Frnka, Allen H.

Allen Frnka Buried At Nada Tuesday

Citizens of the community learned with sadness of the death last Sunday morning of Allen H. Frnka, 69, a resident of this community for some forty years.

Mr. Frnka, a retired farmer, had been in failing health and passed away in the Rosewood General Hospital in Houston at 2:00 a.m. Sunday. [discrepancy in time of death printed as in the paper]

Funeral services were held from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 23rd, with the Rev. Father Edward Geiser officiating at the Requiem Mass.

He was placed to final rest in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Nada. Serving as casketbearers were L. W. Stiles, Jr., Elmer Struss, Lonnie Briscoe, Wilfred Frnka, Melvin Stancik and Fred R. Frnka.

Rosary was recited in the chapel of Mill-Bauer Funeral Home at 7:30 p.m. Monday with James Boudreaux and V. J. Kana leading in the prayers.

Mr. Frnka was born September 12th, 1902 near Garwood, the son of Frank and Frances Horak Frnka. He was united in marriage with Miss Sylvia Dittrich in St. Mary's Church in Nada on April 18, 1932. The family has resided in this community since that time.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Frnka; two sisters, Mrs. Adela Herzik of Houston and Mrs. Frances Campbell of Matagorda; two brothers, Fred G. Frnka of Hillje and Eagle Lake and Ed M. Frnka of Garwood; a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers.

Mr. Frnka was a kind person who was always interested in the welfare of his family and friends. His pleasant personality won for him the friendship and admiration of all who came to know him. He shall be missed dearly by his loved ones and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight May 25, 1972 page twelve
Submitted by Dorothy Cox

Frnka, Anna (Noska)

FUNERAL HELD FOR MRS. JOS. V. FRNKA, 54

Funeral services for Mrs. Jos. V Frnka, 54, a thirty-six year resident of Columbus whose death occurred at the John Sealy Hospital in Galveston Saturday morning were held in Columbus with Rt. Rev. Monsignor J J. Szymanski of Weimar officiating [Interment was in Odd Fellows' Rest]

Mrs. Frnka, nee Noska, was a native of New Ulm, Austin County. For the past thirty-six years, she had been a resident of Columbus. On June 18,1902, she was married to Jos. V. Frnka, who survives.

Additional survivors are two sons, M. N. Frnka of Austin. Earl Joe Frnka of Baltimore, Md.; six daughters. Mrs. Lillie Georg of Columbus. Mrs. Evelyn Pridgen of Houston. Ruby and Roxie Frnka (twins) of Houston, Margaret and Mildred Frnka of Columbus; two grandchildren Lillie Louise and Dorothy Marie Georg, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Teltow of Freslburg[sic].

At the services. Dr. I. B. Sigler of Sealy read a beautiful poem entitled, "Rock Me To Sleep. Mother”. Present, also, for the services were Edward L. Marek of Fayetteville and Judge C. H. Chernosky of Houston. officers of the Supreme Lodge of the S. P. J. S. T.. of which Mrs. Frnka was a devoted member, having the distinction of serving as the first lady president of the organization.

Active pallbearers were: Messrs. Lee Dunlavy. H. H. Girndt. C. P. Hastedt. Homer L. Koliba, William Kuhn, Jack Leyendecker, V. L. Marek and Chas. Rutta. Honorary pallbearers were all friends of the family.

The Mercury joins others in extending sympathy to the bereaved.

Weimar Mercury, July 26, 1940, page 1

Frnka, Benjamin Thomas

MAN DISCOVERED SHOT IN CEMETERY; NOTES FOUND

Houston, Tex., Aug. 23.—AP—Ben Thomas Franka [Frnka], 30, died in a hospital tonight three hours after he was found shot in Washington Cemetery here.

Officers sent to investigate the shooting found a pistol near the wounded man. A. few feet away was a paper bag in which were writing materials and several notes.

Justice of the Peace J. M. Ray held an inquest, but said he would not write a verdict until Tuesday. [Interred in St. Mary Cemetery]

Galveston Daily News, Tuesday, August 24, 1937

Frnka, Cecile (Labay)

MRS. FRNKA DIES AT NADA AFTER VERY BRIEF ILLNESS

Mrs. Cecile Frnka, wife of John B. Frnka died at the family home near Nada, Tuesday morning at 4:15, after an illness of only a few hours. She was buried the same afternoon at 4 o’clock in the Nada Catholic cemetery, Rev. R. Held Officiating.

