Council #2917
God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.
Let us pray:
Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed; through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace in company with Christ and may they rejoice in your Kingdom. AMEN
Brother Knight Joe Louis Pavlik, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle—passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. He was 85 years old. Joe was born to August and Marie Pavlik on January 26, 1938, in Freeport, TX. He attended Bay City School and graduated from the University of Houston in 1968. Joe served in the US Airforce as an Airman from 1955–1958. He married the love of his life, Dolores Ann Lewandowski, on Sept. 2, 1961, in Houston, TX. Joe and Dee celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary two days before Joe’s passing. Joe is survived by his wife Dolores (Dee); sons Michael (wife Mindy) and Roger; grandchildren Shayne Pavlik, Michelle Pavlik (fiancé Joe Alfano & son Walker Alfano), Hunter Pavlik, and Sydney Pavlik; great grandson Kyler Gould; and sister-in-law Mary Grace Pavlik. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren to cherish his memory. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, August and Marie Pavlik; sister Mary Ann Pavlik; brothers Jaro and Anthony Pavlik; and sister-in-law Barbara Sue Pavlik. Joe was a proud and
active member of Knights of Columbus Council #2917 for over 40 years. He loved his family, friends, and lively discussions about current events. He was proud of his Czech heritage, loved playing dominoes and the accordion, and enjoyed listening to polka music.
Carmen Buck, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on August 24, 2023 at the impressive age of 100. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, her parents, two brothers and four sisters. She was born and raised in Houston, TX and during the War, she worked as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell Telephone company. In 1949, Carmen married the love of her life, Dock Buck, Jr. Together they founded Buck Plumbing Company and raised seven children. Carmen was an amazing cook and known for her fried chicken, homemade jelly, pies and “country suppers.” She will always be remembered for her wonderful hospitality as she was loving and welcoming to all who entered her home. She loved her grandchildren and valued her time spent with them. Her holiday table welcomed many and inspired memories that will be treasured forever. Carmen is survived by her 7 children: Martha Abbott and husband Ken; Ruby Camp and husband Collins; Ronald Buck and wife Debbie; Cathy Grahmann and husband Ken; Delores Buck, John Buck, Carol Tegethoff and husband Mike; 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren: Ken Abbott, Jr., and his daughter Astrid; Jeffrey Abbott and wife Lisa and children Olivia, Grace, and Cayden; Katie Andrews and husband Forrest and daughters Georgia and Rowan; Hillary Wire and husband Garrett and son Oliver; Christopher Buck and wife Nina and son Luka; Ryan Buck; Corey Buck and wife Ivonne and daughters Adrianna and Mia (on the way); Shelley Grahmann; Kevin Grahmann and wife Laura and sons Adam, Matthew, and William; Kraig Grahmann and wife Maryann and children Mason, Michael, and Mari; Sarah Mugavero and husband Joe and daughters, Sadie, Kaylie, and Averie; Megan Spencer and husband Josh and son Shawn; and Jessica Glende and husband Kris and son John Michael. She is also survived by one sister and three brothers along with other relatives and friends.
Robin Bronikowski passed away in her home surrounded by family in Magnolia, TX on August 17, 2023. She was born in Houston, TX on December 6, 1959, to Dawn Wilson and Ewald Dittfurth. Robin was always in a happy mood no matter what the situation. Her house always had an open door to family and friends. She loved to read her Bible every morning and read her kindle outside in the evenings while listening to her windchimes. She would never say no to a margarita, along with anything Disney. She would go out of her way to help others in need. She is predeceased by her mother Dawn Wilson; her father Ewald Dittfurth; and her stepfather John Fendley. She is survived by husband Brother Knight John Bronikowski; daughter Kelly Neef and husband Coletun; son Jeremy Bronikowski and wife Rebecca; son Brother Knight Wyatt Bronikowski; grandchildren Lily Bronikowski and Dorain Neef; stepmom Carolyne Dittfurth; brother Douglas Dittfurth; brother-in-law Brother Knight Bennie Bronikowski and wife Kathy and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marie Ann "Swatloski" Dziedzic, age 87, of Houston, TX passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. She was born and raised in Houston, to loving parents Stash Swatloski and Pearl "Stepanski" Swatloski. She is one of 14 siblings. She attended All Saints Catholic Church, Hogg Middle School, and Reagan High School. On February 12, 1955 she married Edmund A Dziedzic and together they raised 6 children. In 2017 after 62 years of marriage, she was widowed. Marie worked at Weingarten's to support herself prior to marriage. She became a stay at home mom until her youngest child reached school age. Then returned to the workforce as a cashier at Globe Discount City (later Rice Food Market) until she retired. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church, Assumption Catholic Church, and Saint Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church. She is preceded in death by her husband Brother Knight Edmund A. Dziedzic, parents Stash and Pearl Swatloski, siblings John Swatloski, Thomas Swatloski, William Swatloski, Andrew Swatloski, Stephen Swatloski, Marjorie enne,Julia Markowski, Barbara Connor. She is survived by her children Angela Baker (husband James), Susan Warzon (husband Ronald), Debra Waldrop (husband David), Michael Dziedzic (husband Wayne Jauer), Victoria Jadloski (husband Scott [deceased]), and Richard Dziedzic (wife Karen), 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, Siblings Paul Swatloski, Leo Swatloski, Eva Bostic, Patricia Romano, and Rita Danchak.
