben" Matus, 75, of Victoria, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011. He was born on March 10, 1936, in Lavaca County, to the late John J. and Angeline Dolezal Matus. He was a welder, a member of K of C Council #1329 and very active with the Knights of Columbus Bingo, and he was an usher in church.

Ben is survived by his wife, Estela Rodriguez Matus of Victoria; daughter, Regina (Randy) Janak of Victoria; brother, Daniel Matus of Schulenburg, and one granddaughter, Taylor Janak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Laddie Matus (died March 2010).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home. The rosary will follow at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral with the Most Rev. Bishop David Fellhauer and Msgr. Michael Harrold officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Yoakum.

Pallbearers are Marvin Huse, Richard Cisneros, Allen Matus, Alois Janak, Pete Tijerina, Frank Rodriguez, Charles Kutchka, and Emil Matus Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Knebel, Dan Ramirez, Amador DeLuna, Arlie Williams, and Daniel Jalufka.

Memorials in Ben's name may be directed to the Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, to the school, or donor's choice. Grace Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Regina Janak

JOHN JOE MATUS

Shiner Gazette, Thursday, October 4, 1984, page 4B

John Joe Matus Funeral Services Monday

John Matus of Rt. 2, Shiner, died at 6:55 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 1984 at his residence near Shiner after a lengthy illness. He attained the age of 78 years, 8 months and 19 days.

Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, by the parish and St. Isidore Society. Leading the recitation were the Sisters from SLA-St. Paul.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with Holy Mass offered by the Rev. Patrick Fidgeon.

Burial followed in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Dennis and Ervin Matus, both of EI Campo. Emil Matus of Victoria, Allen Wayne Matus of Houston, Bennie Dolezal and Bennie Barcak, both of Shiner.

Mr. Matus, one of three children, was born Jan. 10, 1906 near Shiner, Lavaca County, Texas, son of Joe F. and Agnes (Uhlar) Matus, both natives of Czechoslovakia. He was raised on the family farm and was educated at St. Ludmila Academy. For a short time they also resided in Yorktown before returning to Shiner. His mother died April 10, 1930 and two years later his father married Mrs. Katherine Vlasak Barta Havel, who died April 2, 1956. His father died Oct. 8. 1962.

On Oct. 27, 1927, he was married to Angeline Dolezal in the Shiner Catholic Church with the Rev. L.P. Netardus officiating. The couple established their home near Shiner and resided here continuously.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Angeline Matus of Shiner; three sons, Laddie Matus of Orange Grove, Daniel Matus of Schulenburg, Ben Matus of Victoria; a sister, Mrs. Godfrey (Annie) Petru of Yoakum; a brother, Emil Matus of Shiner; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Contributed by Regina Janak

A. W. MATUSEK

Victoria Advocate, Saturday, November 20, 1976

YOAKUM—Funeral services for A.W. Matusek, who died Thursday at his home in Sweet Home, will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home.

Matusek was 73. He was a retired accountant and a lifetime resident of the area.

The Rev. Al Padalecki will officiate. Burial will be in the Sweet Home Catholic Cemetery. Buffington Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lillian Matusek of Sweet Home; three sons, Marvin Matusek and Vernon Matusek, both of Yoakum, and Harvey Matusek of Houston; two brothers, John Matusek and Adolf Matusek, both of Hallettsville, three sisters, Mrs. Helen Janak and Mrs. Justine Janak, both of Hallettsville and Mrs. Annie Prosko of Shiner; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Patrick Matusek, Brian Matusek, Bruce Matusek, Charles Fikac, Phillip Knak and Joe A. Knak.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

GERTRUDE G. MATUSEK

Victoria Advocate, June 15, 2001

HALLETTSVILLE—Gertrude G. Matusek, 64, of Hallettsville, died Wednesday, June 13, 2001.

She was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Wied, to the late Fred John and Frances Opela Janak. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Hallettsville, the KJZT and the Sodality of Our Blessed Lady.

Survivors: daughter, Carleen Bena of Shiner; son, David Matusek of Hallettsville; sister, Mildred Louise Koncaba of Hallettsville; brothers, Robert Janak of Yoakum and Harvey Janak of Hallettsville; and two grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, Jaro A. Matusek; parents; and three brothers, Daniel Fred Janak, Wilbert Raymond Janak and infant brother.

Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home chapel and at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church in Hallettsville.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. John Peters officiating.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

Mrs. MATZIG

Schulenburg Sticker, 8 Dec 1898

Mrs. Matzig, a Bohemian woman living near Sublime, was murdered Sunday night by thieves who had stolen a hog from her pen.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JANIE HEIMANN MAURIC

Shiner Gazette, 19 Aug 1982

Church Rites For Mrs. Mauric

Mrs. Jim J. Mauric, of Shiner, nee Janie Heimann, passed away in the Shiner Hospital at 8:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 1982 at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 7 days. Mrs. Mauric had been a resident at Shady Oak Nursing Home in Moulton since last January.

The body lay in state at the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, until 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 16, when it was taken to the Shiner Catholic Church where Holy Mass was offered at 10:00 a.m. by the Rev. Eugene Janson.

Burial was in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons, Eugene Knezek, Jimmy R. Mauric, David Mauric, Lambert Heintschel, all of Shiner, J.R. Best of Yoakum, and Doug Mundine Jr. of Victoria.

Rosary was recited at the Buffington Chapel Sunday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. led by the Sisters from St. Ludmila Academy.

Mrs. Mauric, one of eleven children, was born May 6, 1893 at Moravia, Lavaca County, Texas, daughter of Frank and Katerina (Rudolf) Heimann, natives respectively of Columbus, Texas and Czechoslovakia. She was reared on the family farm.

On Feb. 9, 1915, she was married to Jim Joe Mauric in the Shiner Catholic Church. They farmed in the Shiner area until their retirement about 1958. Two years later they moved to their new home in Shiner. On Nov. 1, 1977, they took up residence at Trinity Lutheran Home for a year, before returning to their home.

She is survived by her husband, Jim J. Mauric of Shiner, also a resident at Shady Oak in Moulton; a daughter, Mrs. William (Mary) Knezek of Shiner; a son, Jimmie C. Mauric of Shiner; three sisters, Mrs. Jerome F. (Katy) Siegel and Mrs. Herbert (Annie) Mueller, both of Shiner, and Mrs. John (Rosie) Mraz of Houston; two brothers, Tom and Adolph Heimann, both of Shiner; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Aug. 2, 1942; her father, May 3, 1954; one sister, Mrs. Anton (Mary) Kusac, Nov. 27, 1956; four brothers, Frank J. Heimann, Jan. 19, 1970; John Heimann, Apr. 24, 1969; Joe J. Heimann, Mar. 10, 1961; and Rudolf Heimann, who died at the age of 8 years.

Contributed by Matt Cross

L. HUBERT MAY

Shiner Gazette, 1 Dec 1897

KILLED.

Hubert May was almost instantly killed at Yoakum Monday morning by his horse falling on him. The particulars as gleaned from the Yoakum Herald are as follows:

“Hubert May, only yesterday morning, was well, hearty and enjoying the bloom of manhood and death like an electrical spark claimed him at 11:30 a. m. today surrounded by fond parents, devoted brothers and sisters and loving friends, as her own.

Yesterday morning he arose early, eat [sic] breakfast, caught and saddled a horse and started to town and when he had reached opposite hose house No. 2, on Gonzales street, he stopped to converse with some friends; he started to leave them with the horse in a gallop, met a wagon and just as he pulled on the rein to turn aside for the wagon to pass, the horse struck a high place in the street with his foot and fell broadside to the earth, young May going down with him and his head striking the hard ground with terrible force. He was immediately surrounded by his friends and later carried to the residence of his sister, Mrs. John Glasier, on East Hill, where every medical skill was taxed to its utmost but could not save him. He rallied yesterday about 1 o’clock and talked freely with those around him, telling them to “say good-bye,” because he was going to die, and then relapsed into semi-consciousness from which he never fully recovered.”

L. H. May, 30 Oct 1876 – 29 Nov 1897, was buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Yoakum. Contributed by Matt Cross

ROBERT MAY

Halletsville Herald, 10 Nov 1892

Robert May Dead.

YOAKUM, Tex., Nov. 6.—Died at his residence in the suburbs of Yoakum, this morning at 3:30 o'clock, Robert May, after a lingering illness of consumption.

Deceased was one of Yoakum's most esteemed and valued citizens, and his death is regretted by all. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his untimely death.

STANLEY JOSEPH MAYER

Victoria Advocate, May 30, 2012

STANLEY JOSEPH MAYER

SOMERVILLE - Stanley J Mayer of Somerville passed away on May 6, 2012, after a brief struggle with cancer. He died at his home, surrounded by family and friends.

He was 56 years old, born on February 8, 1956, in Shiner, TX. Stanley served in the US Army after his graduation from Moulton High School, then lived, worked, and owned his own business in Luling for several years.

He moved to Sommerville in 2000 where he worked as a rural carrier with the U S Postal Service. Stanley loved nature and fishing and shared his catch with his friends and family.

He never met a stranger and was always willing to help everyone.

Stanley was preceded in death by his grandparents A.W. & Bessie Krejci and Paul & Angeline Mayer and his father, George J. Mayer Sr.

He is survived by his mother Sidonia Mayer of Moulton, sister, Judy Barta and husband Dennis; brother, George Mayer Jr. and wife Angie; sister, Cynthia Kocian and husband Ben; brother, Michael Mayer, numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The Rosary starting at 1:30 p.m. and Mass starting at 2:00 p.m. will be held on Sunday, June 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville.
A reception to celebrate Stanley's life will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

Mrs. MAYFIELD

Colorado Citizen, 20 Jan 1881, page 2

The Hallettsville Herald and Planter of yesterday announces the death of three citizens of that county—W. W. Searcey, Esq., Mrs. Nathan Avant and Mrs. Mayfield.

Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht

LUTHER WALKER MCBRIDE

“Herald-Times Highlights” from pages of The Herald-Times, Yoakum Daily Herald and The Yoakum Weekly Herald.

June 1-27, 1941

Luther Walker McBride, 65, died June 8. He was born Dec. 10, 1875, near Pleasant Hill, Missouri. On May 1, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Flora McNatt at Neosho, Mo. To this union, a daughter was born, Mrs. Carl C. Welhausen.

Transcribed by Carla H. Ratcliff

BETTY J. LOBNITZ McCARTY

Yoakum – Betty J. Lobnitz McCarty, 74, of Yoakum, died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001.

She was born Oct. 20, 1926, in Norwood, Ohio, to the late Frank E. and Ivy Scott Lobnitz.  She was a retired secretary at the Calhoun County Texas Dept. of Health, having served 24 years and was a Baptist.  She was a member of the Port Lavaca VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors: husband, Reid McCarty; daughters, Marsha Bordosky of Katy and Patricia Kalisek of Port Lavaca; son, David McCarty of Yoakum; sister, Margaret Muller of Cincinnati, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; and brother, Frank Lobby.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Green Lawn Gardens Cemetery in Port Lavaca, the Rev. Albert Warnken officiating. Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 361-293-2333.