Mrs. Frnka was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Labay, Sr. and was born at Nada October 22, 1900. She married John Frnka October 11, 1921, less than a year before her death.

This was one of the saddest deaths it has been our misfortune to have to record. News of the death of this young woman was a stunning blow to all her friends and the husband and parents are grief stricken. She was taken from them in the very beginning of her life and her cheerful and loving presence will be sorely missed by her large circle of friends and her place will never be filled in the hearts of her husband and parents.

Fred Frnka, foreman of the Citizen shop and brother to John Frnka, attended the funeral Tuesday afternoon.

The Citizen extends its sympathy to the grieving relatives.

Colorado Citizen, September 8, 1922, page 4

Frnka, Charles

Charles Frnka Memorial Service Set Feb. 2

Charles Frnka, 49, of Weimar, died Jan. 22 at his residence. A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.2 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in LaGrange with Rev. Robert Groenke Jr. officiating.

Mr. Franka was born Aug. 10, 1952 in Weimar to Bertha Mae Frnka. He married Rebecca Kennedy Frnka on Nov. 7, 1976.

He was self-employed as a carpenter.

Mr. Frnka is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Bec” Frnka of Canyon Lake; daughter, Valerie Jarmon of Houston; half brothers, Joseph Mozisek of Hallettsville, Michael Mozisek of Yoakum, Billy Bob Mozisek of Hallettsville and Johnny Mozisek of Kansas; and grandchildren, Jessica Jarmon, Jocelyn Jarmon, Buddah Jarmon and Edward Jarmon.

The Weimar Mercury January 31, 2002
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli 

Frnka, Earl Joe "Cookie"

Many Attend Final Rites For Earl J. 'Cookie' Frnka

Great numbers of relatives and friends gathered at the Columbus Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. last Thursday. February 8th, to pay final respects to Earl J. (Cookie) watching television at his home on Tuesday night, Feb. 6th.

The Rev. Gregory Robertson officiated at the services. Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery. Pallbearers were brothers-in-law f. A. Hoeninghaus, Jr., A. O. Pridgen, O. L. Georg, and also William, Lawrence and Barney Kuhn.

Mr. Frnka had been in ill health for several years. He formerly was Justice of the Peace of Precinct 1 (Columbus) for eight years. Of late he had been retired because of his health.

Earl Joe Frnka was born on April 28, 1913, the son of Joseph V. and Anna Noska Frnka. His late father was a prominent lawyer in the county for many years and served in the Texas Legislature from 1920 to 1925.

The deceased was a Veteran of World War II serving on Guam with the U. s. Naval Forces.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Eva Kuhn Frnka; two sons, Earl Joe Jr., with the Baroid Division Traveling over the U. S. and Ronald Alan, a teacher at Porter; one brother, Meteor N. Frnka of Austin; and six sisters, Mrs. O. L. Georg and Mrs. A. O. Pridgen of Columbus; twins Mrs. Ruby Driscoll and Miss Roxie Frnka of Philadelphia; Mrs. Ted Schultz of Rosenberg; and Mrs. Friedrich A. Hoeninghaus, Jr. of Houston; and many other relatives and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, February 15, 1968
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Frnka, Edward M.

Ed M. Frnka Buried in Nada Tuesday

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21st at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada for Edward (Ed) M. Frnka, 79, lifelong resident of the Vox Populi and Garwood area. Mr. Frnka passed away at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18th at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital. He had been a resident of the Heritage House and had been in failing health since suffering a stroke last summer.

The Rev. Father Henry Rolf officiated at the Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church Tuesday morning, with the St. Mary's Choir providing music.

Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Harry Lobpries, Milton Minarcik, Paul Baumgarten, L. D. Schilling, Ervin Stienke, and Hubert Antrich. Mill-Bauer Funeral Home of Eagle Lake was in charge of arrangements.

The Rev. Father Rolf led in recitation of the Rosary in the chapel of Mill-Bauer Funeral Home on Monday evening.

Ed M. Frnka was born July 5, 1898 in the Vox Populi community, the son of Frank and Frances Horak Frnka. He resided all of his life in the Garwood area and was a farmer and rancher until his retirement.

