Memorials › Henry James Svatek

Henry James Svatek

28 Jul 1924 – 18 May 2013

Birth28 Jul 1924
Death18 May 2013
CemeteryEvergreen Memorial Park
Wharton , Wharton County , Texas , USA
Added byMarsha Newton Kirchmeier on 19 May 2013
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110839117

Bio

Henry James Svatek, age 88, of Wharton, passed away on May 18, 2013, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on July 28, 1924, in Shiner, Texas, to Jim Svatek and Emilia Kurtz. Henry lived with his parents, and moved with them to Boling and later to Bonus, Texas. He graduated from Crescent High School in 1942. He met his endearing and lovely wife, Irene, in 1945, one week prior to leaving for active duty in the Pacific, as a Tec 4 Sargent. He was stationed in Sapporo, Japan, just as the war ended and became a special diet cook until his return to the states in 1946. After returning to the farm for one year, he married Irene M. Hubenak of El Campo in 1947, and has been a resident of Wharton for 65 years. Henry was a most gifted and talented carpenter, mentored by Albert Reber, and worked for C.E. Jopling for many years. He then became a self employed master craftsman and cabinet maker, as wood was his great love. He built many of the homes in Wharton and surrounding counties. After 30 years, he was hired by WISD to teach Occupational Education (CVAE) which he did for 20 years until his retirement in 1988. Henry always worked hard his entire life and was a perfectionist in all he did. He was most loving, kind, gentle and devoted to his wife and four children. He loved sports and participated in Little League with his two sons, as well as enjoying beach weekends at the coast and teaching all his children how to fish. He loved dancing, playing dominoes, and cooking BBQ, a favorite time with the family. All this, plus his warm sense of humor, made him a treasure to his family who will miss him dearly. From 1947 to 2010, Henry was very active and devoted to Holy Family Catholic Church. In 1948, he helped Father John Campbell construct and establish Holy Family Catholic School. He was always at Father's assistance. For many years, he belonged to the Holy Name Society and attended retreats every year. He was also active in church duties and served as Chairman of Lectors for 24 years, as well as volunteering at CCD classes. Survivors include his wife and children, daughters Teresa and husband Frank Nagy of Austin, son Steven and wife Jan of Rockport, daughter Kathy and husband Wes Jones of Austin, and son, Dennis and wife, Laura of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren, Kevin McConnell o f Longmont, CO, Chase Springer of Prineville, OR, Jeffrey Svatek and wife, Stephanie of Houston, Jill Paulson and husband, Will of Houston, Andrew Svatek of Atlanta, and Grace Svatek of Florida; and step-granddaughters, Krisha Rodavich of Austin and Kyndal Nagy of Houston. Other survivors are his sisters Benita McBride of Alvin and Verna Hubenak of El Campo, brother Victor Svatek and wife Ethel of Livingston and brother Paul Svatek of Wharton. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Albert Svatek. Visitation will begin at 5 pm Tuesday May 21 at Holy Family Church with a parish Rosary recited at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with Father Dominic Antwi-Boasiako officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Holy Family Life Center, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488.

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