Memorials: donor’s choice.

Unidentified newspaper clipping contributed by Rex Moore

DAN McCARTY

Weimar Mercury, 27 Aug 1898, page 4

A. Tragedy in Camp.

Brownsville, Texas, Aug. 19. Private Dan McCarty of Troop H, First Texas Cavalry, stationed at Fort Brown, was killed here today by a knife wound in the throat inflicted by Private Frank Burford of the same troop. The latter at once surrendered to a deputy sheriff. The knife was a common clasp knife with which the jugular vein was split, death resulting in about ten minutes. McCarty was from Yoakum, Texas, and Burford lived at Belton, Texas. The dead soldier will be buried in the National cemetery at 7 o'clock this evening with military honors.—Express Special.

Weimar Mercury, 3 Sep 1898, page 3

The following letter, dated August 20, was received by John McCarty of our city, from Sergeant Eli Acree, who is stationed at Fort Brown, Brownsville:

Dear Sir and Friend: I hardly know what to say in this letter, I am so hurt over the death of Dan. He has been like a brother to me since we left Yoakum and he has been liked by everyone in the troop, both officers and men. Everything has been done, John, that could be done. We laid him tenderly away at 7 p. m. just at retreat. After the priest had performed his last sad rites, there were three volleys fired over his head in accordance with military regulations. From the best I can learn the cutting was without provocation. Dan went up town just before dinner and was killed about 1:30 p. m. He was stabbed in the neck, the blade ranging down the collar bone. The man that did it goes by the name of Frank Burford and had caused a great deal of trouble with the boys more than once. He will have an examining trial this morning or Monday and I will give you all particulars.—Yoakum Times.

same issue, page 8:

WITH OUR SOLDIER BOYS.

FORT BROWN, Aug. 18, 1898.

. . . I must chronicle a sad tragedy in this letter. Frank Burford and Dan McCarty were drinking in a saloon, and it is said passed only a few words, when Burford cut McCarty in the throat, severing the jugular vein. He bled to death in half an hour. They had previously been on friendly terms. McCarty was one of our best soldiers. He never shirked a duty, and never abused his fellow-soldiers. I helped dig the grave in which he was buried at twilight, just six hours after his death, with military honors. First in the burial procession marched the firing squad, with the pall bearers on the sides. Then came the wagon with the corpse. Behind it was led his horse, [all] draped in black, and with saddle and equipments on. Then came the ambulance, with officers and their families, and behind it the Texas Rangers stationed at this place, and then Troop H. May he rest in peace. Burford is in the county jail, and will have his examining trial next Wednesday. FRED.

In 1911 the graves in the National Cemetery at Brownsville were reinterred in a mass grave at the Alexandria National Cemetery at Pineville, Louisiana.

EDWARD HARVEY McCRUMB, Sr.

Shiner Gazette, October 25, 2012

Edward Harvey McCrumb Sr.

Edward “Pops” Harvey McCrumb Sr., 76, of Hallettsville, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2012.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 19 at Kubena Funeral Home, with the Rev. Terry Horton officiating.

Burial followed at Willow Creek Cemetery near Sublime under the direction of Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville.

Pallbearers were Jonathan McCrumb, Christopher McCrumb, Bret Chandler, Kyle Chandler, Ryan Sieling and Matthew Freeman.

Honorary pallbearers were James, Jason and Justin Santhoff.

He was born on October 9, 1936, in Hallettsville, to the late Herbert and Martha Pohl McCrumb. He married Annette Ladish on July 14, 1963 in Taft. He was a follower of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Annette McCrumb; two sons, Blake McCrumb and wife Debbie, Edward McCrumb Jr. and wife Debi; three daughters, Susan Chandler and husband Kirk, Tammy Sieling, and Donna Freeman and husband David; five sisters, Jenny Gregory, Ruby Bozka, Gail McCord and husband Jimmy, Hedy Starling, and Judy Wagner and husband Arnold; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Feb. 8, 2012; his father, Dec. 22, 1961; three brothers-in-law; and one nephew.

Edward was the grandson of Harvey and Ida Teltschick McCrumb, and Edwin E. and Thekla K. Barnarden Pohl.

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

MARTHA POHL McCRUMB

Victoria Advocate, February 10, 2012

MARTHA POHL MCCRUMB

HALLETTSVILLE - Martha Pohl McCrumb, 97, of Hallettsville, passed away Feb. 8, 2012. She was born on Oct. 29, 1914 to Edwin E. & Thekla Bonorden Pohl in Lavaca County, Texas.

She attended school at Brown School and Klimitchek School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Hallettsville. She married Herbert D. McCrumb on Dec. 31, 1930 in Hallettsville. They made their home in the Vienna Community. In 1943, they moved to Victoria County, where Herbert was employed at Aloe Field Army Air Base. In 1946, they returned to the McCrumb homestead at Vienna.

Herbert died on July 13, 1951. Martha remained at the homestead until 1958, when she moved to Hallettsville & began working at Weingarten's. She retired in 1980, and did babysitting in her home for a number of years. She loved working in the yard with her flowers. She was an excellent cook, and was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls, apple strudels and homemade pies. At holidays, her table was spread with pies and rolls. She always made enough to send home with her children and grandchildren. She was happiest when all of her family was home. She was known as "Grandma McCrumb" to many others who visited her home.

Martha is survived by: son Edward McCrumb Sr. & wife Annette of Hallettsville; 5 daughters, Jennie Gregory of Beeville, Ruby Ann Bozka of Pearland, Gail McCord & husband Jim of Inez, Hedy Starling of El Campo, and Judy K. Wagner & husband Arnold of Victoria; 18 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 13 great great grandchildren.

Martha was preceded in death by: her husband Herbert; parents; grandson Jeremiah Teets; brother Charles Pohl; sister Selma Anderson; and sons-in-law Clifton Gregory, Bill Bozka Sr., and Roger Starling.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at Kubena Funeral Home. Funeral service 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Hallettsville, with Rev. Terry Horton officiating. Burial at Willow Creek Cemetery, Sublime.

Pallbearers: Edward McCrumb Jr., Blake McCrumb, Arnold Wagner III, Scott Hale, Ronnie Starling, Alan Starling and Rory Starling. Honorary pallbearers: Don Page, James Page, Steve Page, Rhonda Teets, Becky Klatt, Donna Freeman, Tommy Seiling, Bob Bozka, Bill Bozka, Larry Bozka, Susan Chandler, and Dr. James Drost.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Donor's Choice.

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

McDONALD INFANT

Hallettsville Herald, 16 May 1907, page 2

DEATHS.

Infant daughter of John McDonald, aged 3 months, 25 days; died April 6 near Hope; cause debility.

LOREN LAWRENCE McDONALD

Colorado County Citizen, 8 Sep 1932, page 6

VERY SAD DEATH IN McDONALD FAMILY

(Weimar Mercury)

Supt. T. H. McDonald received the sad intelligence Wednesday morning that the eldest son of his brother, Prof. McDonald of Wied, Lavaca county, had been stricken with infantile paralysis, that most dreaded of all children's disease. He hurried to Shiner, and found the boy had been taken to a hospital there. He also found that the word was only too true—the child was paralyzed from the waist down and lying there in a state of coma.

Telephonic communication was at once had with some of Houston's finest physicians, but all advised against trying to move the child.

Mr. McDonald returned home late in the afternoon, but received word soon afterward that the child was sinking rapidly. Later informaiton was to the effect that the child died at 5 o'clock this (Thursday) morning. The funeral will take place at Moulton this afternoon.

The family has the sincere sympathy of all in this terrible misfortune. May God be merciful to them!

According to his death certificate, Loren McDonald, 6 Feb 1924 - 1 Sep 1932, was the son of Charles W. and Mary Clayton McDonald. He was buried in the Moulton Public Cemetery.

A. P. McELROY

Weimar Mercury, 10 Sep 1954, page 4

FORMER LAVACA SHERIFF DIES

A. P. McElroy, former sheriff of Lavaca County and a well known cattle raiser, died Monday in Dufner Hospital, Hallettsville, at the age of 76.

He had been ill only a short time, but had been lame since crushing his leg in a fall from his horse several years ago. He had served Lavaca County as sheriff about 10 years.

Surviving are his wife, who lives in Hallettsville; a son, Arthur McElroy of Cheyenne, Wyo., 3 daughters, Mrs. Alton Allen and Miss Clarkie McElroy, both of Hallettsville, and Mrs. John Williamson of Crawley, La., and four grandchildren.

James Edward McElroy

 James McElroy dies at 35 years

Hallettsville Tribune – Friday Sept. 28, 1962

James Edward McElroy, 35, died suddenly Tuesday, Sept. 25, in Liberty, Texas. Death was due to a heart Attack.

The deceased was born in Hallettsville, March 31, 1927. When he reached he married Edgrie Mae Manie and the couple settled in Daisetta. The family has been making their home in Daisetta for the past thirteen years.

McElroy served in World War II with the U. S. Army.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 27th, at 2:00p.m. from the Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville, with Rev. Curtis Crofton officiating. Interment was in the City Cemetery here.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Edgrie Marie (Manie) McElroy of Daisetta; his mother, Mrs. Dee McElroy of Hallettsville; three sons, Anthony Harold, James Calvin and David Allen, of Daisetta; six brothers, Henry Clay of Ezzell, Carl of Ezzell, Maurice of Yoakum, Bennett Ray of Corpus Christi, Frankie of Buna and John William Mc Elroy of Ezzell; and one sister, Mrs. Leo Weinken (Annie Pohl) of Victoria.

Pallbearers were his fellow workers at the Magnolia Company where the deceased was employed at Daisetta: J. A. Martin, J. B. McKaslel, J. M. Vernon, Walter Herbert, R. D. Harvey, Walter Frazier, Melvin E. Barta and A. A. Dauchy

James was the son of Dee and Amelia Annie Pohl McElroy. It may also help to know that LIberty, Texas known as "The First City on the Trinity," was established in 1831 and is situated on US Highway 90 midway between Houston and Beaumont, in LIberty County and Daisetta is a city also in Liberty County, Texas.

Contributed by Ed Neubauer

JOHN DAVIS McELROY, JR.

March 1909 newspaper clipping

A message was received here this week stating that John McElroy, who was serving a two year's sentence at the Huntsville penitentiary, had been accidently killed while at work loading lumber on some cars. How the accident occurred, we failed to learn. His remains passed through here last night and will be buried near Monseratte. Mr. McElroy was aged about 40 years and was born and raised in this county. He leaves a wife and several children, four brothers and one sister to mourn his death. Peace be to his ashes.

John McElroy, Jr., June 1867 - 2 Mar 1909, was the son of John Davis McElroy, Sr. and Sarah Franks. He married Elizabeth Lizzie Smothers (later Kelly). Their son, Garland, who was seven at the time of his father's death, eventually married Bessie Klimicek, the daughter of Louis Klimicek, whose horse John McElroy, Jr. had stolen. Contributed by Nena Smothers

BESS KONIAKOVSKY McFALL

Victoria Advocate, Wednesday, June 6, 1973

Mrs. McFall

YOAKUM—Funeral services for Mrs. Bess McFall, 95, who died Monday in a local nursing home, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery with Buffington Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. McFall was born Jan. 28, 1878, in Fayette County.

Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Rose Guerin and Mrs. Agnes Koniakovsky of Yoakum and Mrs. Carolina Wieting of Harper, Tex.; and a brother, Frank G. Krauskopf Sr. of Yoakum.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

WILLIAM H. McGILL, Jr.

Yoakum – W. H. “Bill” McGill, Jr., 79, of Yoakum, died Saturday, March 29, 1997.

 He was born March 3, 1918, in Smith County to the late William H. Sr. and Mary Allen McGill.  He retired in 1979 as a railroad engineer with Southern Pacific Railroad after 38 years of service and then served as Justice of the Peace in Lavaca County for 12 years.  He graduated from San Marcos Academy and also attended Southwestern University.  He was a 32^nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.  Mr. McGill was a member of the administration board of First United Methodist Church, Yoakum Masonic Lodge No. 662 where he was awarded the Golden Trowel in 1995, Hochheim Lodge No. 298, Moulton Lodge No. 298 AM&FM, Yoakum Chapter No. 282 Order of the Eastern Star.  He was a past director of Nueces County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, past chairman of the administrative board of Trinity United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, Nueces Sheriff’s Posse Youth Rodeo, and past president of Yoakum Rotary Club.  In 1987 he served as District Deputy for Masonic District No. 34 and in 1985, he was inducted into the South Central Texas Hall of Fame for his many years of service in South Central Texas semi-pro baseball.

 Survivors: wife of 57 years, Hazel Marie Pye McGill; daughter, Sue Iverson of Victoria; sons, Patrick Allen McGill of Yoakum and Michael E. McGill of Hempstead; sisters, Mary Agnes Kuester of Yoakum, Edith Reuthinger of Laredo and Carolyn Johnson of Beeville; three grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; step-father, Lawrence Stanley; and brother, Evans Allen McGill.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Buffington Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Bernard P. Ritchea officiating.

Masonic graveside services will be at the County Line Cemetery, under the auspices of Yoakum Masonic Lodge.  Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 293-2333.

Unidentified newspaper clipping contributed by Rex Moore

HALLIE LELIA McINTYRE

Weimar Mercury, 28 May 1926, page 8

YOAKUM GIRL DIES ON GRADUATION EVE

Yoakum, Texas, May 25. — Hallie McIntyre, 15, died at the home of her parents here Saturday after a short illness. She was a membe of the graduating class of the Park Place School and was in the midst of preparation for the exercises when she became ill. Saturday afternoon she was presented with her certificate of advancement and this ws placed beside her when she was buried Sunday afternoon in the dress intended for her graduation.

Hallie McIntyre, 2 Jun 1911-22 May 1926, was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

McKAY Child

Shiner Gazette, 28 Mar 1900, page 1, Nickel Notes column

The funeral of Mr. McKay’s little child at Moulton Institute cemetery last Sunday, was well attended. Rev. Frierson performed the sad rites.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ADELIA McKENNON

Weimar Mercury, 19 Feb 1915, Oakland News Notes

News was received here Sunday that Mrs. Adelia McKennon had died at her home in Halletsville Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. Mrs. McKennon had been sick for some time, and although her death was not unexpected, still it came as a shock to her children and friends. She leaves five children – Berkley and Billy McKennon, now of Oakland, and Misses Orlena and Della, and John McKennon of Halletsville. We certainly sympathize with her children and loved ones in their loss, and may God in His mercy comfort them.

Contributed by Matt Cross

MRS. McKEY

Hallettsville Herald, 11 July 1889

Sublime Siftings

Burial place unknown. Contributed by Regena Williamson

McKINNON Infant

Halletsville Herald, 3 Nov 1892

ANDREWS CHAPEL.

Death has visited our neighorhood and taken the infant child of Mr. L. E. McKinnon.

ALICE MORROW McKINNON

Weimar Mercury, July 11, 1924, page 1

MRS. McKINNON DIED AT KERRVILLE SATURDAY

Mrs. McKinnon, a daughter of the late W. H. Morrow, near Hackberry, Lavaca county, died in Kerrville last Saturday. Her body was shipped to Schulenburg and buried in the Andrews Chapel Cemetery.

Several children and other relatives are left to mourn her loss. She was a good woman, and was ready to go to a better world.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones.

Alice McKinnon, 31 May 1872-6 Jul 1924, was buried at Andrew's Chapel Cemetery. Transcribed by Dorothy Albrecht.

KENNARD McKINNON

Weimar Mercury, 10 May 1918

Kennard McKinnon.

Kennard, four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Berkley McKinnon of San Antonio, died in that city Wednesday. The body was brought here yesterday afternoon on the 8:10 train, the funeral occurring from the depot to the City Cemetery, where interment was given.—Hallettsville Herald.

WILL McKINNON

Weimar Mercury, June 26, 1897

Oakland Remarks

Will McKennon, a mulatto negro tenant on the farm of J. W. Carson, near Oakland, but in Lavaca county, was mysteriusly assassinated about 8 o'clock Tuesday evening, the 22d inst. he had spent the day in Oakland celebrating the anniversary of his freedom, and on returning home late in the evening, in company with his wife went to the cowpen to assist her in milking the cows. He was holding off the calf, and sitting on the fence, when some one not more than ten steps from him, but hiding in a cluster of bushes, fired the fatal shot tht sent his sould into eternity. He was shot with a double barrel shot gun heavily charged with buckshot, and the contents struck him in the breast, several shot passing through his heart, killing him instantly. Officers are diligently looking into the matter, but as yet have failed to apprehend the assassin.

A more cowardly and dastardly murder has never disgraced the fair name of Lavaca county, and it is to be hoped that the lurking murderer will yet be apprehended and justice be meted out to him.

Weimar Mercury, 4 Jul 1897, page 7

Halletsville, Texas, July 17.—Justice of the Peace T. A. Hester, after three days spent in hearing testimony in the case of the parties charged with the assasination of Will McKinnon, near Hackberry, June 22, remanded Tom Newton and Ellis Griggs to jail without bail. The widow of the deceased was released from custody.

SALLIE MURPHY McLEAN

Shiner Gazette, 14 May 1908

—Miss Sallie McLean, one of the pioneer citizens of Lavaca County, and a talented musician and music teacher, died at Halletsville, aged 54 years and six months.

Sallie Murphy McLean, 2 Nov 1853 – 3 May 1908, was buried in the Hallettsville City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

RALPH E. McMASTER

Yoakum – Ralph E. McMaster, 79, of Yoakum, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 1995.

He was born May 25, 1916, in Yoakum to the late Robert Estel and Susie May McMaster.  He was a World War II veteran with the finance department of the U.S. Army, attached to the Air Corps at Foster Field in Victoria and Matagorda Island.  Prior to joining the Army, he was district bookkeeper for the Highway Department.  He was owner and operator of the Firestone Store in Yoakum for 20 years, and then taught eighth-grade social studies at Yoakum Independent School District for 16 years.  Mr. McMaster was active in Boy Scouts and other community organizations.  He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors: wife of 55 years, Ruth Darter McMaster; sons, R.E. McMaster, Jr. of Marble Falls and Patrick L. McMaster of Houston; sisters, Kitty Dryer of Victoria and Josephine Kaspar of Shiner; and eight grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: sisters, Mildred Stinle and Estelle Neuhaus; and brother, Marshal McMaster.

Family visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Buffington Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, the Rev. Richard Bowden officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 293-2333.

Unidentified newspaper clipping contributed by Rex Moore

ROBERT McMASTER

Shiner Gazette, 12 Jan 1967

Services Held For Native Texan, Robert McMaster

Robert E. McMaster of Yoakum, age 93 years, nine months and 15 days, passed away in Huth Memorial Hospital on Thursday, December 22, 1966 at 1:35 p.m.

Funeral services were conducted Friday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Yoakum with the Rev. Ervin M. Jordan, pastor of Shiner Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum.

Serving as pallbearers were Vernon White, L. T. Burns Jr., Horace Boothe, J. Lee Fawcett, E. G. Raska and Kyle Kaiser, all of Yoakum.

Mr. McMaster was born March 7, 1873 at Thomaston, DeWitt County, Texas, son of pioneer settlers James David and Sarah (Barnes) McMaster, and was a lifelong member of the Thomaston Methodist Church. He was reared in this community, moving to Yoakum before the turn of the century. In 1899, he was married to Susie Louise May and the couple continuously resided at Yoakum. His wife preceded him in death on March 29, 1945. He was a retired prominent cattleman and rancher.

Survivors include two sons, Marshall G. McMaster Sr. of Seguin and Ralph E. McMaster Sr. of Yoakum; three daughters, Mrs. Harry (Mildred) Steinle of Somerset, Mrs. Arthur (Josephine) Kaspar of Shiner and Mrs. Ralph (Kathryn) Dreyer of Victoria; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; one half sister, Mrs. T. G. (Nora) McCoy of Lockhart; nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Mrs. E. T. (Estelle) Neuhaus of Hallettsville, who died August 20, 1954 of injuries received in a car accident, and Lelia, who died at the age of six months; six brothers, Everett, Eugene, James, Milton, George and Dr. Oscar McMaster; one sister, Mrs. Sallie Thornton; two half sisters, Mrs. John (Bertie) Holebeke, Mrs. Alvin (Carriebelle) Farrar; and his stepmother, Mrs. Hannah (Hurd) McMaster.

Among those from Shiner in attendance at the last rites were Mrs. Wm. Wendtland, Jr., accompanied by Mrs. W. L. Russell of Houston, Theo Rogge, Mrs. Homer Martin, Victor Stindt, Benno Holchak, Mr. and Mrs. John O. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Stratman, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Buske, Mrs. Hugo Liebhafsky and Mrs. E. C. Wolters.

Contributed by Matt Cross

R. A. McMURREY

Weimar Mercury, 2 Nov 1917, page 7

FARMER DROPS DEAD.

Halletsville, Tex., Oct. 24.—R. A. McMurrey of Ezzell dropped dead this morning while walking alongside his wagon driving his team on his way to Halletsville when out about six miles from town. There were two or three wagons traveling the same road, and the drivers of these say McMurrey had gotten out of his wagon, evidently to walk so as to keep warm. When they saw him fall, they rushed to his side to render aid, but found him gasping his last breath. Mr. McMurrey was carried to the home of W. B. O'Neal, nearby, and his family at Ezzell notified of his death. Mr. McMurrey was about 50 years of age and leaves a family.

SAM F. McMURREY

Weimar Mercury, 18 Mar 1899, page 3

Shiner, Texas, March 12.—Sam F. McMurray [sic.], a prominent citizen of Lavaca county, was shot and almost instantly killed by Charles Ledbetter of Halletsville at 5 p. m. yesterday. The killing occurred on the McMurray farm near one of the tenant houses. There were two eye-witnesses to the tragedy—McMurray's 12-year-old son and a Mexican tenant. The killing was done with a pistol. Ledbetter drove to Halletsville and surrendered.