He and Miss Hilda Class were united in marriage in Nada in 1924. She preceded him in death June 4, 1956.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Joe (Elsie) Swaney of Sealy; a son, Wilfrid Frnka of Garwood; two sisters, Mrs. Adele Herzik of Houston and Mrs. Frances Campbell of Eagle Lake; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents; one sister, Mrs. Julia Labay; and four brothers, Fred G., Frank Jr., Allen H. and John Frnka.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church.

Mr. Frnka loved his family and his friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. His passing brought great sadness to his family and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Thurs. Feb. 23, 1978
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Edward R.

EL CAMPO—Edward R. Frnka, 91, father of former football coach Henry Frnka, died Monday in a El Campo hospital. Rosary for him will be recited at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Triska Chapel here.

Henry Frnka, now a San Antonio oil man, coached at Tulsa and Tulane before going into business.

Funeral services for Ed Frnka will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel and mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nada. [Interred at St. Mary Cemetery]

San Antonio Express, Tuesday, September 7, 1971
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Eva Carolina (Kuhn)

Frnka

Eva C. Frnka, 92, of Columbus, passed away Dec. 20 at Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Weimar March 3, 1916 to Oscar Julius and Augusta Agnes (Munke) Kuhn. She worked as a clerk for Central Power and Light and was a member of First United Methodist Church, VFW Post 6113 Women’s Auxiliary and Methodist Womens Circle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Joe Frnka Sr.; her parents; brothers, Lawrence F., William S. and Barney Kuhn; and grandson Matthew Jude Frnka.

She is survived by her sons, Earl Joe Frnka Jr. of Columbus and Ronald Alan Frnka and wife Evelyn of Oakwood; four grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, Dec. 29 at Henneke Funeral Home with Pastor J. Paul Bruhn officiating. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Alan, Ashley and Patrick Frnka and Harold, Daniel and Tompo Kuhn.

Colorado County Citizen, December 30, 2008
Courtesy of the Citizen

Frnka, Florian

Frelsburg, Tex., March 22.--Last night Florian Frnka, aged 54 years,died of yellow jaundice. He had been sick for several years and had sought relief under the treatment of numerous physicians, but without avail. He leaves a wife and a number of children. [Interment in St. Mary’s cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, March 31, 1900, page 4

Frnka, Frank Sr.

Fred Frnka Sr. Services Held
By Mrs. M. L. Heiman

GARWOOD--Funeral services were held Friday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Nada for Frank Frnka Sr., 87 years old. [Interment in St. Mary’s cemetery]

Mr. Frnka is survived by his widow; 2 daughters, Mrs. Charles Herzig of Houston and Mrs. Melvin Campbell of Eagle Lake, and 5 sons, Fred and Allen of Eagle Lake, Frank and Ed of Garwood and John of Glidden; a brother, Ed. R. of Garwood and a sister, Mrs. Nonnie Tlutos of El Campo; also a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Colorado County Citizen, November 26, 1959, page 9

Frnka, Frank W.

Eagle Lake. – Frank W. Frnka of Garwood passed away in the Kerrville Hospital at 10:20 a.m. Friday, January 14, 1972 after an illness of some seventeen years. He attained the age of 68 years, 1 month and 24 days.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 16 with the Right Rev. Msgr. Julius Petru of El Campo, officiating. Burial was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Clarence Frels, Ben Waligura, Milton Minarcik, R. H. Wied, Leo Drlik and F. B. Priesmeyer all of Garwood.

Mill-Bauer Funeral Home of Eagle Lake was in charge of arrangements.

Rosary was recited at the Mill-Bauer Chapel at 6:00 p.m. Saturday with Father Edward Geiser leading in the prayers.

Mr. Frnka was born November 20, 1903 near Garwood, the son of Frank and Frances (Horak) Frnka.

