Memorials › Edwin Frank Vacek

Edwin Frank Vacek

9 Mar 1927 – 22 Dec 2022

Birth9 Mar 1927
Death22 Dec 2022
CemeterySaint Rose of Lima Cemetery
Schulenburg , Fayette County , Texas , USA
Added byJohn Pavlik on 26 Dec 2022
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/247678093

Bio

The youngest of 6 children, Edwin Vacek was born on March 9, 1927, west of Schulenburg to Frank Vacek and Frances Stuchly Vacek, He attended St. Rose Catholic School and Schulenburg High School. As a teenager at Schulenburg High School, he played on the football team for 3 years, and also worked at his brother's Humble Service Station for 10 cents an hour. During visits to relatives' houses he learned to play tarocks. In March 1944, while attending the Houston Fat Stock Show, Edwin decided to join the U.S. Merchant Marines. Because he was only 17 years old his father was required to sign a release, which he did with great reluctance. Edwin was called to duty in December of that same year and was sworn in on Dec. 28, 1944 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he completed basic training. In his three years of continuous service he visited ports in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, France, Italy, Greece, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and passed through the Panama Canal to Saipan. Edwin was honorably discharged. In 1948, he started with Magnolia Oil Company in Odessa. In July 1949, at the Dubina picnic, Edwin met his future wife, Julie Ann Gassmann. He and Julie became engaged in the fall1950 but the wedding plans had to be put on hold for 2 years due to this country needing Edwin's service. On Sept. 25, 1950 Edwin was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean War. He served for 21 months with the 45th Infantry, 120th Combat Engineer Division. Nine of the 21 months were served in Korea as a gunner on a tank dozer. He was discharged in 1952 and happily returned home. On Oct. 4, 1952, Edwin and Julie were married. Upon his discharge from the Army, Edwin resumed work as a "doodlebugger" with Magnolia petroleum Exploration, living in Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and finally back to Texas where he and Julie settled in Dallas. They raised four children: Suzanne, Mike, Debra and Mark. Over the years, Magnolia Exploration was bought out and eventually became Exxon Mobil. Upon retiring from Exxon Mobile in 1987, Edwin and Julie moved to Schulenburg and built their retirement home on the Vacek home place where he had grown up. Sadly, Julie passed away in 1998. Edwin was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was a Knights of Columbus member for over 60 years. In 2009, Edwin received the Mother Seton Award, given for volunteerism, financial support and participation, from St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Edwin's interests included playing tarock card games with friends and family, fishing on his ponds, and watching the calves play from his back patio. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Dolores Kahlich Guenther Vacek; two daughters, Suzanne Ilene Housewright, Debra Marie and husband Michael Martin; son, Michael Thomas and wife Beth Vacek; six grandchildren, Joseph Michael and wife Mary Vacek, Jessica Erin and husband Tony Adler, Christopher Eric and wife Puanani Housewright, Jason Allen Martin and wife Stephanie Rzepka, Zachery Alexander Housewright and Harrison Tyler Martin; six great-grandchildren, Finley Rose Adler, Autumn Thomas Adler, Logan Elizabeth Vacek, Joseph Edwin Vacek, Koa Ronnie Housewright and Kai Edwin Housewright; five step-children, Philip and wife Kathy Guenther, Thomas and wife Frances Guenther, Judy and husband Larry Franke, Jimmy and wife Johanna Guenther and Annette Guenther; eight step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Edward B. and Victor S.; three sisters, Albina Kainer, Adella Humplik and Adrienne Hadac; wife, Julie Ann Gassmann; son, Mark Allen Vacek; son-in-law, Ronald Housewright; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Tim Kosler officiating. Interment was in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandchildren. Joe, Chris, Jason, Zach, Tyler and Tony. Readings were by Kenneth Berger, the eulogy was given by Paul Hunsucker, soloist was Bruce Lebeda and organist was Nichole Michalke. Gift-bearers were Jessa Adler and Adrianne Hunsucker. Rosary was led by Kenneth Berger, In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to St. Rose Catholic School, St. Rose Catholic Church or a charity of one's choice.

Photos

Family

Parents

Spouse

Siblings

Children

Export GEDCOM

This person only · Entire connected family