McMurray leaves an aged mother, a wife and eight children.

Ledbetter had up to about two weeks ago taught school near McMurray's, when some misunderstanding occurred between the two and McMurray ordered Ledbetter off his land and told him to remain off. Yesterday evening while McMurray, accompanied by his 12-year-old son, was on his way to a tenant's to get a wagon and team he met Ledbetter, who was in his buggy. Some words passed and Ledbetter pulled his pistol and shot McMurray through the body. He then walked up to McMurray, who had fallen, and took a pistol out of McMurray's shirt bosom, jumped in his buggy and drove to Halletsville, where he surrendered to the sheriff.

Shiner Gazette, 18 May 1904

The GAZETTE is informed that the remains of Sam McMurrey, interred in the Sweet Home cemetery, were removed last Monday to the Shiner cemetery.

Sam F. McMurrey, 21 Jul 1849-11 Mar 1899, was buried in the Shiner City Cemetery. Gazette article contributed by Matt Cross

SARAH McMURREY

Shiner Gazette, 28 Nov 1906, Sweet Home News column

We are informed of the sad news of the death of Grandma McMurrey.

Sarah McMurrey, 3 Mar 1823 – 24 Nov 1906, wife of W.M., daughter of Sam & Sarah Bell, was buried in the Bennett Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

MRS. FRANK McMURRY

Weimar Mercury, 19 Apr 1892, page 1

Halletsville New Era: Mrs. Frank McMurry died near Sweet Home last Tuesday, after a short illlness with pneumonia. She was laid to rest in the Pilot Grove cemetery Wednesday. She leaves a husband and eleven children to mourn her death.

TRUMAN DALE McRAY

Galveston Daily News, Sunday, September 19, 1962

MOULTON—Services for Truman Dale McRay, 73, of Galveston will be 11 a.m. Today at Smith Funeral Home in Moulton, the Rev. Robert Schmidt officiating.

Burial will be in Moulton Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. McRay died Wednesday at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston. He was born July 4, 1909 in Yeager, Okla.

A resident of Galveston 10 years, he was retired from Exxon Refinery in Baytown where he worked 27 years. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Galveston.

He is survived by his wife, Adell Mraz McRay of Galveston; a daughter, Harriet Kiounis of Clear Lake City; a son, Charles Kopecinski who is stationed in Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Margene Scheen of Patton, Pa.; and a brother, Kenneth McRay of Weslaco.

Five grandchildren also survive.

Pallbearers will be Fred, Benny and Julius Mraz and Walter Braun, Robert and Elwood Lemmon.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

ED. McVEY

Shiner Gazette, 17 Dec 1902

Ed. McVey Killed.

Ed. McVey, formerly of this county and a son-in-law of Robert Williams, was run over and instantly killed by a train on the M. K. & T. road at Kyle yesterday morning. No particulars are obtainable of this accident. Mr. McVey lived near Sweet Home for many years and was road overseer for seven or eight years. He moved away from Lavaca county a year or so ago, first locating at Smithville and then later at Kyle, where he met his death. He leaves a wife and several children in addition to many relatives and friends to mourn his untimely end. Mr. McVey was 42 years old, a consistent member of the Methodist church, and a Mason, a member of the Sweet Home lodge and of Boyce Chapter of this city. He will be buried at Sweet Home today with Masonic honors. – Halletsville Herald.

Ed McVey, 18 Oct 1850 – 10 Dec 1902, was buried in the Bennett Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

SEBASTIAN MEDFORD

Weimar Mercury, 25 Sep 1897, page 8

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES.

Post Specials: Shiner, Texas, September 20.—Sebatian Medford, who was waylaid and host near here Saturday night, died at 5:30 O'clock yesterday evening. Medford was about 35 years of age, not married and bore a good reputation.

Charels Brod is a young man about 24 years of age, son of Nick Brod, a farmer living about five miles from here. His examining trial is in progreess before Justice Blohm.

Shiner, Texas, September 19.—Sebastian Medford, while on the road from Shiner to his home, about four miles from here, was shot and fatally wounded at 11 o'clock last night. In his statement to Justice Blohm he charged a young man with the crime. Medford is shot in the left breast, a 45 caliber ball penetrating one and one half inches to the right and below the left nipple. There is no hope for his recovery.

The party accused by Medford is under arrest, but claims he can easily establish an alibi.

ERNA BRUNKENHOEFER MEINKE

Hallettsville Tribune-Herald, Wednesday, May 24, 1995

Erna Meinke

Erna Meinke, 90, of Yoakum died Saturday, May 20, 1995.

She was born Oct. 29, 1904 in Shiner, daughter of Dietrich and Freidericka Westphal Brunkenhoefer.

She grew up in the Lone Tree Community and was a homemaker and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Yoakum.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Melvin “Clara Belle” Pilsner of Victoria; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fritz Meinke; her parents; three sisters, Frieda Zimmerman, Ella Gerloff and Elsie Kloesel; three brothers, Herman Brunkenhoefer, Walter Brunkenhoefer and Adolph Brunkenhoefer.

Services were conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, May 22 at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel, Yoakum. The Rev. Tim Van Antwerp officiated.

Burial followed in the Shiner City Cemetery, under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum.

Pallbearers were Dr. Louis Boening, Edwin Steinmann, Paul Pilsner, David Pilsner, David Pilsner, Marcus Bran and Gene Shimek.

Honorary pallbearers were Ricky Chumchal and Ronnie Schulte.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

ERNEST MEITZEN

Shiner Gazette, 21 Sep 1893, page 1

A Sombre Reminder.

About two miles south of Moulton on the west side of the railroad track and in plain view of the car windows of passing trains stands a sombre reminder of one of the most mysterious suicides known in this part of the country. It is a stunted, faded tree, one of a group of three or four, standing near a draw or ravine. On the outmost tree of the group there are several roots extending out above the ground forming a kind of seat. Here on the evening on April 25th, 1892, Ernest Meitzen deliberately seated himself and leaning his head back against the main trunk of the tree, he placed the muzzle of a 38-calibre revolver to his breast and shot himself through the heart. All that evening and night the dead man sat there with his glassy eyes fixed and staring, and the dew wet on his clothes and the next morning as the section men went by on their way to work they saw him sitting there and took him to be some drunken man and so passed on and left him. When they returned from work he was still sitting there and their curiosity aroused they stopped the handcar and approached and were horrified to find the supposed drunken man a dead man with the revolver still clutched in his stiffened fingers. Meitzen, a few days before, had married a beautiful girl; he was in the best of circumstances financially and there was no reason in the world why he should not be the happiest of men, yet with cold blooded deliberation he purchased a revolver and ammunition at Flatonia, boarded a south bound train to Moulton where he set out on foot and walked the two miles that lay between Moulton and the spot he had selected for self murder. If there existed the slightest reason why he should kill himself his friends and relatives knew nothing of it and taken altogether it was one of the most mysterious suicides we ever heard of.

Contributed by Matt Cross

E. O. MEITZEN

Houston Post, 25 Feb 1935, page 9

MEITZEN – E. O. Meitzen, 79, of 6618 Mercer street, died at 6:30 p. m. Sunday. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Ellis Williams of Houston; four sons, E. R. Meitzen of Lake City, Fla., A. C. Meitzen of Beeville, M. L. Meitzen of Giddings, and R. W. Meitzen of Bandera; a sister, Mrs. Julia Lignon of Robstown; 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The body will be sent overland to Hallettsville Monday by the Fogle-West company. Funeral services will be held at Hallettsville at 3:30 p. m. Monday. He was a member of I. O. O. F. lodge No. 59 and the Lutheran church.

Contributed by Matt Cross

Mrs. E. O. MEITZEN

Schulenburg Sticker, 27 Jul 1923, page 1

Mrs. E. O. Meitzen

We notice in the last issue of the Hallettsville New Era where Mrs. O. E. Meitzen, mother of Editor Meitzen, died.
Deceased was 63 years old, she died Monday afternoon and was buried Wednesday afternoon in the Odd Fellow’s Cemetery.

The Sticker tenders its sincere sympathy to Brother Meitzen in his bereavement, we refer him to the Heavenly Father who alone has the balm that sooths the bleeding heart, on an occasion like this.

Mrs. Meitzen, 9 Dec 1857 – 23 Jul 1923, was buried in the Hallettsville City Cemetery.

Contributed by Matt Cross

ALBERT ALFRED MELNAR

Sealy News, 12 Jan 2009

Albert Alfred Melnar

Albert Alfred Melnar was born Sept. 27, 1936 in Hallettsville, the son of Emil and Emilie Mekush Melnar. He grew up in the Hallettsville area and attended the Vsetin School.

On Dec. 28, 1957, Albert was united in marriage to Marcia Zapalac. Shortly after marriage, they moved and made their home in Abbyville, La. In 1958, Albert and Marcia moved to Houston, where he managed an Exxon service center until 1979. The Melnars then moved to Cat Spring, where Albert was employed by the Smith Industry until its closing in 1984. Albert then took a position with Austin County Precinct 3, until his retirement as a foreman in 2004.
Albert was an excellent fisherman and hunter. He also enjoyed camping with his family and his trips to Las Vegas. He definitely had a green thumb and enjoyed spending time in his garden. His specialty was making homemade wine and sausage. He was an exceptional dancer and enjoyed listening to polka music daily. He enjoyed get-togethers with his friends at Cross Roads Tavern.

Albert passed away at his home in Cat Spring on Jan. 9, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marcia; son, Leslie Melnar and Donna Shelton and her two children Randal and Brandon of Quero; sisters, Stella Blaha and Evelyn Sklar, both of Hallettsville; eight nieces and nine nephews; and many other dear friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alvin Melnar; and sisters, Elsie Dusek, Irene Vornsand, Lucie Ubanoski and half sister Hermina Vasek.

Funeral services will be held Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Cat Spring and later on Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Hallettsville, with pastor Kevin Haug officiating.

Cat Spring pallbearers are James “Bubba” Duke, Danny Hengst, Avey Shrum, Mike Turner, Larry Brune and Mike Biehunko. Cat Spring honorary pallbearers are Bill Hegemeyer, Franklin Goebel, Wilferd Ueckert, Clarence Himly and Warren Sseverin.

Funeral arrangements were made under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home, 12029 Highway 36 South, Bellville, Texas 77418, (979) 865-2424.

Contributed by Matt Cross

EMIL E. MELNAR

Victoria Advocate, December 13, 2000

HALLETTSVILLE—Emil Edwin Melnar, 89, of Hallettsville, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000.

He was born June 23, 1911, in Lavaca County, to the late Frank Willie and Emilie Dusek Melnar. He was a retired farmer and rancher and a member of SPJST. He was a member of Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin where he served on the Board of Elder.

Survivors: wife, Frances Marie Muhlstein Melnar; daughters, Earlene Muenster of Weimar and Charlene Biehunko of Shiner; sisters, Leona Scheffer and Vlasta Michalcik, both of Hallettsville; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; sisters, Agnes Grunewald, Lillie Helweg and Zilfa Teresa Boethel; brothers, Iscar Melnar and infant brother.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

Prayer services will be 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home chapel.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin, the Revs. Henry Besada and Darrin Holub officiating.