He and Miss Laura Kosler were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Church in Nada, October 21, 1930. They resided in Garwood where Mr. Frnka was engaged in farming until his illness.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Laura Frnka of Garwood; four daughters, Mrs. Madelyn Shimek, Mrs. Rita Vanek, both of El Campo, Mrs. Janette Canaris of Eagle Lake, Mrs. Genevieve Walters of Beaumont; two sons, Lee Roy Frnka of Bay City, Jerome V. Frnka of Bryan; twn grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Charles (Adela) Herzik of Houston, Mrs. Melvin (Frances) Campbell of Matagorda; and three brothers, Fred G. Frnka of Eagle Lake and Hillje, Allen Frnka of Eagle Lake, and Ed M. Frnka of Garwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, and one brother, John B. Frnka on February 14, 1971.

Shiner Gazette, Thursday, January 27, 1972
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Fred George

Fred G. Frnka Dies Suddenly

Fred G. Frnka, retired co-publisher of the Eagle Lake Headlight and father of the present publisher, Fred R. Frnka, died July 28 in the Czech Catholic Home for the Aged at Hillje, a few minutes after suffering a heart attack.

He had celebrated his 78th birthday only a few days earlier while spending a week with the family of his daughter, the E. A. Radacks, in Houston.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 30, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Eagle Lake, with Rev. Edward Geiser officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Nada, beside his wife, who preceded him in death Sept. 25, 1965.

Mr.; Frnka had been associated with the Headlight since 1922. He had been with the Colorado County Citizen at Columbus for several years after returning from World War I army service. He was the Headlight's co-publisher with his son from 1951 until his retirement in 1965.

He was active in many other ways in his church and the community and had been honored as a 50-year member of the Legion Post and the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of three KC councils.

A native of Vox Populi community north of Garwood, the son of Frank and Frances Horak Frnka Sr., he married Miss Mary Agnes Krenek at Nada on Nov. 26, 1919.

Survivors in addition to the son and daughter are two other sons, Ernest F. of Alief and Walter A. of Stafford; two other daughters, Mrs. S. J. Mathis of Bay City and Miss Shirley A. Frnka of Goliad; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a brother, Ed Frnka of Garwood; and two sisters, Mrs. Adele Herzik of Houston and Mrs. Frances Campbell of Matagorda.

Weimar Mercury, August 10, 1972
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Joseph

Frelsburg, April 11.--Mr. Jos. Frnka died at his home on the 10th instant at the age of 81 years. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, April 19, 1902, page 4

Frnka, Joseph Vinc

Joseph V. Frnka, Retired Attorney, Succumbs at 77

Death came yesterday at about 1:30 p.m. to Joseph V. Frnka in Columbus hospital. Mr. Frnka, attorney and holder of several public offices, had been in frail health for about 3 years.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at Columbus Funeral Home, with Rev. George Ricker of the Methodist church officiating. Masonic rites will be conducted at the graveside in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery.

Always identified as a supporter of the Democratic party, Mr. Frnka, during his residence in Columbus was a leader in party politics.

Several Posts Held

He served as representative of Colorado and Austin communities from 1921 to 1925 and was assistant attorney general of Texas under Grover Sellers. From 1946 to 1948, he served in Munich, Germany as a judge in the cases of war crimes. Returning to Austin, he served as chief title examiner of the Veterans Land board until he retired about 2 years ago and returned to Columbus.

Mr. Frnka self-taught in law, had a law office in Columbus for about 40 years. He was a charter member and first president of Columbus Lions club; was a member of SPJT lodge No. 46 and was past grand master of the Masonic lodge, holding a 50-year button from that order.

Associations Member

One of the first attorneys from this county to gain permission to practice law before the Supreme Court of the U. S., he was a member of the American Bar Association and the Colorado County Bar Association.

Born in Industry Mar. 7, 1880, he was a son of Josef and Anna (Kynsak) Frnka. He had owned the same home Columbus for about 15 years.

Survivors are 2 sons, Meteor N. Frnka of Austin and Earl Joe Frnka of Columbus; 6 daughters, Mrs. Otto (Lillie) Georg and Mrs. A. O. (Evelyn) Pridgen of Columbus, Misses Ruby and Roxie Frnka of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Ted (Margaret) Schulz of Rosenberg, and Mrs. F. A. (Mildred) Hoeninghaus Jr. of Houston; 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Colorado County Citizen, Thursday, January 30, 1958
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Frnka, Leo A.

Leo A. Frnka

Leo A. Frnka, a citizen of Columbus for a number of years, died at his home in Liberty July 10.