Gertrude “Trudy” Witzkoske, age 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 2, 2023. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt who loved traveling, entertaining, and being with her family. Trudy was an active lifetime member of Assumption Catholic Church; long-time President of Harvest Years; member of the Altar Society; Catholic Daughters; St. Vincent de Paul Society; and the GO Club. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Brother Knight Clarence W. Witzkoske (2014); brother Pete B. Dutka and wife Evelyn. She is survived by sons, Mark D. Witzkoske, and Paul J. Witzkoske; granddaughter, Jennifer Graham and husband Cody; grandson, Cody Witzkoske; great grandchildren, Lillyann Graham, Grayson Graham, and Waylon Graham; sister-in law, Patricia Elliott and husband Kenneth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brother Knight Gilbert L. Koteras, born June 3, 1944 in Houston, TX to Ignatius & Martha Nowak Koteras, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, at the age of 79. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents & his brothers, Alley Koteras (wife, Virgie) & Albin Koteras. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Fenn Koteras; his daughters, Tiffaney Koteras Whiteside (husband, Stephen) of Austin; Courtney Koteras Smith (husband, Paul) of Manhattan, KS; 4 grandchildren; his sister, Carol Koteras Melia-Copeland of Austin; his brothers, Frankie Koteras (wife Connie) of Tucson, AZ, and James Koteras of Houston; as well as many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, Brother Knights, & lifelong friends. Gilbert was a devoted husband, a loving dad, & a super grandfather. He was a very hard working, smart man. His father-in-law, Boyd Fenn, helped him get a job at Sears & Roebuck as a mechanic & he eventually became a manager in the lawn mower shop at Sears. His first insurance job was at American General where he worked for several years. Gilbert was a claims insurance adjuster & eventually became a claims manager. He worked for many more years in other insurance companies before retirement in 2018 at the age of 74. Gilbert met his wife Patricia on a blind date in 1961. They married on Oct. 9, 1966 at Holy Name Catholic Church. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in March of 1965, was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC for basic
training & was a reservist until March of 1971. Gilbert was a devout Catholic & an active member of the St. Rose of Lima community. He became a member of K of C Council 2917 in Sept. 1962 & was
an active member for 61 years giving him honorary life-membership. He was also a member of American Legion Post 620. Gilbert beat cancer 3 times! First in 2000, when he had colon-rectal cancer; in 2017, with tongue & throat cancer; & then in 2022, with skin cancer. Unfortunately,
after the tongue/throat cancer, he suffered from the complications of lymphedema and had difficulties swallowing. Even after all that, he was then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease & Vascular Dementia that were both beginning to worsen. Gilbert never complained about anything. He never said “Why me?” He just kept fighting the fight! In Gilbert’s words, “Dziekuje” (thank you) to everyone for supporting our family! We will miss him terribly!