Burial will be at Vsetin Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Memorials: Czech Moravian Brethren Church of Vsetin.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

EMILIE MELNAR

Weimar Mercury, 1 Jul 1949, page 1

Mrs. Frank Melnar Dies After Stroke

Mrs. Frank Melnar, 69, of the Bila Hora section died Monday evening, June 27, after suffering a heart stroke at her home at about 3 o'clock that morning.

Funeral services were held at Svetin Cemetery Wednesday.

Sheis survived by her husband, five daughters, two sons, two brothers and a sister.

A more complete write-upwill appear in our next issue; no family members could be contacted for details at this time.

FRANCES MELNAR

January 30, 1968 Hallettsville newspaper clipping

Mrs. Vinc Melnar
Mrs. Joe Zaruba

Joint services for Mrs. Joe Zaruba, sr, 92 and Mrs. Vinc Melnar, 79, who were sisters, were held Monday January 29th at 1:30 pm at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville, and at 2 pm at Czech Moravian Brethern Church at Vsetin, near Hallettsville.

Mrs. Zaruba died at 8 am Sunday in a Yoakum Hospital and her sister Mrs. Melnar passed away Saturday at 12:25 am in the Youens Hospital in Weimar.

The Rev. F J Kostohryz officiated and burial was in Vsetin Cemetery.

Mrs. Melnar was born October 9, 1888 in Colorado County. She was a member of the SPJST Lodge No 16 and the CMB Church at Vsetin. Her husband died in 1958.

Surviving are two daughters: Mrs. Julius (Augusta Melnar) Pustejovsky of Port Lavaca and Mrs. Victor (Christina Melnar) Dusek of Hallettsville: two sons, Victor Melnar of Hallettsville and Clifton Melnar of Weimar; one sister, Mrs. Ed (Tracy Janus) Melnar of Hallettsville; a brother Frank Janus of Hallettsville, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mrs. Zaruba, who was born January 19, 1876, in Colorado County, is survived by a daughter, Mrs. R J Walters of Yoakum: a step-son Anton Zaruba of Hallettsville; step-daughter Miss Bessie Zaruba; a sister Mrs. Edward Melnar; a brother, Frank Janus of Hallettsville; several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Pallbearers for the Funeral of Mrs Vinc Melnar were her grandsons, Larry Melnar, Victor Dusek JR, Marvin and Royce Dusek, and Leroy and Jimmy Pustejovsky.

Pallbearers for the funeral of Mrs. Annie Zaruba were August, Charlie and Henry Melnar, and Robert, Joe and Frank Zaruba.

Contributed by Darlene Baker

FRANK MELNAR

Weimar Mercury, Friday, September 1, 1961

Final Rites for Frank Melnar, 78, Held at Vsetin

Funeral services for Frank W. Melnar, 78, of Bila Hora were held Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, in the Czech Moravian Brethern Church, Vsetin with interment in the Vsetin cemetery.

The Rev. F.J. Kostohryz officiated.

A Bila Hora resident for 55 years, Mr. Melnar died at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in Youens Hospital here. He was a member of the Vsetin CMB Church and the SPJST.

Born Dec. 24, 1882, he married Miss Emilie Dusek Oct. 7, 1906 at Vsetin, and they settled immediately at Bila Hora. Mrs. Melnar died June 27, 1949.

Survivors are two sons, Emil Melnar of Hackberry and Oscar Melnar at home; five daughters, Mrs. Agnes Grunewald of Weimar, Mrs. Lillie Helweg of Bellaire, Mrs. Vlasta Michalcik of Bila Hora, Mrs. Zialfa Boethle and Mrs. Leona Schaeffer of Hallettsville; three brothers, Ed. Melnar of Bila Hora, Emil Melnar of Hallettsville and Adoph Melnar of Vsetin; and one sister, Mrs. Annie Tieman of Nelsonville. One son died in infancy.

Pallbearers were John F. Michalcik, Raymond Grunewald, Billy Boethel, Glen Helweg, Emil A. Fojt and August Melnar.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

HILDA FRANCES VORNSAND MELNAR

Victoria Advocate, July 2, 2000

HALLETTSVILLE—Hilda Frances Melnar, 78, of Hallettsville, died Saturday, July 1, 2000.

She was born May 8, 1922, in Lavaca County, to the late August Anton and Frances Rosie Peterak Vornsand. She was a homemaker, a member of Czech Moravian Brethran Christian Sisters, Lavaca Medical Center as a Pink Lady and Czech Moravian Bretheran Church in Vestin.

Survivors: husband, Henry Edmund Melnar; son, Henry ''Hank'' Melnar Jr. of Lake Jackson; sister, Willie Mae Schmidt of Houston; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; brothers, Walter Vornsand, Royce Gene Vornsand; sister, Frances Rose Vrana.

Visitation begins 11:30 a.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home.

Services will be 3 p.m. Monday at the Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vestin.

Burial Vestin Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, (361) 798-3271

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

ROBERT LUDWIG MELNAR

Victoria Advocate, 13 Jun 2004

MONT - Robert L. Melnar, 89, of Mont, died Friday, June 11, 2004.

He was born Sept. 29, 1914, in Lavaca County, to the late Ferdinand and Cecilia Bujnoch Melnar. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2433 and Sacred Heart Church of Hallettsville.

Survivors: wife, Beatrice Dornak Melnar; daughter, Ginny Appelt of Richmond; sons, Daniel Melnar of Hallettsville, Gilbert A. Melnar of Edna, and Robert J. Melnar of Victoria; sister, Hedwig Greer of Hallettsville; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: sisters, Mary T. Janak and Georgia Janak; and brothers, Victor S. Melnar, Fred G. Melnar, and Louis J. Melnar.

Visitation will begin 1 p.m. today at Kubena Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. tonight at the funeral home and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Sacred Heart Church.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, the Rev. John Peters officiating.

Burial will be at Koerth Catholic Cemetery. Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, 361-798-3271.

Memorials: Sacred Heart School or Church of Hallettsville or Hospice of South Texas.

Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

VERONICA KUTACH MELNAR

Victoria Advocate, Thursday, December 28, 1972

HALLETTSVILLE—Mrs. Fred (Veronica) Melnar, 65, died Wednesday at 12:15 a.m. in a Kerrville hospital.

The body will lie in state at Kubena Funeral Home until 1 p.m. Thursday when it will be taken to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for services at 2 p.m.

Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery near Hallettsville.

The Rev. Stanley Petru will officiate.

Rosary was said Wednesday evening at the Kubena Funeral Home by members of the Sacred Heart parish and the KJZT Society.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the KJZT Society. Mrs. Melnar was born in Lavaca County, Nov. 12, 1907. She married Fred Melnar on Nov. 26, 1929, and was the former Veronica Kutach.

Survivors include her husband of Hallettsville; three sons, Joe of Morgan City, La., Marcus of Wharton, and Patrick of Houston; one daughter, Mrs. Frank Tuttle of Baton Rouge, La.; two brothers, Charles Kutach of Hallettsville and Joe Kutach of El Campo; four sisters, Mrs. Frank Smolik of Yoakum, Mrs. Frank Zahn of San Antonio and Mrs. Julius Spacek of Hallettsville, Mrs. Arthur (Evelyn) Bradbury of Speaks, Texas; eight grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

VINC MELNAR

Weimar Mercury, August 8, 1958

Vinc Melnar, 81 Lifelong Bila Hora Resident, Dies

Funeral services for Vinc Melnar, 81, lifelong resident of the Bila Hora and Vsetin area south of here, were held Wednewday morning. Aug. 6, at Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, and the Czech Moravian Brethren Church at Vsetin.

Burial was in the Vsetin cemetery. Rev. F. Kostohryz of Hallettsville officiated.

Mr. Melnar who had ben in ill health for some time, died at 6:40 P.M. Monday, Aug. 4, at his home.

He was a member of the CMB Church at Vsetin and the Bila Hora SPJST, Born Nov.
3, 1879, in Lavaca County, he married Miss Frances Janus at Vsetin on Nov.6, 1910, and they settled in the Bila Hora area.

Survivors in addition to his wife are two sons, Victor and Cliffton Melnar both of Bila Hora; two daughters, Mrs. Julius ( Augusta) Pustejovsky of Hallettsville and Mrs. Victor ( Christina) Dusek of Bila Hora: four brothers, Frand and Ed Melnar of Bila Hora, Emil and Adloph Melnar of Hallettsville: one sister, Mrs. Willie Tieman of Nelsonville: and eight grandchildren.

Contributed by Regena Williamson

VINCENT MELNAR

Weimar Mercury, 5 Oct 1923, page 2

VINC. MELNAR, SENIOR, DIES

Former Resident of This Section Succumbs Near Svetin Sunday.

After suffering from heart disease for the past six months or more, during which time everything was done to restore his health, Mr. Vinc Melnar passed peacefully away to the Great Beyond at his home near Vsetin Sunday morning at 6 o'clock. At the time of his death he had reached the ripe old age of 80 years, 7 months and 21 days.

The funeral occurred from the family residence Monday afternoon, Sept. 24, at 3 o'clock. Rev. A. Motychka conducting the services. burial was in the Vstin [sic.] cemetery.

Mr. Melnar was born in Austria, Europe, Feb. 2. 1843. He was a soldier in the war of 1866 and came to America in 1872, landing at Galveston, from which place he moved to New Bielau, Colorado county, where he worked for Wm. Gerstenberg. Later he moved to Wellersburg, where in 1874 he was married to Mrs. Joe Woytek (Nee Marek). They lived there for two years and had the misfortune of losing their home and contents by fire. They then rented a place from William Heinsohn near Mixon creek and after two years of hard labor purchased a place from Henry Weller consisting of 340 acres. After this was paid for they bought another tract of land at Bila Hora. Deceased was a hard working man and respected everywhere he went by those who knew him.

Besides his loving wife, Mr. Melnar is mourned by one stepson, five sons and two daughters, as follows: Joe Woytek, Vinc, Frank, Edward, Emil and Adolph Melnar, all of this county, Mrs. Terezie Gatrla [Kotrla] of Taylor and Mrs. Annie Tiemann of New Ulm. One daughter, Miss Emilie, preceded her father to the grave 14 years ago. He also is survived by 33 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

May the bereaved relatives be comforted in this their sad hour, is the New Era's sincere wish. — Halletsville New Era.

VIOLA MELNAR

Weimar Mercury, 24 Jun 1927, page 5

TWO COUSINS DEAD AT HALLETTSVILLE

Hallettsville, Texas, June 19 —In a local hospital and within thirty minutes' time occurred deaths of two children, cousins, and residing in the same neighborhood, Bila Hora section, about ten miles northeast of this place.

Felix Dusek, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dusek, died from lockjaw resulting from sticking a splinter in his foot; Viola Melnar, 11, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Melnar, died from an infected bone.

Bodies of both were taken home for burial at Bila Hora.