For several years Mr. Frnka was associated here in the construction business with his brother J. T. Frnka of Eagle Lake.

He is survived by his wife; one brother, J. T. and 2 sisters, Vera Mae Drozd of Garland and Leona Hollub of Houston.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nada Saturday. [Interred at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery]

Colorado County Citizen, July 17, 1975
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Linda Faye (Glueck)

Columbus Woman Killed

Driver Charged in Death at Glidden

A young Columbus woman was dead and her brother-in-law was charged with negligent homicide after a freakish traffic accident at 2 a.m. Easter Sunday in front of a Glidden home.

Mrs. John Frnka, 26, died about four hours later in Columbus Hospital, of a crushed chest and other injuries. Highway Patrolman Wayne Fricke said she had been dragged and run over by a car driven by the brother-in-law, Mike McGill, 28, of Corpus Christi.

The accident occurred in front of the home of Mrs. Frnka's mother, Mrs. Edwin Glueck, on James Street in Glidden.

Officer Fricke reconstructed the accident this way after his investigation:

Mr. McGill was at the wheel of his parked car and his wife was standing at the driver's window. They were arguing. Mrs. Frnka, Mrs. McGill's sister, came up to the car from the other side, opened the right rear door, and was entering the car when Mr. McGill started driving away, apparently unaware Mrs. Frnka was there.

Mrs. Frnka clung to the car for several seconds, then fell under it after it had gone about 28 feet. Mr. McGill stopped immediately and took the injured woman to the hospital, where she was admitted at 2:15 a.m. and pronounced dead at 5:50.

Funeral services for Mrs. Frnka, the former Linda Glueck, were held Monday in St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Columbus with burial in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Weimar Mercury, Thursday, April 10, 1969
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Marie (Kohl)

Frnka

Marie Frnka, 88, of Garwood, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 1995 at her residence.

Mrs. Frnka was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in El Campo and was former president of the Garwood Garden Club, which she helped organize. She had also been a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Columbus, serving as the group’s district secretary.

Funeral services were held Nov. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in El Campo with Rev. John Willmann officiating. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Nada under the direction of Triska Funeral Home in El Campo.

Serving as pallbearers were Bill Raley, Andy Dow, Jackie Smith, Austin Huber, George Williams, Louis Cranek, “Billy” Lehrer and Robert Schiurring. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Roell, Audley Chapman, Marion Kershner, LeRoy Lundquist, Johnny Williams, Frnka Huvar, Jay Huvar, Kenneth Brune, Fritz Cranek, Harry Engstrom and Philip Lemons.

Mrs. Frnka is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Hope and Bob Raley of Garwood; grandchildren and spouses Jackie and Monie Raley Smith, Bill and Kathy G. Raley and Andy and Beth Raley Dow, all of Rosenberg; sisters, Mrs. Alfred Boecker of Houston and Mrs. Joe Roell of Victoria.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Sophie Schubert Kohl; her husband William Roy Frnka; and grandson Robert Shawn Raley.

Colorado County Citizen, December 6, 1995, page 18A

Frnka, Mary Agnes (Krenek)

DEATH ANGEL CALLS MRS. FRED G. FRNKA TO FINAL REWARD

The death angel quickly and quietly called Mrs. Fred G. Frnka, one of this community’s most beloved residents, to a final and eternal rest at 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, Sept. 25th, in the Laughlin Hospital. She became ill around midnight on Wednesday and was admitted to the hospital early on Friday morning and died following a heart attack that took her life speedily and without pain.

Prior to her illness on Wednesday night, she had enjoyed, good health, and was one of those rare individuals who had never spent a day of her life in the hospital.

Mrs. Frnka, nee Mary Agnes Krenek, was born January 1, 1898 in the Nada community, the daughter of Ernest and Cecelia Treka Krenek. She resided for all of her life in Colorado County.

On November 26th, 1919, she was united in marriage to Fred G. Frnka in Nada. The family resided for a short while in Columbus and in 1922 moved to Eagle Lake when Mr. Frnka became associated with the Eagle Lake Headlight newspaper. He has been co-publisher of the paper with a son, Fred R. Frnka, since 1951.

She was a devout member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, and was constantly active in affairs of the church and of the Altar Society. She was one of two members of the Society recently honored for forty-one years of continuous and active service. She was a member of the K.J.Z.T. Society of Nada since 1927.