Brother Knight Henry Anthony Lanclos, died February 7, 2023 in Houston, Texas. He was born to Henry and Beulah Lanclos on October 22, 1940 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston. He grew up in Houston, graduated Jeff Davis High School, and worked at Weingarten grocers where he met his future wife, Bernice Janak. Henry and Bernice wed on May 12th, 1962; about a year before he enlisted in the Air Force. He spent four years serving his country as Airman First Class (Instrumentation Specialist) during the Vietnam War. He returned home and spent the majority of his career with General Electric. His love of the outdoors and compassion for others allowed him to be a great father and PawPaw for his entire family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and gave advice with a calm demeanor. Henry is preceded in death by his parents and
his brother Charles "Chuck" Lanclos. He is survived by his wife, Bernice, his 3 children, DeeDee Rzasnicki (Michael), Sean Lanclos (Kelly), and Aron Lanclos (Brandi), his sisters Jane Cooper and Joyce Henriksen, his 12 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brother Knight Wayne Baranowski, 62, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday May 13th while surrounded by his family. Wayne was born Dec 9, 1958 in Houston to Alphonse and Billie Hope. He grew up hunting and fishing and spent his summers with his grandparents on their farm. He met the love of his life,
Elaine, when they were 17 and were married on Jan. 29, 1983. They moved to New Braunfels in 1990 and opened their own air conditioning company. Wayne passed his love of hunting and fishing down to his children and took them as much as possible. Wayne’s favorite spot on earth was at his ranch and could be found
there whenever possible. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Billie Hope Baranowski and his brother David. He is survived by his loving wife Elaine Baranowski, children Shelly (JD) Davis of New Braunfels and Jake (Tyler)Baranowski of Cedar Park, and grandchildren Charlotte Grace and Ryder Davis and Tucker Baranowski.
Virginia Gregory Kallus, age 75, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 at her home in Houston surrounded by her loving family. After suffering for years from a degenerative nerve condition that slowly
took away her mobility, it was unexpected complications from COPD that led to her passing from this world. Ginger, as she was known by all, was born in the Heights area of Houston on Dec. 8, 1947 to parents Leon
Gregory and Esthera (Twardowski) Gregory. Ginger grew up in a large, loving Polish family and was the oldest of 6 siblings followed in order of age by her brother, Brother Knight Dennis Gregory, sisters Martha Koch
(Tusha), Leona Kuzma (Ona), Rosemary Wisnoski (Coco), and Thomas Gregory. Ginger attended Reagan High School and loved to go dancing, eventually meeting her future husband Brother Knight Dennis Kallus
at Sixth Street Dance Hall. Dennis and Ginger married on April 19, 1969 at All Saints Catholic Church and had 3 sons: Daniel, Stephen and David. Ginger’s lifetime vocation was raising her 3 sons and eventually helping
to raise her 6 grandchildren: Cameron Kallus (Camie), Eva Kallus (Skeebs), Noelle Kallus, Drew Kallus, Aaron Kallus, and Juliet Kallus. In addition to dancing waltzes and polkas, Ginger loved to travel, she
enjoyed watching all her kids and grandkids play sports. She loved to cheer on the Houston Astros, loved to watch movies and read books.
Lora Ann Radack Hansen, beloved wife of the late Brother Knight James N. Hansen, mother to three, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, died peacefully on March 1, 2023. Lora Ann
was born to the late William Joseph and Ruth (Hesch) Radack in Titusville, PA on July 18th, 1934. Surviving are her children: Cynthia (Cindy) Messina and husband Joe, Steven Hansen (Annetta), and Robert (Bob) Hansen. Grandchildren: Joseph Messina, Jr. (Micheli), James Messina, Steven Hansen, Jr. (Lori), Michael Hansen (Brittany, Robert Hansen II (Mandy), and Brittney Humbird (Travis) and 14 great grandchildren. Lora was an accomplished pianist from a young age. She was a 1952 graduate of Jamestown High School. Lora married the love of her life, Jim on May 7, 1955 after Jim's basic training. After moving to Houston, she worked for many years as a secretary for St. Ambrose Catholic Church. She also loved bowling in the Knights of Columbus Council 2917 bowling League which she and Jim were members of for many years. Lora was predeceased in death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers Jim, Frank, and John. Lora's presence brought warmth to any room. She touched the lives of many, and will be missed dearly by family and many friends.
Brother Knight Royce Edward Harper passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023. He was born on August 10, 1955 and was preceded in death by his parents, Edwina (Dene) Harper and Paul Harper and his mother and father in law, Eugene and Helen Bujnoch. Royce is survived by his wife of 45.9 years, Cynthia Bujnoch Harper, son Brent Harper and wife Tasha and his daughter, Jenna Barcelo and husband John. Grandchildren
Colt and Cody Barcelo and Noah Gossett. He is also survived by his brother Lester (Butch) Hoffart, Jr. and wife Elaine. His brother and sister in law, Eugene Jim Bujnoch and wife Lisa. Royce was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus #2917. Royce fulfilled his dream of becoming a Houston Fire Fighter graduating from the academy in November 1979. He was quickly assigned to Station 5 in Spring Branch which became his second home until his retirement in 2010. Royce enjoyed weekends in the country with his children and grandchildren frying catfish or one of his other specialties of back strap, chicken noodle soup or chili but mainly giving unwanted advice and supervising all the projects. He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and unfavorable opinions.