Weimar Mercury, 1 July 1927, page 3

OAKLAND - COUNTY LINE NEWS

It is with sadness that I chronicle the deaths of two of our esteemed and beloved young people, whose deaths occurred in our midst Thursday night, just twenty-five minutes apart. One at the Duffner Hospital and one at Renger Hospital in Hallettsville. Felix Dusek died at the Renger Hospital Thursday night. Viola Melner also died Thursday night. These young people were born and reared here and had endeared themselves to the hearts of all who knew them, by their kind and loving ways. But God needed more angels to his band. He touched their eyes and they slept, and passed over the river to that beautiful land from which no human traveler ever returns. It is indeed sad to be taken so young and in the midst of life. They leave to mourn their untimely death their parents, sisters, brothers, and a host of relatives and friends. A double funeral service was held Saturday morning at the [Vsetin] Church at 8 o'clock. Interment took place at the Svetin Cemetery. The funeral was largely attended, attesting the popularity and esteem in which these young people were held.

VIOLA JESSIE KRIZAK MELNAR

Viola Jessie Melnar

(March 18, 1921 - September 22, 2009)

Viola J. Melnar, 88, of Hallettsville, passed away September 22, 2009. She was born on March 18, 1921, to Joseph and Alvina Barton Krizak, in Colorado County, Texas. She married Victor Will Melnar on October 30, 1939 in Weimar, Texas.

Viola was a member of SPJST and also was involved with the Oakland Fire Department. She enjoyed many hobbies. In the home she enjoyed sewing and quilting. Many times she donated quilts she had made to the Fire Department for fund raising events. Viola made almost all of her son Larry’s shirts. In the out doors Viola’s passion was to fish, and freezing weather conditions did not slow her down in the pursuit to fish. She loved to travel and went to Tennessee and New Mexico. Her favorite place to eat was Dairy Queen, and as far as she was concerned, that was the only place to eat in Weimar. Viola loved being in the middle of everything, from cattle round ups to fixing the water gap, or watching the deer run across the neighbors pasture while she sat in her rocking chair. She was also an excellent shot with her .22 rifle.

Viola is survived by: 1-son Larry Melnar & wife Rose; 1-daughter Carolyn Rokyta and husband Larry; 5 grandchildren; & 7 1/2 Great-Grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by: her husband Victor who died January 20, 1994, her parents; 5-Brothers Melvin Krizak, Lester Krizak, William Krizak, Emil Krizak, & Henry Krizak and 6-sisters Loretta Hoffman, Milady Leppin, Margarett Hoffman, Bessie Dusek, Hattie Cinadr, & Edna Fojt.

Funeral Service: 10am, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin, Texas. Visitation: 2pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral. Family will receive visitors between 6pm to 8pm. Officiate: Rev. Dr. Mark L. Labaj. Pallbearers: Emil “Joe” Dusek, Brian Rokyta, Jim Melnar, James “JC” Fojt, Kenneth Krizak, Royce Dusek. Honorary Pallbearers: Jack Baker, Vince Melnar, & John Kuehn. Memorials: Czech Moravian Brethren Church or Czech Moravian Brethren Cemetery or Donor’s Choice Burial: Czech Moravian Brethren Cemetery in Vsetin, Texas.

Contributed by Darlene Baker

WILLIAM MELNAR

Tuesday March 17, 1936 newspaper clipping

William Melnar

Many hearts were saddened Monday morning about 8:00 o'clock, when the news was spread that William Melnar, aged 27 years, was found dead at his home, 3 miles east of town. Justice of the Peace H. W. Strickler was called to the home and pronounced his death due to self destruction by hanging.

The funeral will be held this (Tuesday) morning, leaving the Kubena Funeral Home at 9:30 am Rev. A. Drozd officiating. Interment will be made in the Catholic Cemetery.

Survivors are, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rud. Melnar, 3 brothers: Aug. of Moulton, Henry and James, at home.

Deceased was born and spent all of his life in our community. He was a young man of good traits, well liked by all his associates. For the past two months his health was bad and this is assigned as the cause of his untimley death.

To those who mourn his passing the New Era Herald offers tender and abiding sympathy.

Contributed by Darlene Baker

FERDINAND J. MENDEL

The Weimar Mercury, 25 Jan 1918

TWO SCHULENBURG SOLDIERS DEAD

Schulenburg, Tex., Jan. 22. - Advices have reached here of the death at Camp Travis of Private Fred Mendel, aged 25, of meningitis. he was the son of Mr. and Mrs Fred Mendel. The body was shipped from San Antonio Monday.

Emil Kiesling, also of Camp Travis, who was ill with pneumonia at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kiesling, died Sunday. He left Schulenburg for Camp Travis at the same time Mr. Mendel did.

HENRIETTA BUTSCHEK MENELEY

November 2003 newspaper clipping

Henrietta Butschek Meneley was born March 28, 1920, the third child of Henry and Susanna Kubena Butschek in Hackberry, Lavaca County, Texas, a village near Schulenburg. Her death occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2003, at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She was a 1936 graduate of Moulton High School, where she was an excellent student, being named as Salutatorian of her graduating class, and was a member of the championship basketball team. She loved to write stories, including an historical sketch of the Moulton schools in 1936. Her hobbies also included wine making, painting, gardening, a variety of sports, and oh, how she loved to dance!

She married John Nixon Meneley in Moulton, Texas, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church on July 5, 1937. During World War II when John served in the U. S. Marines, the family lived for a while in San Diego, California. With the shortage of men to fill the work force, Henrietta was hired to drive a city bus. After John's discharge, the family lived for a while in Moulton, Texas and then moved to Gonzales where he owned and operated Meneley Motors.

In the late 1940's, the City of Gonzales developed a park just south of Gonzales, and a contest was held to decide upon a name. Henrietta's was the winning entry, and "Independence Park" was born. She received a $25 award for her efforts.

Henrietta and John had six children. Two weeks after the death of her husband in March 1950, Henrietta delivered her last child, Karen, and at the age of 28 had the tremendous responsibility of providing for and caring for the young family. She was a strong, independent woman at a time when this was not at all commonplace. She was a self-sacrificing woman and regarded her family as being the most important part of her life. At the family farm south of Gonzales she raised chickens and opened a dairy farm, while maintaining full-time jobs during the day at GVEC, Bill Hunt Motors, and General Telephone Company.

She moved to Victoria in 1961 and in 1966, she became the first woman city letter carrier in the history of the Victoria Post Office. While in Victoria, she was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was active in several organizations including the Legion of Mary.

She returned to the Gonzales home and farm in 1976 after her retirement from the post office and continued to live at the family farm until her move to The Romberg House in March 2002 after major surgery. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the St. James Parish Council of Catholic Women.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, John Nixon Meneley; brothers, Henry and George Butschek; son, Richard Henry Meneley; son-in-law, David B. Walshak; and grandson, Jonathan Dewberry.

She is survived by daughters: Lois Jean "Jeanne" Walshak of Gonzales; Susan Ainsworth and husband A. G. of Gonzales; Karen Hoffman and husband Ken of Oklahoma City; sons, John Meneley and wife Theresa of Sugar Land; and Michael and wife Margie of Houston; sister, Eleanor Wagner of Moulton; brothers, Edgar Butschek and wife Zina of Dallas; Matthew Butschek and wife Catherine of Wylie; Johnny Butschek and wife Mary Lou of Hallettsville; Robert Butschek and wife Rose of Shiner; and Allan Butschek and wife Susan of Victoria. Also surviving are brothers-in-law: Gilbert Meneley of Conway, Arkansas; Jim Meneley of Devine; and sisters-in-laws: Alma Early of Buda, Evelyn Marsh of Adkins; and Nell Meneley of San Antonio. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 17, 2003, at Seydler Funeral Home in Gonzales from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

JOHN NIXON MENELEY

Gonzales Inquirer, March 30, 1950

TWO GONZALES MEN KILLED IN WRECK JUST EAST OF SEGUIN

WILD CHASE LEADS TO BUTSCHEK, MENELEY DEATHS

John Meneley, 38, owner of Meneley Motors in Gonzales, and Henry Butschek, 25, an employee, were killed around 1:30 Friday morning in a weird accident which occurred about two miles east of Seguin. A third victim, Herman Dupree, 31, of Houston, a truck helper, died at 6:10 Friday morning in a Seguin hospital of injuries sustained in the accident.

According to State Patrolmen J. R. Arnold and Ollie Clark, who were working a patrol out of San Antonio, they jumped Meneley and Butschek for speeding about eight miles west of Seguin, but the Gonzales men failed to stop and the patrolmen followed in a wild chase in which they reached speeds of 90 miles per hour. The chase continued through Seguin to a bridge about two miles east of that city.

TRUCK BROKE DOWN

The accident was set up when a San Antonio bound truck driven by Herman Stafford, 40, Houston, broke down about 15 to 20 feet from the bridge and its lights failed. A few minutes later an oil field truck driven by Alton Johnson, 25, for the J. H. Rose company of Houston, started to pull around the stalled van, and then noticed the Meneley car coming from the west. Johnson started to pull back to his side of the road, but Meneley hit the tandem under the trailer and rolled his car. Butschek apparently was killed instantly, while Meneley, who was driving, died a short time later at a Seguin hospital.

PATROL CAR HITS DUPREE

The driver of the patrol car slammed on his brakes, skidded clear across the bridge, and went off the road on the north side, there striking Dupree, who was trying to get clear of the wreckage jammed highway. Patrolmen Arnold and Clark were shaken up and received minor injuries. Neither of the truck drivers was injured.

BORN IN 1924

Butschek, a veteran of the US Navy in World War II, operated his own motor company here for a time, and recently went to work for Meneley. He was born in November, 1924, at Schulenburg. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Butschek, who now live at Moulton; his wife, the former Rose Mary Wroblesky; and a daughter, Priscilla Jane.

Also surviving are six brothers, George of Houston, Matthew of Houston, Lt. E. J. Butschek of Maryland, John of Gonzales, Robert James of Moulton, Allen Jerome of Moulton; and two sisters, Mrs. Dannis Wagner of Flatonia and Mrs. John Meneley of Gonzales.

He was a member of the Catholic church, and was a Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

FIVE CHILDREN SURVIVE

Meneley served in the Marines in World War II, and was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the St. James Catholic church.

He is survived by his wife, the former Henrietta Butschek; five children, Johnny, Lois Jean, Richard, Susan, and Michael Meneley, all of Gonzales; and his father, S. W. Meneley of Gonzales. Also surviving are four brothers, Sion of Prairie Lea, Jim of Port Arthur, Gilbert of San Antonio, and William of Kenedy; and six sisters, Mrs. H. B. Petty of LaMarque, Mrs. Mary Warlick of Gonzales, Mrs. Clyde Marsh of Houston, Mrs. Ida Cornell of New York City, and Mrs. Fred Vitzthum and Mrs. Pat Loftin, both of San Antonio.

Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

ALWINE META JAHNE MENGERS

Moulton News, 20 Jan 1897

Mrs. Charles Menges [sic.], of near Hochheim died Sunday morning about 4 o’clock. She leaves a husband and three small children, the youngest an infant only a few days old.