Surviving are her husband, Fred G. Frnka; three daughters, Mrs. E. A. (Evelyn) Radack of Houston, Mrs. S. J. (Josephine) Mathis of Bay City, and Mrs. Shirley Frnka of Victoria; three sons, Fred R. Frnka of this city, Ernest F. Frnka of Bridgeport, and Walter A. Frnka of Kilgore; two sisters, Mrs. Cecelia Dorotik of El Campo and Mrs. Louisa Krejci of Hillje; three brothers, Ernest Krenek of Markham, Ben Krenek of El Campo, and Lawrence Krenek of Nada. She also had sixteen grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

Her parents, two brothers, Theo and Richard Krenek; one sister, Mrs. Mollie Labay; two half-sisters, Mrs. Vera Ondrias and Mrs. Stella Branek; and a half-brother, John Krenek, preceded her in death.

The K.J.Z.T. Society recited the Rosary at the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, followed by Rosary for the family and friends at 7:00 p.m.

Last rites were conducted at the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home at 8:15 a.m. Monday and continued with Requiem High Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m. The Rev. A. W. Didner conducted the Mass and was assisted by three grandsons serving as altar boys, Mark, Randy and Michael Frnka. The choir of St. Mary’s Catholic church in Nada sang responses during the Mass.

The was laid to her final rest in peace in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Nada with the Rev. E. J. Bily conducting the graveside services, assisted by Father Didner.

Serving as casketbearers were Joe Janak, Charles D. Stephens, Stanley Kucherka, Albert Pustejovsky, Adolf Hollas, and L. J. Rosprim.

She was one who lived life abundantly and in so doing shared her love and blessings with each and every acquaintance. In passing to her heavenly reward, she leaves a loneliness in the hearts of loved ones and friends – a loneliness that is heavy with sadness, tempered only by the knowledge that she has passed on to a peaceful rest in the Kingdom of God.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Thursday, September 30, 1965
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, Mary Agnes (Labay)

Mrs. John F. Frnka Dies Suddenly; Last Rites Saturday

Last rites for Mrs. John F. Frnka of Nada, mother of Mrs. Vera Mae Drozd of Columbus, were held in El Campo Saturday followed by requiem high mass a St. Mary’s Catholic church in Nada. Burial was in the Nada Catholic cemetery. Rosary for Mrs. Frnka was recited Friday evening in the Triska Funeral home.

Born in Frelsburg Jan 21, 1878, she was formerly Mary Agnes Labay, daughter of John and Annie Poncik Labay.

Mrs. Frnka was stricken suddenly on the evening of Thanksgiving day and died in Laughlin hospital shortly afterwards. She had enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Frnka, in Eagle Lake.

Revs. A. W. Didner of Eagle Lake, Alex J. Kraus of Columbus and E. J. Bily of Nada officiated. Pallbearers were Beno and Jimmy J. Frnka, Arnold Holub, Charles Labay, Edwin Drozd and Allen Daehne.

Survivors include the son, J. T. of Eagle Lake and another son, Leo A. of San Antonio and 3 daughters, Mrs. Drozd of Columbus and Mrs. Leona Holub and Mrs. Virginia Dowell of Houston; also 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Surviving brothers are Joe Labay of Garwood, Mike and George Labay of Nada, Paul and Robert of El Campo and Cecil of Wharton and surviving sisters are Mrs. Annie Daehne of Flatonia and Mrs. Frances Safar of El Campo.

Her husband died in 1953 and a son, Ben T., died in 1937. The couple lost 2 infant daughters.

Colorado County Citizen, December 1, 1960, page 12

Frnka, Mary R. (Hoffman)

Frnka

Funeral services were held for Mary R. Frnka Monday, February 10 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Columbus under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home with Father Tim Kosler officiating. [Interment in St. Anthony’s Cemetery]

Mrs. Frnka was born August 23, 1916 in Glidden to Powell Frederick Hoffman and Fannie Bertha Rogers Hoffman. She married John B. Frnka, Sr. November 3, 1932.

Mrs. Frnka was a housewife and the spent most of her life in Glidden.

She was preceded in death by her husband. John B. Frnka, Sr.

Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Maples of Sommerville and Bertha Mozisek of Terryville; one son, John B.Frnka, Jr. of Borden; three sisters, Ola Kahanek of Swiss Alp, Annie B. Eaton of Santa Fe and Gertrude Votaw of Borden; one brother, Felix Hoffmann of Borden; eight grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

Colorado County Citizen, February 13, 1986, page 2

Frnka, Sylvia Mary Frances (Dittrich)

Mrs. Allen (Sylvia) Frnka, 79, of Eagle Lake, died Friday, March 11, 1994, at her residence.

Born Oct. 11, 1914, in Eagle Lake, she was the daughter of Frank Joe and Mary Ellen (Miculka) Dittrich Sr. She was a life-long resident of the area and was retired after 17 years as a waitress in the Cattlemen's Restaurant in Columbus. She had been baptized at St. Roch's Catholic Church of Mentz and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nada.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 13, at our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church of Eagle Lake with Rev. Father Eddie Winkler officiating. Interment followed in Nada at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Dulany Funeral Home, Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers wee Jeff Frnka, Don Frnka, Pete Canaris, Walter Frnka, Roy Cloat, John Edward Dittrich and Larry Otrodovsky.

Mrs. Frnka is survived by two sisters-in-law, Eva Dittrich of Eagle Lake and Lovda Dittrich of San Antonio and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and two brother, Richard Dittrich and Frank Dittrich Jr.

Colorado County Citizen, March 16, 1994
Translated by Dennis Boatright

Frnka, Unknown

Altair

The little 4-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Frnka died last Thursday night, June 27, of scarlet fever. This is quite a loss to these people, as she was the only child, and the people of Vox Populi will miss her, as she was a child that was liked by all who knew her. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, July 14, 1900, page 1

Frnka, Veronika (Rosak)

MRS. VERONIKA FRNKA BELOVED CITIZEN; DIES

Buried In Catholic Cemetery at Nada in Presence of Hundreds of Friends

Mrs. Veronika Frnka, mother in law of a former editor of the Citizen and for almost fifty years a resident of this county, died last Sunday afternoon in Columbus at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Mrazek.

Mrs. Frnka was born sixty eight years ago in Roznov, Moravia. Her maiden name was Miss Veronika Rosak. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rosak, of Roznov, both of whom have been dead many years. At the age of 18 she was married to Mr. Florian Frnka, in Roznov; and a short time later they came to America, immediately puttting their [sic.] of this county and throughout of this country and throughout the rest of their lives giving to the Stars and Stripes all the allegiance, loyalty, affection and devotion of which the human heart is capable.

They landed in Galveston in November, 1870 and came immediately to this county. They located in Frelsburg and made that place their home until 1882 when they removed to the section of the county where the town of Nada now stands. Two years they moved to Vox Populi. It was there, in 1900, that the happy family tie was broken by the death of Mr. Frnka. When Garwood was established Mrs. Franka took up her residence at that place, retaining that place as her home until about eight months ago when she came to Columbus to live with her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Mrazek, widow of the late Chas. Mrazek, who was so well known and loved by the people of this county.

Mrs. Franka had not been in real good health since a serious spell of sicknes about four years ago. For the last eight months she had been in very feeble health; and for the last three months she has been hovering near death, the family physician stating that she could not recover. Therefore, though everything possible was done to prolong her life, her spirit failed to respond to the gentle ministrations of her beloved children and the best of medical treatment, and went on to its eternal home. Thus Colorado County has lost a beloved resident, -- one whose life and work have been part and parcel of the pioneer days and of material influence in the upbuilding of the county.

Mrs. Frnka and her husband were among the very first to settle in the Vox Populi section -- now the Garwood section; and it was largely through their work and influence that the foundational was laid and development was carried on for that prosperous portion of the county. In fact, the sweet and noble character of Mrs. Frnka, and her beautiful Christian life, has left an indellible impression, not only upon her children and grand children but also upon the entire community where she lived for so many years. She was an ardent Christian and a faithful member of the Catholic Church, to which church she belonged all her life; and she raised her children to love and honor the church even as she herself has loved it. Several years ago she established a Memorial, a Side Altar to the Sacred Heart, in the Catholic Church at Nada; and it was to this church she loved so well, that her remains were carried last Tuesday for burial services. Father Held conducted the Requiem Mass and preached an eloquent memorial sermon, paying an affectionate tribute to the memory of this good Christ woman. The remains were laid to rest in the Nada Catholic Cemetery.