Dennis Joseph Storemski, 76, died on Friday, April 14, at his home in Houston with his family at hand. He will be greatly missed by Barbara Storemski, his loving wife of 57 years, and their children, grandchildren,
nieces, nephews and in-laws. Born on Houston’s northside on August 20, 1946, Storemski attended Sam Houston H.S., graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Criminal Justice. He served 38 years with the Houston Police Department, rising through the ranks and retiring as Executive Assistant Chief in 2004. Dennis was a parishioner and ubiquitous presence at Prince of Peace
Catholic Community, where he served as an extraordinary minister and lector, and a board member at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center. Professionally, he was a colleague and mentor to generations of
Houston’s law enforcement community. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Felix Storemski, brother Leon Storemski and nephew Michael Storemski. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in -law Brother Knight Gary and Susan Storemski of Houston and their children, Lilli and Kyle Storemski; Craig and Annette Storemski of Katy and their children, Jacob and Noah Storemski; James and Gina
Storemski of Spring and their children, Joseph, Isabella and Xavier Storemski; and daughter and son-in-law Jennifer Storemski and Nathaniel Hobbs of Coverack, England, and their children, Ada and Ezra
Hobbs. He is also survived by his brother, Brother Knight Wilbert and wife, Joan Storemski in Missouri City; sister-in-law Margaret Storemski in Kingwood; and many nieces, nephews and other in-laws.
Dian Marie Duoto, born Sept. 20, 1946 in Yoakum, TX to Irene and O.P. McMurrey, died peacefully on Feb. 28, 2023 in Houston, TX. Dian is the wife of Brother Knight Mike Duoto. Dian and Mike helped to get the Divine Mercy portraits to all the Catholic Churches in the Houston area. Mike had visited the home of his friend, Mr. Provenzano, and saw a portrait of the Divine Mercy hanging in his office. He took Dian to see the portrait and from that moment they were involved. Mr. Provenzano had portraits made and Dian called every church in the Houston area to offer this donation. Dian and Mike, along with their friend, Mr. Provenzano, delivered the portraits to the churches as a tribute to his wife who passed away shortly after the project began. Dian was a fighter. Cancer was no match for her. She beat it not once, but twice! Radiation, chemo and an esophagectomy. As tough as these times were, she never let it stop her from living her best life and she certainly never let it get her down. She would always say “Someone else is going through something far worse than I.” Dian loved traveling, gathering with friends for lunch or a game of cards. She is survived by her husband, Mike; daughter Angela, son-in-law Lawrence, and grandson, Jonathan. Dian was a soulmate to Mike, a loving mother to Angela and a model of strength, love and encouragement to all who knew her.
Brother Knight Archie Pete Kitkoski, Sr., 88, of Anderson, TX passed away Jan. 28, 2023, at Houston Healthcare in Conroe. Archie was born in Anderson, TX, on Dec. 15, 1934, to Joe and Annie (Seigle) Kitkoski. He met and later married his wife, Betty (Cone) Kitkoski on Nov. 10, 1956, and to this union four children were born. He later opened his company, Kits Industries Inc., in 1976 and worked there until recent years. In his prime, Archie loved fishing, hunting, bowling, gambling, farming, barbecuing, tending to cattle, and drinking a cold beer. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2917. Most importantly, spending quality time with his family was his fondest moments. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter Lynda Russell. He is sur-vived by his children; Kathy Wingard, Archie Kitkoski, Jr., and Kenny Kitkoski & wife Connie; son-in-law Mike Russell; sisters, Liz Paukert, Tina Pasket & husband Adam, and Theresa Dietrich; grandchildren, Brian Russell & wife Lyndsey, Ryan Wingard, Shelli Russell, Nikki Kim & husband Hyunwoo, Nolan Kitkoski & wife Krista, Kenadi Shackel-ford & husband Joshua, and Kyler Kitkoski; great-grandchildren, Avery Russell, Charlotte Russell, and Owen Kitkoski; and a host of relatives and friends.
Rosalie Marie Lobpries, age 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, in Houston, Tx. Rosalie was born in High Hill, TX on Sept. 15th, 1924, the sixth of ten children. After her father died when she was 15 she had to quit school to help her mother on the farm. Eventually she moved to Houston to find work so she could send money to help her mother and younger siblings. After World War II she met Leo Lobpries at a dance. They married in 1949 and were married for 60 years. She retired from the Coca Cola Bottling Company. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, going on the bus for gambling trips and attending Astros games. She was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston for 58 years. She is survived by daughters Marcia Reynolds (Jim), Karen Jackson (Jim) and Debbie Buck (Ronnie); grandsons John Reynolds (Michelle), Christopher Buck (Nina), Ryan Buck, Kevin Jackson (Jaclyn) and Corey Buck (Ivonne); granddaughters Laura Grazier (Jeremy), Sarah Jackson (Brandon Verklas) and Stephanie Jalufka (Eric) and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Wilhelmina Wick Kainer, her husband Brother Knight Leo Lobpries, seven brothers, Ben, Ed, Herbert, Brother Knight Arthur, Brother Knight Alvin, Alex and Brother Knight Sonny Kainer and two sisters Lydia Fenn and Dorothy Duport.
Brother Knight George Alfonse Janacek, was born on Sept. 29, 1925, to Cyril and Mary Janacek. He was one of 9 children, born and raised on the family farm in Schulenburg, TX. He moved to Houston where he met his wife, Roselee “Patty” Scambray. They were wed on July 5, 1953 at Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, George volunteered to join the war during World War II in April of 1944 at the age of 18. He joined the Navy where he served as a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Dennis (DE-405) in the Pacific Theater around the Philippine Islands. During his service, he received the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon (4 bronze stars), the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (2 bronze stars), and the World War II Victory Medal. For his actions during the Battle off Samar, he was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon (1 bronze star). Returning from the war, George returned to Schulenberg where he became a truck driver, eventually working for Herder Truck Lines of Weimar, TX for over 20 years. In 1974, he opened his own business in Houston, Hornet Campers, located on Airline Dr. George was a devout Catholic attending both Assumption Church in Houston and St. Stanislaus Church in Anderson, TX. George took his final breath on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in the home of his daughter and son-in-law. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, 7 of his siblings, and his wife, Roselee Janacek, who passed on Aug. 9, 2022. He is survived by his sister, Marcella Srubar of Pasadena, his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Eddie Lett, 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Msgr. Fred O’Connor, born Dec. 29, 1928, in Houston, TX to Fred and Margaret O’Connor, died on Tuesday, Jan.17, 2023, in Houston, TX. Msgr. O’Connor was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by numerous cousins. Msgr. graduated from St. Thomas H.S. in 1945. With his desire to guide and support people, he turned down both a scholarship at Rice University and a professional baseball contract to enter the seminary. Msgr. O’Connor graduated from St. Mary Seminary in 1952 and was a priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for over 70 years. He served faithfully in numerous parishes in the Archdio-cese and was often moved to a parish with a great need. He served as Chaplain at the Harris County Jail and in retirement celebrated Mass for the women at the Plane State Jail in Dayton for many years.
Brother Knight Carroll J. Brownfield was born on Oct. 18, 1927 to Jesse M. and Camille Cecille (Thomas) Brownfield in Shreveport, LA. Carroll grew up in Houston and worked with his father at Johnson shipyards as a draftsman. He attended the University of Texas until returning home to help his widowed mother and sick brother. Carroll married Ruby Aline Jarrett on Feb. 18, 1950 and had 4 children: Caroline, James, John and Kathy. They made their home in Houston, where he and his wife were very active in Assumption Catholic Church. He was a 58-year member of the Knights of Columbus, participating in countless service and church pro-jects. He worked at Tenneco Gas for 47 years as a draftsman and then manager over the drafting department. His main focus was design of pumping stations in Laurel, Mississippi; Kinder, Louisiana; Mexico City and some work on off-shore rigs. Carroll passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 in Katy, TX at the age of 95. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Mandagelo and her husband Marc; grandchildren, Jeffery Mandagelo, Brandon Bain and his wife Traci, Tiffany Mandagelo and Lauren Foster. Carroll was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby Aline Jarrett Brownfield; baby daughter, Caroline Brownfield; sons, James Carroll Brownfield and John Douglas Brownfield.