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Rudolf Raymond Kovar, age 93, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024.

He was born on October 13, 1930 in Fayetteville, Texas to John and Mathilda Kovar, one of six children. After graduating Fayetteville High School, Rudolf joined the Air Force where he served for four years including overseas in Germany. He married Jerrydene (Pavlik) Kovar on October 22, 1960. Together they had three children; Kenneth, Charlotte, and Denise. They built a wonderful life in Houston, Texas. Rudolf worked for over thirty years at Offenhauser Company. They were founding members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, with Rudolf a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rudy was an avid Astros fan, a green-thumb in the garden, and enjoyed vacationing on numerous cruises with Jerrydene, and his whole family each summer in New Braunfels, Texas.

After retirement Rudy was a dedicated volunteer with the Czech Culture Center; he greatly enjoyed the opportunity to speak his native Czech language at any opportunity.

Please visit Rudolf’s online memorial tribute at Pat H. Foley & Company, where memories and words of comfort may be shared.

James was born September 26, 1935 in Beaumont, Texas and passed away peacefully at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston on November 10, 2023 after a lengthy illness. James was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years Danna Hopson Ermis, his mother Agnes Miculka Ermis, father Ladimer Edward Ermis and sister Virginia Ermis Harper. James is survived by his niece Linda Ellis, nephew Purvis Harper (Lynn Harper), great nieces Petria Christine Ellis, Shannon Harper Boyer (Danny Boyer), Lauren Harper Lorensen (Adam Lorensen), and great nephews Eric Wayne Ellis and Blake Allen Harper (Ashley Harper), brother-in-law Clyde Hopson, god-daughter Erin Swearingen and many additional family and friends.

James graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont, attended Texas A&M University, and graduated from Lamar University in 1959.  After graduation, James worked for Tenneco Oil and then Wing Oil Corporation as its treasurer from 1968-1998.  James loved bowling, worked part time at a bowling alley and even considered becoming a professional bowler at one time.

James and Danna lived in Houston in the early years of their marriage and then relocated to Spring, Texas where he remained until the death of his beloved wife Danna. At that time James moved to Kingwood to be close to his sister Virgie Harper, her children, and grandchildren. James was a faithful member of Kingwood Methodist Church and the Apostles Sunday School class.

James and Danna enjoyed many hobbies including jewelry making and ceramics of which family and friends were often the grateful recipients of their creativity.  James and Danna also loved traveling and often visited the Texas Hill Country, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma to visit Danna’s family homestead and to Czechoslovakia, James’ family homeland.

James was a founding board member, former treasurer, dedicated volunteer, and enthusiastic advocate for the Czech Center Museum in Houston. James and Danna’s personal collection of Czech porcelain and crystal is on display at the museum. James was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and worked tirelessly to promote the interests and reputation of the Czech Center Museum in the vibrant Houston Museum district.

The memorial service will be held at 3 pm Saturday December 2, 2023 at Kingwood Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, Tx 77339. In lieu of flowers and to honor James’ Czech heritage and his family of faith, donations may be made to the Czech Center Museum of Houston (4920 San Jacinto St, Houston, Tx 77004) or Kingwood Methodist Church (P.O. Box 6989, Kingwood, Tx 77325).

Charlotte Rosalie Matula, 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. She was born on June 17, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the daughter of Charlotte Welch and Arthur Matula, Sr. Charlotte attended Catholic schools in Shreveport and Houston and finished at San Jacinto High School in 1952. She graduated from Louisiana State University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She was an elementary school teacher for thirty-six years, having taught in Louisiana, New Jersey, and Texas.

Charlotte loved to travel, especially to Europe and particularly to Prague and Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic where one grandmother was born. Another favorite destination was Ireland which was the birthplace of her other grandmother. When her sister Maryanne and brother-in-law Earl Evans lived in London, she was often there to visit and tour with them, once taking her 89-year-old father with her. She had many happy memories of trips both foreign and domestic with friends and family.

Charlotte was an active member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, and the Czech Cultural Center of Houston. Her favorite subject to teach in elementary school was language arts. She loved meeting her former students later in life and hearing about their families and successes.

Please visit Charlotte Matula’s online memorial tribute at DettlingFuneral.com, where memories and words of comfort may be shared.

Leatrice Joy Koym Balderach was born on January 22, 1932, in Wallis, Texas to Lena and Henry Koym. She passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023, at the age of 91.

Joy was predeceased by her husband, David L. Balderach, Jr, and her daughter, Jana Lynn Balderach. She is survived by her son, David L Balderach, III, and his wife, Cindy, her four grandchildren, and her two great-granddaughters.

Joy lived her early life in East Bernard, Texas. She graduated from East Bernard High School, Class of 1949. She would frequently travel to East Bernard to visit with friends and family, she especially loved the Koym and Sabrsula family reunions!

Joy attended Wharton County Jr. College and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Joy taught in Galveston, Texas City, LaMarque, and Missouri City, Texas. Her last teaching assignment was at Hunter’s Creek Elementary in Spring Branch ISD in Houston, Texas. Many of her colleagues became her lifelong best friends and she also kept up with former students and their families. After retiring from Spring Branch ISD, Joy worked for several years at Neiman Marcus.

Learning about her Czech heritage became a passion for Joy. She became involved with the Czech Cultural Center/Museum in Houston and loved learning from her relatives about their shared ancestry. She was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church and the Genesis Sunday School class. In the Houston community, she volunteered with the Assistance League.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home for the Balderach family.

Rose Marie Hrncir Deathe was born in Hallettsville, Texas on September 5, 1929 to Louis and Marie Hrncir. She spent her early childhood in Nada, Texas, then her adolescent years and early adulthood in San Antonio, Texas. She was active within her community, serving as a dedicated member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, Czech Center Museum Houston, Woman’s Club of Missouri City, and KJZT, which stands for "Katolicka Jednota Zen Texaskych” and means Catholic Women’s Union of Texas in the Czech language; her joy and caring spirit touched the hearts of many. Rose built a wonderful life as a homemaker and had a passion for sewing and quilting by machine. She passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 93.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John Russell Deathe. Rose is survived by her five daughters, Rosalyn Leger, Mary Hebert, Andrea Fuqua and husband Myles, Sharon Kiel and husband Jeff, and Kathy Hauser and husband Jim; fourteen grandchildren, Rod and Margaret Leger, Michael and Silvia Leger, Tony Wayne and Sarah Leger, David Leger, Jake and Meghann Slagle, Lexie Fuqua, Austin Kiel, Savannah Kiel, Trinity Kiel, Riley Kiel, Sawyer Kiel, Katie Hauser, Kristyn Hauser, and Joseph Hauser; and seven great-grandchildren, Estrella, Luna, Raven, Murphy, Levi, Harley, and Kadence.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Deathe family.

Marion Freeman was born on December 28, 1927 in Shiner, Texas, to Alfred and Caroline Merseburger, and passed away on December 29, 2022. She was 95 years of age.

Marion was proud of her German and Czech heritage dating from the Republic of Texas and pursued genealogy enthusiastically; she was a member of the Czech Center Museum Houston. Marion was active for many years at CCMH, and could be frequently found volunteering. She was a truly kind, gentle, and generous lady, loved and respected by those who were privileged to know and love her. She shared her spirit of generosity and caring with her needlepoint refrigerator magnet projects – including making Czech and Texas flags to be sold in the CCMH gift shop. Marion was also passionately interested in the arts – particularly classical music – and was a supporter of Houston Grand Opera, Music in Context, and Houston Ballet.

Marion was preceded in death in 2004 by her beloved husband of 49 years, J. H. Freeman. She is survived by her three children, Caroline Ann Freeman, Marion Lucinda (Cindy) Freeman, and Robert Jay Freeman and his wife Henrietta, and granddaughters Miranda and Nina; and nieces and nephews.

Please visit Mrs. Freeman’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort may be shared.

Victoria L. Castleberry was born on the 23rd of December 1937 in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Mary Lysek, and passed away on Tuesday, the 15th of February 2022. She was 84 years of age. 

Victoria was one of the original founders of the Czech Center, in Houston.
She was a dynamo of energy and activity and she nourished a wide range of close friends. She was known for her beauty, elegance, outgoing personality, and very strong faith. She loved duplicate bridges and was a silver life master heading towards gold.

Victoria is survived by her daughter, Therese Lewis of Pittsburgh; and her beloved companion, Francis Smith of Houston.

Please visit Ms. Castleberry’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort may be shared.

It is with great fondness that today we honor and remember Harry E. Mach of Houston, Texas, who passed away on Sunday, the 20th of November 2022, at the age of 82. Harry was a longtime board member of the Czech Center Museum Houston, a trusted leader, and a valued supporter of Czech culture in the Houston community.

Born on the 17th of May 1940, in Houston, Harry grew up and lived his entire life in the city he loved. He attended Queen of Peace Catholic School, St. Thomas High School, and the University of Houston.

In May of 1962, Harry met Cora Sue Dominy, the love of his life, and in February of 1964 they were married at The Church of the Annunciation. Their union produced two sons, Harry III (Butch) and Steve.

In 1974, Harry took on the leadership of the family business, the Mach Corporation, after his father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. In the years that followed, Harry proved to be a born leader. As busy as he was, he took the time to coach little league and served as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Both his sons became Eagle Scouts, an accomplishment for which he was very proud.

By 1992, the company had tripled in size, thus outgrowing the original plant on the south loop in Houston. The decision was made to move to the current location on the north loop, and to change the name to Mach Industrial Group. The third-generation business has grown under the leadership of Harry, his brother, Tom, and Harry’s sons. In 1999 the Houston Business Journal named the company as one of the "Top 25 Family-Owned Businesses”. The company will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2023, and once again moving to a much larger facility on the northwest side of Harris County. Harry retired from the company earlier this year.

Once their sons were in college, Harry and Cora Sue shifted their focus to become more involved in their beloved community. In the years that followed, in addition to serving on the Czech Center Museum Houston board, Harry served on the boards of Houston Grand Opera, Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine (BRASS), the St. Thomas High School Foundation, the University of St. Thomas, and Steering Committee for Men of Distinction of Greater Houston. He was a member of Greater Houston Sports Club and River Oaks Country Club.

Among the honors Harry has received are: Houston Symphony Opening Night Honoree, Holocaust Museum Guardian of the Human Spirit Award, Moore’s School of Music Volunteer Award, Family Service Center’s Celebration of Families Honoree, Citizens of Animal Protection (CAP) Gala Honoree, Inner City Catholic Schools Gala Honoree, Men of Distinction Honoree, BRASS Angel of the Year Award, and the St. Thomas High School Volunteer of the Year Award. Harry is a Knight of the Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

An avid and accomplished clay shooter, Harry was a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association, a past president of the Texas Skeet Shooters Association, and a 2007 inductee into its Hall of Fame.

Butch and Steve married two wonderful women, Carmen and Joella. Harry has been heard many times over the years referring to them as “the daughters we never had.” Thanks to them, Harry had the most cherished title in his history, that of “Poppy” to his grandchildren who he lovingly referred to as “the Mach 5”.

Tomas Klima, M.D., peacefully passed away on July 7, 2022. Tomas was born September 10, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland to Jaroslav and Eliza. The family returned to Czechoslovakia following Jaroslav’s completion of postdoctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University. In the ensuing years, Tomas entered the Charles University Medical School and subsequently joined the Department of Pathology. In 1959, he married Marcela Pikalkova, a fellow physician. They welcomed their daughter, Eva, in 1963. He dedicated his professional career to the field of pathology. Following the 1968 occupation of Czechoslovakia, Tomas and his family relocated to Houston, and he continued his medical career in the Texas Medical Center. Tomas was a serious classical music and opera aficionado and an ardent supporter of the Czech Center Museum Houston.

Tomas was predeceased by his parents, his wife Marcela Klima, M.D., and daughter Eva Klima, M.D. He is survived by his son-in-law, Anthony, his sister-in-law, and numerous cousins and dear friends. A memorial celebration will be held at the Czech Center Museum Houston on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m.

William “Bill” E. Vavrik, 91, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died peacefully on June 12, 2022, at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.

Born on February 20, 1931, in Berwyn, Illinois, he was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Julia (Matousek) Vavrik; his brother, Joseph "Jr."; his dear wife, Marie “Marian” Vavrik; and granddaughter, Robin Crater.

From humble beginnings in Cicero, Illinois, Bill lived a full life centered on his family. He graduated from Morton High School, attended Morton Junior College, and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1957. After graduation, he and Marian started their family in the Chicago suburbs where he was a design engineer for Northern Illinois Gas Company and she an elementary teacher. They later moved to Naperville, Illinois, and Bill became an instructor at the Institute of Gas Technology (now GTI Energy), a division of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He founded the Chartered Industrial Gas Consultant course, which continues to be a respected professional program today.

Bill and Marian retired to Sun City West, Arizona, and became active members of the Desert Palms Presbyterian Church and officers of the Czech-Slovak American Club.

After Marian died, Bill moved to the Colonnades in Charlottesville in 2016. He made close friendships quickly with staff and residents, especially his lunch table and coffee group. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Bill loved people and would regale friends and strangers with detailed stories from his childhood in Cicero, his training at Great Lakes Naval Station with the U.S. Naval Reserves, his business trips to Algeria and Bolivia, and his sightseeing trips to Europe with Marian. His smile and sparkling blue eyes charmed any room. Above all, he was most proud of his children and their families.

Bill is survived by his three children, Diane Crater (Jim Baum) of St. Charles, Illinois, Carole Lopez (Robert) of Houston, Texas, and Steven Vavrik (Ellen Hayes) of Charlottesville; six grandchildren, Teresa and Cassandra Lopez (Nick Carreon) of Houston, Madison Crater of Chicago, and William, Charles, and George Vavrik of Charlottesville; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Alicia Carreon of Houston.

A graveside service will be arranged in Stickney, Illinois, later this year.

It is with great fondness and deep gratitude that today we honor and remember Wesley Pustejovsky of Abbott, Texas, who passed away on 14 February 2022, at the age of 95. He was a paratrooper in the United States Army and served during the Second World War. Upon his return home, he graduated from the University of Texas and joined the energy sector. Wesley was excellent at being Czech American: unapologetically Texan and fiercely proud of his Czech heritage. He insisted on his surname being pronounced correctly by all. A member of our Board of Directors for over a decade, Wesley has been described as a pragmatic man with a generous spirit who excelled at identifying solutions. His love for and promotion of the Czech community will be remembered for years to come. Wesley and his wife Janelle were responsible for our beautiful blue stained-glass windows in both the Wenceslas Chapel and the Presidents Room, amongst their numerous contributions to the Museum. His friends knew him to be true to his beliefs and dedicated to his faith.

For more from Wesley himself, we direct you to an interview conducted on 21 October 2019 found here, the Oral History Project.