William "Willie" Machicek

William “Willie” Alois Machicek, 86, of Shiner, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024.  
He was born on January 19, 1938, in Lavaca County, to Joe L. and Agnes Mozisek Machicek.  He married Gladys Ann Kocian on October 27, 1962, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hungerford, TX.
Willie will be missed very much. He was a loving, funny, ornery, soft-hearted, risk taker, and was a hard-working man that enjoyed having a good time.  He grew up in St. Mary’s and went to school at Vysehrad School.  His family farmed cotton and corn and raised cattle and pigs.  He grew up with a passion for farming life. 
In January of 1961, he helped to move his sister and brother-in-law to Houston and ended up staying there getting a job at Hurricane Steel with his brother-in-law.  He worked the night shift, while his brother-in-law worked the day shift.  He helped his sister with the kids and whatever was needed.  After a year and a half, he moved back home and started farming on his own place in Breslau with his wife, Gladys.   
Later, they moved to Shiner where he resided his entire life.  He worked at Tex Tan in Yoakum as a leather worker and later as a foreman.  He enjoyed trading and selling tractors and farm equipment while making lots of friends throughout his career.
Willie took welding classes which helped him further his skills.  He made low-boy trailers and sold equipment at many auctions.  He enjoyed raising cattle and hunting and loved it even more when he could share this with others.  He loved attending Czech music events and singing with friends and family as well.  In his later years, his new passion was going on casino trips with his wife and friends.  He always enjoyed conversing in the Czech language with people, including strangers.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Gladys Machicek; son, David Machicek and wife Amy; daughter, Judy Faldyn and husband Eric; four grandchildren, Ashton and Connor Machicek, and Lauren and Jordan Faldyn; three brothers, Joe Machicek and wife Mary, Anton Machicek and wife Leona, and Alois Machicek and wife Joyce; sister Frances Berger and husband Louis; sister-in-law Lorine Machicek; brother-in-law Ervin Dostalik; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward, Johnnie and George Machicek; and sister, Agnes Dostalik.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday, May 27 at Kubena Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church near Hallettsville, with the Rev. Michael Rother officiating.
Burial followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  
Pallbearers were Henry Machicek, Myron Dostalik, Jody Machicek, Andy Machicek, Tony Machicek, Steven Machicek, Jason Machicek, and Leroy Kocian, Jr.  
Memorials: St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Donor’s Choice.  
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com