Mrs. Frnka raised eleven children to maturity. Nine of them survive her. She is also survived by thirty six grandchildren and five great grand children. Her surviving children, all of whom are well known and prominent in the life of this county, are Frank, John F., Ed R., Emil and Ben Frnka; Mrs. Fannie Halamirek, Mrs. Millie Kallina, Mrs. Bertha Mrazek and Miss Nona Frnka. Her son in law, Charley Mrazek, was several years Editor of the Garwood Express and later for several years Editor of the Colorado Citizen. Following his death his wife edited the Citizen and met with the same splendid success her husband met with. And Mrs. Frnka's other children have taken active and leading part in development of the county. All of Mrs. Frnka's children and grand children were born and reared in this county; and all, except two of the grand children still reside here. The Frnka children; Mrs. Frnka's husband, and her husband's brothers, Jos. V. Frnka, and J. J. Frnka are among the best known people in the county. In fact, the Frnka family name is almost as well known to the people of the county as the name of the county itself.

The funeral service was one of the largest attended of any ever held in the county, sorrowing friends and relatives coming from many sections of the State. Their silent grief and the beautiful floral offerings which covered the grave [torn page] tender testimony to the [torn page].

Colorado Citizen, Friday, November 21, 1919
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Frnka, William Roy "Bill"

W. R. (Bill) Frnka, Garwood Dies Suddenly At S.A. Rodeo

One of the most prominent ranchers in this area and in this state, William Roy Frnka, a lifelong resident of Garwood, known to friends everywhere as Bill Frnka, died suddenly of a heart attack while visiting with relatives and friends at the San Antonio Livestock Show Friday evening, February 17th bringing great sadness to all who came to know him. Mr. Frnka had a previous heart condition, but had been enjoying good health and was looking forward to a future hunting trip, when the fatal attack occurred at the Livestock Show just prior to attending the rodeo performance.

While he had been retired for a number of years, Mr. Frnka gained prominence as one of the state’s leading ranchers. He also had interests in rice farming.

He demonstrated a great talent in athletics, being active in baseball and football during his school days at Texas Military Institute and St. Edward’s University; and became a top rodeo performer as a bulldogger. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed participating in outdoor activities, both at work and in recreation. Hunting was one of the great pleasures of his life.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada; and was affiliated for many years with the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and other cattle groups.

W. R. Frnka was born August 7, 1905 in Garwood, the son of Ed R. and Anna Kalina Frnka. On June 21, 1928 he and Miss Marie Kohl were united in marriage in Victoria, Texas and they had been looking forward to observance of their Golden Wedding Anniversary in June.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Marie Frnka of Garwood; a daughter and son-in-law, Hope and Bob Raley of Garwood; three grandchildren, Miss Ramona Raley of Rosenberg, Miss Beth Raley, a student at Texas University, and William Frnka Raley, a student at Texas A & M University; also three sisters, Mrs. W. J. (Edith) Huvar and Mrs. John J. (Charlene) Williams of Garwood, and Mrs. Irene Meyer of Ellinger; one brother, Henry Frnka of San Antonio; and other relatives and friends.

Requiem Mass was said for Mr. Frnka at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 20th, with the Most Rev. Monsignor Julius Petru of Taiton officiating at the Mass. St. Mary’s Choir rendered music during the Mass. The Rev. Edwin Lampe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in El Campo, also participated in the last rites.

His body was placed to a final resting place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were John J. and George Williams, William Frnka Raley, W. N. Lehrer, Frank Kallina and Vernon Guyer. Triska Funeral Home of El Campo was in charge of arrangements.

The Rev. Father Henry Rolf, pastor of St. Mary’s led in the recitation of the Rosary in Triska Funeral Home in El Campo at 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

The high esteem in which he was held was reflected in the great numbers of relatives and friends who gathered to pay final respects to this loved one. He loved life, he loved his family, he loved his friends. His presence shall be missed greatly not only by his loved ones, but also by every person who was touched by his friendship and acquaintance over the years.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family in the loss of their loved one.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Thurs., Feb. 23, 1978
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis