Brother Knight Raymond Gerard Borski, of Spring, TX born April 13, 1953, passed away peacefully at the age 68, on Sept. 3, 2021, after a courageous 10-month battle with neuroendo-crine cancer. He is survived by his spouse of 46 years, Sara (Hoffart) Borski, daughters Rachel and Laura Borski. He is also survived by his six siblings, Michael Borski, Francis and husband Larry Strelau, Diane and husband William Harrell, Bernard and wife Debbie Borski, Geraldine and husband Fred McClosky, Mark and wife Terry Borski and a copious amount of nieces, nephews, and grandnephews/nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Clara Borski, his parent-in-laws, John and Mary Louise Hoffart and a countless number of other loving relatives and friends. Raymond was a 49 year Knight of Columbus 3rd degree member of council no. 2917 in Houston, He graduated from St. Pius X high school in 1971. He was a machinist by trade at the American Can Company, Alfa-Laval, and CSI. After buying out CSI, he eventually moved the shop from La Porte, TX to Houston, TX and changed the company to Centrifuge Services Industries, LLC. He loved nothing more than playing the drums. The “Original” Country Sundowners was the infamous band Raymond and his brothers, Mark and Bernard, brother-in-law William Harrell and cousin Kevin Borski started and they played for 25 years.
Margaret Kopczynski, age 93, of Houston Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday August 24, 2021. She was born on July 28, 1928, in Grimes county, Texas, to Frank M. Busa and Katie Macjewski Busa and spent her childhood on a farm in the Grimes County area. She is preceeded in death by her parents, Frank and Katie; her sisters Martha Busa Holliman and Agatha Busa McClosky; her beloved husband Brother Knight Cashmere “Kie” Kopczynski; and her two daughters Frances Kopczynski Saunders and Helen Kopczynski Lockner. Margaret was the oldest of four children and is survived by her sister Lucy Kopczynski Holiday of Houston, Texas, and her numerous nieces and nephews and several cousins. She was a longtime faithful member of Assumption Catholic Church. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters, Assumption Church Harvest Years Group, Polish National Alliance, and several garden clubs, including the Houston Daylily Society.
Brother Knight Finn Runfalo, born Oct. 1, 1934, passed away August 8, 2021.
Victoria Bernice Slenk Kubiak of Houston, TX passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 99. Victoria was born on October 7, 1921 in Bremond, TX to Antone and Annie Slenk. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Noskrent; daughter-in-law, Sally Kubiak; granddaughters, Denise Noskrent Sparks and husband Sean Sparks, Kristy Noskrent and Kerri Noskrent; grandson, Zachary Kubiak and numerous great grand-children. Victoria was preceded in death by her parents, Antone and Annie Slenk, husband, Brother Knight Raymond Frank Kubiak, her son, Brother Vincent Kubiak, and her brothers and sisters.
Brother Knight James Nels (Jim) Hansen, beloved husband and father, died peacefully on May 26, 2021. Jim was born at home on December 27, 1933, to Clarence Henry and Catherine O’Mara in Bemus Point, New York. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Lora Radack Hansen and children Cynthia (Cindy) Messina and husband Joe, Steven Hansen (Annetta), and Robert (Bob) Hansen. Grandchildren are Joseph Messina Jr (Micheli), James Messina, Steven Hansen Jr (Lori), Michael Hansen (Brittany), Robert Hansen II (Mandy) and Brittany Humbird (Travis) and 14 great grandchildren. His graduation from Bemus Point High School in 1951 led to 2 years at St. Bonaventure University, then to the U.S. Air Force. Jim and Lora married May 7, 1955 after his basic training. His service ended with them at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Going back to New York, he became an industrial bearing company representative and was sent to Houston in 1960. He travelled parts of Texas and Louisiana until he retired in 1998. Jim was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2917. He was an active bowler on the Knights of Columbus Council 2917 bowling league for many years. Jim was predeceased by his parents and two sisters: Maureen Dewyne and Beverly O’Neil.
Gertrude Mary Lewandowski was born in Chappell Hill, Texas on Nov. 14, 1932 to Joe and Mary Zientek. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 22, 2021 at the age of 88. On Nov. 15, 1952 Gertrude married the love of her life, Florian (Lack) Lewandowski. Gertrude and Florian built their life in Houston where they had 5 children and became the proud owners of The White Rose Drive Inn. She is survived by her brother Dominick Zientek (Lillian), sister Lucy Buntin (David), and her children, daughter Barbara & Donnie Wilson, son Brother Knight Tony Lewandowski & Robbie Richardson, daughter JoAnn & Brother Knight Billy Kerley, daughter Lillian & Tommy Wilson, and son Brother Knight Marion & Lynette Lewandowski; 7grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Mary Zientek, husband Florian Lewandowski, brother Julian Zientek, sister Evarista Svec (Ivan), and great grandson Tyler Matthew Newton.
Lucille Bennett Clawson, born Feb.10, 1932 in Hallettsville, Texas to Mace and Amelia Bennett, died on Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Manvel, Texas. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny; her parents, her sisters, Maggie and her husband, Bob, Peggie and her husband, Marvin; her brothers, Charles and his wife, Gloria, and Timmie. Lucille is survived by her daughters, Darlene and her husband, Bobby, and Kelly; her grandson, Adam and his wife, Kathy; and great-granddaughter, Addison; her sister, Pat and her husband, Dennis; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Lucille was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Christ the King, for 60 years. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Council 2917.
Brother Knight David Harold Wilgus, born January 27, 1945 in Houston, TX to Richard Sr. and Madeline Willgus, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, in Houston, Texas. David was preceded in death by Richard G. Willgus Sr. (Father), Madeline A. Willgus (Mother), Richard G. Willgus Jr. (Brother) and Greg A. Parker (Brother-in-Law). He is survived by Mary A. Parker (Sister), Mary A. Willgus (Sister-In-Law), Tina Gorski (Niece) and Husband Geoffrey, Richard G. Willgus III (Nephew) and Wife Tay, Jason A. Parker (Nephew) and Wife Ashley, many great nieces and great nephews and cousins. David served in the U.S. Navy, was a member of many BBQ and Bowling Teams of which he holds many awards. He has been a part of many charitable organizations, including the HOLD’EM & HIT’EM CLUB, Knights of Columbus Council 2917, Toys for Tots, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 35 years. David was a member of the HOLD'EM & HIT'EM CLUB, a 501(C)(3) CHARITY. Since 1992 the HOLD'EM & HIT'EM CLUB has contributed over $900,000 dollars to charitable & educational institutions to support the youth of Texas. If you wish to donate to this organization in lieu of flowers, please see website ttps://www.hhclub.org/give.htm. If a financial donation will be sent, please indicate that your donation is in memory of David H. Willgus.
Brother Knight Chris J Mocek of Bremond, TX. went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Baylor Scott & White in College Station at the age of 87 years. He was born to Frank and Angeline (Tomczeszyn) Mocek on August 2, 1933 in Bremond. Chris attended Texas A&M where he received a degree in Agriculture Economics Class of 1956. Upon graduation he served in the Army Reserve. He began his career by starting in the laboratory at Retzloft Chemical. He worked his way through the company, which later became known as Witco Chemical. He was the Vice President of North & South America of the oilfield and agriculture divisions. Chris retired from Witco Chemical in 1995. He continued his career in the oilfield as a consultant for many years following his retirement. Chris married the love of his life, Cecilia O’lexy on July 5, 1958. They have lived in Bremond for the past 23 years previously living in Houston. Chris was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Bremond and Knights of Columbus council 2917 in Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Stanley Mocek and Ed Mocek, and sister; Helen Ditta. He is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia; sons: Brother Knight Dwayne Mocek of Houston; Glenn Mocek and wife Sherry of Spring; sister, Frances Pajak of Chicago, IL; brother, Leonard Mocek of Houston
Brother Knight Guadalupe Gonzales went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2021. He joined Council 2917 in 1952. He was a member of the council for 69 years.
Diane Nanette Lima, born August 7, 1942 won her battle over pancreatic cancer when she met Jesus, March 7, 2021, at home, in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1960 and attended Sam Houston State University where she met the love of her life, Vincent. Her passion was round and square dancing which they did for over 25 years. She loved her family and friends fiercely and never met a stranger. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Preceded in death by her husband, Brother Knight Vincent of 59 years, her sister, Schalamahar Brunson, parents J Howard and Betty Ruth Brunson and grand-son, Hunter Gregg. Diane will be missed by her Twins, Tamlyn Gregg and Tyron Lima and grandchildren Victoria Gregg, Tyler Lima, Taryn Lima.
Catherine Juanita (Giacona) Cupps, 83, of Spring, TX entered into rest on February 5, 2021. She was born in Mesquite, TX on June 29, 1937 to parents Nancy Jewel Ivy and Louis Perry Batchelor. Juanita was married to Brother Knight Frank Giacona from 1954 until his passing in July, 1998. Juanita married Darwin Cupps on July 15, 2000. During Juanita's life she worked as a hair dresser, and through that made many life-long friends. She loved to dance, garden, go fishing, and spend time with her family at their gatherings. Juanita is survived by her husband, Darwin Cupps; children Chatta & Bill Goldsby, Brother Knight Frank & Cindy Giacona; step-children Jack & Carol Giacona, Mary Willgus, Camella & Charles McKinney, Benny & Susan Giacona, Vickie Lynn & Tony Bradac, Patricia Gayle Cupps; grandchildren Katie Goldsby, James Giacona.
Brother Sir Knight Joseph Joe Campise, born on Jan. 11, 1937, was called to eternal rest on Jan. 18, 2021. Joe was a 49 year member of Council 2917 and a Fourth Degree Sir Knight of the Monsignor George A. Wilhelm Assembly 1094.