Alwine Meta Mengers, 5 Apr 1875 – 17 Jan 1897, and her infant, Alwine M. Mengers, 7 Jan 1897 – 26 Jan 1897, are buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHANNA "HILDA" PAGEL MENKING

Hallettsville Herald, 23 Oct 1908

—After the HERALD had gone to press Thursday which contained a notice of the serious illness of Mrs. Ed Menking, we received the news of her death which occurred that morning, of Bright's disease. She was the daughter of Mrs. Johanna Pagel, and was 26 years, 4 months and 2 days old at the time of her death. She was buried in the family cemetery about three miles northwest of Hallettsville Friday afternoon at four o'clock, a large number of friends and acquaintances paying this last sad tribute of respect. She was a very estimable lady, loved by all wno knew her, and leaves a husband and four small çhildren, as well as a number of other relatives to mourn her loss. The HERALD extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved family in this sad hour of affliction.

Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

JIMMY MERECHKA

Eagle Lake Headlight, 12 Sep 1963

Sheridan Youth Killed By Car Sun.

Jimmie Merecka, 17, who lives south of Sheridan, was killed in a highway accident 1.1 miles southeast of Hallettsville on the Vienna Farm-to-Market Road 530, at 4:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1st.
A 1957 Chevrolet driven by Charles Bruno Meyer, 24, of Sublime, struck young Merecka as he allegedly lay in the middle of the road.

Meyer told the investigating Highway Patrolman Richard Krause that he did not see Merecka on the road because of the bright lights of the other vehicles coming toward him at the time. Seeing Merecka lying on the road when it was too late to miss him, Meyer said the car straddled the youth. The bottom of the car reportedly showed blood, particles of flesh, and strands of clothing.

Jimmy Merechka, 21 Sep 1945 – 1 Sep 1963, was buried in the Hallettsville City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

IDA CORDES MERSEBURGER

Shiner Gazette, 1 Jul 1903

Just as we go to press we learn of the death of Mrs. Ida Merseburger, who died of consumption on the Merrem farm near town. The funeral will take place today.

Ida Cordes Merseburger, 12 Nov 1862 – 30 Jun 1903, shares a stone in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery with Louisa Caroline Cordes, 14 Mar 1886 – 23 Nov 1987. Contributed by Matt Cross

HERMANN MERSEBURGER

Colorado Citizen, 5 Nov 1874, page 2

DIED

At Oakland, Texas, on the 28th of October, 1874, Mr. Hermann Merseburger, of Colorado county. The deceased was buried with ceremonies of Odd Fellowship by Navidad Lodge, No. 148[6?] of which institution he was an exemplary member.

RUDOLPH C. MERSEBURGER

Shiner Gazette, 19 Jan 1911

Death of Rudolph Merseburger.

The sad intelligence reached the city last Tuesday morning of the death of Mr. Rudolph Merseburger , brother of Mr. E. C. Merseburger, who died Monday at Comfort, Texas.

The funeral took place Wednesday at Yoakum from the residence of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Allison, and was attended by a number of the Shiner friens [sic].

Mr. Merseburger has been in bad health for some time and his death was not unexpected.

Rudolph C. Merseburger, 27 Jan 1883 – 16 Jan 1911, was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

ANNA MERTZ

Weimar Mercury, 9 Feb 1895, page 2

Halletsville Herald:
The family of Mrs. Dick Mertz has been sadly afflicted recently. On last Thursday, after a brief attack of measles, Miss Anna, the 15-year-old daughter of Mrs. Mertz died, and on Friday a son, aged 17, died. The Herald extends sincere condolence to the bereaved relatives.

FRIEDA SOMMER MERTZ

Schulenburg Sticker, 2 Mar 1917

Death of Mrs Mertz.

At her home in this city after being ill of lagrippe and other complications for a little more than a week, Mrs F G Mertz, died Friday morning at 5 o clock.

While it was known that she was seriously ill not until the last day was it realized that the end was so near, a hemorrhage being the immediate cause of her death.

The funeral in the City cemetery Saturday afternoon was one of the most largely attended in years, friends from far and near coming to pay their last tribute to the memory of the departed and to render their heartfelt sympathy to the grief prostrated husband and other relatives. There was scarcely a dry eye during the services that were conducted by Rev. M. Heinrich of the Lutheran church, appropriate songs being rendered by the church choir and congregation. At the close the mound of earth that hid the white coffin, was covered by loving hands with a profusion of beautiful flowers.
Mrs. Frieda Mertz was born 29 years, 5 month and 7 days ago in Schulenburg, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Sommer, who still live on a farm near that city on the Lavaca side. In 1907 she was married to Fritz G. Mertz, and the union was a happy one with the exception of the death of a little daughter some years ago. A little son, Wilbur, aged 6, is left motherless. Among other near relatives who survive are her sister, Mrs. Ernst Appelt, of this city, and three brothers, among them Henry Sommer of this city. – Hallettsville New Era.

Contributed by Matt Cross

TONIE MERTZ

Weimar Mercury, 4 Nov 1960, page 1

4 Schulenburg People Killed, Car Hits Train

Four Schulenburg residents well known here were killed instantly when their car struck a train at a Lyons crossing as they were returning from the A&M-Arkansas football game last Saturday night.

Dead are Emil Chromcak, 67; his wife, Mrs. Mary Chromcak, 55; Chas. Matula, 78; and Miss Tonie Mertz, 68.

They were in Mr. Matula’s car, driven by Mr. Chromcak. The car struck a Santa Fe freight train during a heavy fog.

Mr. Chromcak, an insurance and real estate agent, was a past president of the Rotary and Lions clubs and active in the Knights of Columbus and the Democratic party, having been a delegate to several conventions.

Mr. Matula had been a Schulenburg businessman many years and was one of the state’s earliest Ford dealers. He was a past director of the LCRA and was active in many civic movements.

Services for Miss Mertz were held Tuesday morning, for Mr. Matula Tuesday afternoon, and for the Chromcaks Wednesday afternoon. Miss Mertz was buried at Hallettsville, the others at Schulenburg.

Among the Chromcak survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Shelton Wagner of Schulenburg; one son, E. J. Chromcak Jr. of Houston; and four grandsons.

Contributed by Matt Cross

BRUNO D. MESA

Victoria Advocate – Sunday – March 09, 1997
Yoakum – Bruno D. Mesa, 23, of Yoakum died Saturday, March 08, 1997.

He was born Apri 12, 1973, in Yoakum to the Rev. Bruno and Lupe Dominguez Mesa, Jr. of Yoakum.  He was a carpenter’s helper.

Survivors:  wife, Veronica Leal; daughter, Taylor D. Mesa of Yoakum; sisters, Terry Barrera, Dahila Rosales, Lupe Villareal and Becky D. Mesa all of Yoakum; brothers, David Mesa of Victoria, Joe Mesa, Robert Mesa, Gilbert Mesa and Frank Charles Mesa all of Yoakum.               

Services will be at 7:30pm tonight at Buffington Funeral Home chapel in Yoakum.

Graveside services will be at 10:00am Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, the Rev. Bruno Mesa, Jr. officiating.  Buffington Funeral Home, Yoakum, 293-2333.

Pallbearers:  Vincent Villareal, Carlos Barrera, Joe Mesa, Robert Mesa, David Mesa and Gilbert Mesa.

Contributed by Patricia Williams

HEINZ MESSER

Shiner Gazette, 7 Jun 1899, page 1

DIED.

Heintz, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Messer, died last Sunday at 11 o’clock of congestion of the brain. The child was about ten months old, and had been sick about a week.

The burial took place at four o’clock last Monday in the O. D. H. S. cemetery. The ceremony was conducted by Mr. S. Saettler. The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.

CARD OF THANKS.

We take this method to express our heartfelt thanks to the many kind friends who have been with us in our sad bereavement, to the faithful night watchers, and to the physicians in attendance, who did everything in their power, we are especially thankful.

HENRY MESSER.
AUGUSTA MESSER.

Heinz Messer, 8 Jul 1898 – 4 Jun 1899, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Hermann Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

AGNES MEWES

Shiner Gazette, 15 Aug 1895

Little Agnes Mewes died Sunday night at ten o’clock. She was nine years old, and had been sick three weeks with the prevailing scourge – slow fever. The funeral took place Monday.

Agnes Mewes, 28 Nov 1888 – 9 Aug 1895, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

CAROLINE MEWES

Shiner Gazette, 23 Apr 1896, page 4

Grandma Mewes departed this life Monday morning at 2 o’clock at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Chas Flato. The interment took place at the K of P cemetery Monday eve at 4 o’clock.

Grandma Mewes was born in Germany November 24, 1821, and was therefore nearly seventy-five years of age. She and her husband came to this country in 1852. In 1867 Mr. Mewes died at Allenton, this state, of yellow fever. Grandma Mewes leaves four children; Mrs. Chas Flato, Mrs. Mueller of Flatonia and Will and Frank.

Caroline Mewes, 24 Nov 1821 - 20 Apr 1896, is buried in the Shiner City Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

MINNIE MEWES

Shiner Gazette, 11 Jan 1905

The Gazette regrets very much to report the death of the little six weeks old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mewes. The little one died on Tuesday and was buried on Wednesday of last week. We extend sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Minnie Mewes, 21 Nov 1904 – 4 Jan 1905, was buried in the Shiner Sons of Herman Cemetery. Contributed by Matt Cross

ADELA MAE SOMMERLATTE MEYER

Tribune-Herald, Wednesday, April 10, 2002

Adela Mae Meyer

Adela Mae Meyer, 83, of Hallettsville died Tuesday, April 2, 2002.

She was born June 28, 1918 in Hallettsville to Elo and Olivia Lindenburg Sommerlatte.

On July 30, 1938 she married Charlie F. Meyer in Sublime.

Mrs. Meyer was past president of the resident council at Stevens Convalescent Center and a member of First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include five daughters, Shirley Fraunfelker of Lake Jackson, Marguerite “Giggie” Popp of El Campo, Judy Curtner of Sublime, Sue Boyd of Brazoria and Darlene Barchack of Angleton; three sons, Charles Meyer of Van Vleck, Jimmie Dell “J.D.” Meyer of Brazoria and Bobby Fred Meyer of Eagle Lake; 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie F. Meyer on March 12, 1976, her parents, one son, Douglas Meyer, one brother Leroy Joe Sommerlatte, one daughter Carolyn Noska, and one sister, Adela Garza.

Visitation began at noon Thursday April 4, at Kubena Funeral Home Chapel.

A prayer service was held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home Chapel.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at First Baptist Church in Sublime. The Rev. Jim Herrington officiated.

Burial followed in the Geiger Cemetery in Sublime under the direction of Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Meyer Jr., Shawn Meyer, David Allen Meyer, Ron “Bubba” Popp, Jason Meyer and Craig Noska.

Honorary pallbearers were Chad Noska, Dustin Meyer, and Ray Targac.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Sublime.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

ALFRED MEYER

ALFRED MEYER DEAD.

Word has just come from Camp Bowie near Fort Worth of the death of Alfred Meyer, aged 22 years, who died at 11 o'clock Tuesday night of pneumonia. His body will be shipped to Sublime for burial. He leaves a mother, Mrs. Henry Meyer, who lives here, and a brother, Emil Meyer, also a soldier at Camp Bowie. There are other relatives with whom we sympathize.—Sublime cor. Halletsville new Era.

AUGUST MEYER

New Era-Herald, Tuesday, August 5, 1930

Death of Aug. Meyer

August Meyer, aged 61 years, 3 months and 14 days, died at his home in Sublime Sunday morning at 2:10 o’clock. About a month ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and was taken to Renger’s Hospital here where he remained about three weeks after which he was taken back to his home. For a time it seemed that Mr. Meyer was on the road to recovery, but in spite of everything that medical skill and loving hands could do, his condition turned for the worse, and he soon passed out of this life.

Mr. Meyer was born at Sublime and spent his entire life there. He was honored and respected by all who knew him and his many friends grieve with the relatives in his passing.  Early in life he united 1 with the Lutheran church of which he has been a loyal member for many years.

The funeral occurred from the family home at Sublime yesterday (Monday) afternoon. After a short service at the house, the procession formed and the remains were taken to Geiger Cemetery at 3 p.m. where interment was made. Rev. A. T. Kluge, Lutheran minister officiated.

On Jan. 19, 1898 Mr. Meyer was married to Miss Annie Schott, who survives, together with one daughter, Mrs. Joe Woytek of Needville. One daughter died in infancy. Surviving also are three brothers, Louis Meyer of Sublime. Charles Meyer of Poth, Henry Meyer of Conroe, two sisters, Mrs. Louis Ziegler, and Mrs. Sophie Cordes both of Floresville, one half sister, four step brothers, four step sisters, and 2 grandchildren.

To the bereaved relatives, the New Era-Herald extends sympathy.

Transcribed by Sandra Long Anders

BARBARA NEUMANN MEYER

Hallettsville Herald, 3 May 1888, page 8

Died at her home seven miles east of Halletsville, Friday night last, Mrs. Meyer, wife of Vincenz Meyer, after suffering untold agony from what was pronounced by her attending physician, Dr. J. E. Lay, a clear case of hydrophobia. No definite information could be obtained concerning her having been bitten by any rabbid [sic.] animal or any other means of introducing the poison into her system.

Barbara Meyer is buried in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hallettsville. Contributed by Rox Ann Johnson

CHARLIE F. MEYER

Tribune Herald, Tuesday, March 16, 1976

C. F. Meyer

Charlie Meyer, 71, of Sublime, died at 7:35 a.m. Friday, March 12, 1976, in an Angleton hospital.

Mr. Meyer was born Nov. 21, 1904, in Shiner.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Sublime Lutheran Church with burial in Geiger Cemetery under the direction of Kubena Funeral Home.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Della Sommerlatte Meyer of Sublime; six daughters, Mrs. Jimmy Popp of Louise. Mrs. Gary Noska of Columbus, Mrs. Johnnie Karaeger of Austin, Mrs. Ken Barchak of Angleton and Mrs. Dennis Cook and Mrs. Tommy Willy of Houston; four sons, Robert Meyer of Sublime, Charles Meyer of Brazoria, Jimmy Meyer of Danbury and Douglas Meyer of Angleton; two sisters, Mrs. Selma Tesch of Sealy and Mrs. Tina Reichle of Rosenberg; a half-brother, Oscar Sicko of Sublime and 13 grandchildren.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders

ELVIN MEYER

Cuero Record, Wed. March 27, 1968

SHINER—Elvin (Booby) Meyer, 51, of Shiner, died at 2 a.m. Tuesday in a Houston hospital.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 8:15 a.m. at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel and at 8:30 a.m. at Shiner Catholic Church. Military services will be held at graveside at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home chapel.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Hattie Janca Meyer of Shiner; a daughter, Mrs. Katherine Meyer of Shiner; two sons, James Meyer of Port Lavaca and Carl Meyer of Houston; a sister, Mrs. John Harrison of Denton; two brothers, Emil V. Meyer of Shiner and Ernest Meyer of Hallettsville and two grandchildren.

Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

H. MEYER

Shiner Gazette, 24 Dec 1902, page 1

Death on the Rail.

Mr. H. Meyer, a resident of this city, was run over by the northbound Flyer Tuesday night. He had a leg broken, two large holes in the back and was otherwise horribly mangled. Meyer was brought to his home where he died at 2 o’clock next morning. Deceased was conscious till the last moment. He said he wanted to cross the track when the train approached, but stumbled and the engine caught him before he could get up. Deceased leaves a wife and four children to mourn his death. The remains were laid to rest in the Baursville cemetery Thursday morning. The Eagle extends condolence. – Moulton Eagle.

This grave appears to be unmarked. Contributed by Matt Cross

HENRY OTTO MEYER

Shiner Gazette, 29 Mar 1905, page 1

MEYER A SUICIDE.

Said Good Bye and Went Out and Hung Himself.

Moulton, Texas, March 23. – Henry Meyer of Oak Grove, a tenant on Oswald Buescher’s place, committed suicide by hanging himself. He was about 47 years old, and leaves a large family. He left a note telling his wife good-bye.

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Halletsville, Texas, March 23. – Word was brought to town last evening that a man had hanged himself near Witting, a village about 10 miles from here. Sheriff Noble and Justice Townsend went to the place and found the body of Henry Meyer hanging from a tree in a small pasture close to Witting. The dead man’s horse was tied to the fence close by, in the road. The deed was committed within a short distance of the store at Witting. From the evidence taken at the inquest, it was the judgement of the Justice that Meyer had committed suicide. He is a farmer and lived between Witting and Moulton, but was temporarily engaged in buying cattle. He leaves a family.

Shiner Gazette, 29 Mar 1905, Henkhaus Items column

Mr. H. W. Meyer, a farmer of the Oak Grove community, committed suicide last Wednesday by hanging himsely [sic] at Witting. We have not learned why Meyer committed the rash act. He was about 47 year [sic] old. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his death.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOHANN DIETRICH ADOLPH MEYER

Shiner Gazette, 21 Jan 1909, page 1

Death of J. D. A. Meyer.

Mr. J. D. A. Meyer, living near old Sweet Home in this county, died very suddenly on Thursday morning, Jan. 11, at 4:30 o’clock of heart failure. Mr. Meyer was one of the most prominent citizens of Lavaca county and has been many times honored with positions of great responsibility by the voters of the county. He has served as tax collector and as county commissioner. He was a man of the strictest honesty and integrity and no one has ever had a word to say against him as an officer. Mr. Meyer was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1835 and was 73 years 6 months and five days old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, five sons and two daughters. He had been a resident of Lavaca County for 28 years, residing near old Sweet Home. The interment took place last Saturday in the Charlottenburg cemetery and was attended by a large crowd of sympathizing friends and relatives. A good man has gone to rest after a life well spent. May he rest in peace.

Shiner Gazette, 21 Jan 1909, Dryer Valley column

We were sorry to hear of the sudden death of Mr. Meyer of Sweet Home, father of Mrs. Herman Dreyer.

This grave appears to be unmarked. Contributed by Matt Cross

JOE MEYER

Shiner Gazette, 23 Jan 1908, page 1

Joe, the 18-year old son of Mr. Franz Meyer, died on Saturday and was buried Sunday in the Catholic cemetery. Joe has been a cripple all his life and was also deaf and dumb.

Contributed by Matt Cross

JOSEPH MEYER

Schulenburg Sticker, 20 Dec 1929

Mrs. H. P. Schaefer’s Father Passes Away

Joseph Meyer, pioneer settler of this section passed away at the Shiner Hospital last Friday. He had attained the age of 87 years, four months and five days.

He was a well liked man, everyone always had a good word for him.

The remains were laid to rest in the Pagel Cemetary, five miles east of Halletesvillle, Saturday morning at 10:30, the Father of the church officiated.

He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. H. P. Schaefer of this city, Mrs. Trent of Yoakum, and Mrs. Casper Gerdes and Mrs. Ben Gerdes of Sinton. By about 3o grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. To them the Sticker tenders its sincere sympathy.

The following sketch was written by the deceased for his grand-daughter some time ago.

“I was born on August 8, 1842, in the village of Shonwald, German Bohemia Austria. In the year 1853, in the month of August, my parents left Germany with me on the voyage to America to the pretty land of Texas. We were on the sea about nine weeks in a big sail boat, crowded up and down below in double family coaches. Finally we saw the city of Galveston and when we reached there we could not land on account of the yellow fever, after four days the little flat steamers took us to Harrisburg where we landed. There were four ox teams from La Grange that loaded all our belongings. The women and children rode but the men walked beside the wagons. We arrived at La Grange on the 30th., day of October, 1853. My uncle, Florian Meyer, and his family came with us. They were from Rikersdorf. Joseph Elstner was with them and the Frank Appelt family from Neistadt. Joseph Hausman and family were along also. The five single men who were along were Joseph and Frank Schaefer, Knabel, Beshge, and Frank Hausman”.

OTTO MEYER

Weimar Mercury, 6 Feb 1959, page 1

Sublime Church Rites Held for Otto Meyer

Funeral services for Otto Meyer, 83, were held at the Sublime Lutheran Church with Rev. Geo. W. Krueger officiating. Burial was in the Geiger Cemetery.

Survivors include one son, Charlie F. Meyer of Needville, one daughter, Mrs. A. G. Tesch Sr., of Rosenberg; two stepsons, John Ssicko of El Campo and oscar Sicko of Sublime; and three stepdaughters, Mrs. Emil Raabe Sr. of Weimar, Mrs. August Reichle of Bellville and Mrs. Otto Sander of Crawford.

WILHELMINA REHMOR SICKO MEYER

Lavaca County Tribune, Friday, August 29, 1947

Funeral Held for Wilhemina Meyer

Funeral services will be held at the Kubena Funeral Home, Friday, August 29, at 3:00 p.m., for Mrs. Wilhemina Meyer, who passed away Wednesday, August 27, at 3:00 a.m., at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Schott. Interment will be held at the Geiger Cemetery.

The deceased had reached the age of 89 years, 5 months, and 29 days, and had been a resident of Hallettsville route 1 for many years. She was born in Germany 77 years ago, and as a girl came to this country with her family.

As a young woman, Mrs. Meyer, nee Wilhemina Rehmor, was married to John Sicko, who died many years ago. In 1901 she married Otto Meyer, who survives her, along with the following children: Mrs. Rud. (Annie) Quitta, Mrs. J. L. (Tillie) Schott, and Oscar Sicko of Sublime; Mrs. Otto (Betty) Sanders of Crawford, Mrs. Emil (Ida) Raabe of Weimar, Mrs. August (Tina) Reichel of Bellville, Mrs. Albert (Selma) Tesch of Rosenberg, Charlie Meyer of Sheridan; John Sicko of Garwood; 75 grandchildren, sixty-five great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Five children, Mrs. Henry Einkauf and Mrs. August Tesch, Willie, August and Otto preceded her in death.

Submitted by Sandra Long Anders