Frank Bernard Bludau Sr.
Frank Bernard Bludau Sr., of Hallettsville, passed away at the age of 96 on Aug. 22, 2024.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1927, in Hallettsville. He was the fourth child in a family of 11 to Andres and Annie Friesenhahn Bludau.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and VFW.
Frank lived his entire life in Hallettsville except for the time he served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II. During his military service, he landed an indoor job but described himself as an outdoor man and was transferred. He had the opportunity to live in Japan for nine months during his service. After his honorable discharge, he returned to his parents’ farm outside of Hallettsville.
After purchasing his 100-acre farm he married Bernadette Sobotik on Nov. 15, 1951. They had seven children and Frank remained on the farm until his death. Over the years he raised cattle, hogs, cotton and tomatoes. In addition, he provided custom ranch work for many neighbors, planting Bermuda grass and baling hay. He proudly provided custom hay baling for 60 years. He was a hard-working man and as he advanced in age, he often told his children “Hard work never killed anyone it just makes you tired.”
Frank had a true love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting as well as fishing in local tanks, creeks, and the San Antonio River. Along with his wife, Bernadette, he also enjoyed travel. In recent years, the smiles of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought joy to his life.
At the young age of 10, Frank’s father taught him how to play dominoes. He grew up playing dominoes after a hard day’s work. He spent a great deal of time playing dominos with his father and brothers: Leroy, Ervin, Jim and Wink. He won and placed in several tournaments in Sweet Home, La Grange, and Winchester. At the age of 90, he proudly placed 4th in the 2018 Texas State Tournament and was named to the Texas Domino Hall of Fame in 2019. He partnered at 95 with his nephew, Glen Bludau to win 4th in a local tournament. When asked about his win he happily shared “I still got it”. He continued playing until his passing.
Frank is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bernadette; six of his seven children, Frank Bludau Jr. and daughter-in-law, Darlene Anders Bludau; Shirley Bludau and son-in-law Mike Grimes; Anthony “Tony” Bludau and daughter-in-law, Joyce Janak Bludau; Stephen Bludau and daughter-in-law, Renee Bonorden Bludau; Audrey Bludau Poche and son-in-law, James Poche, and Brenda Bludau Youngblood and son-in-law, Jon Youngblood; grandchildren, Frank Bludau III, Eric Bludau, Tiffany Bludau Bennett, Sarah Kallus Lesiker, Chad Bludau, Jessica Kallus Vianes, Jennifer Kallus Penn, Christa Bludau Spring, Paige Youngblood Harris, Clay Youngblood, Drew Poche and Luke Poche; 16 great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild expected any day; siblings, Wink Bludau and Sister Bernarda Bludau.
Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, Frances Bludau Kallus; grandson, Tyler Bludau; his parents; three brothers, Leroy, Ervin and James Bludau; five sisters, Lillian Besetzny, Delrose Sandelovic, Marcella Janak, Irene Knebel, Mary Murphy; and infants, Mildred and Rosalyn Bludau.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Patricia Williams for her compassionate care and to Hospice Care of South Texas for their support during this difficult time.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29 at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Msgr. John C. Peters and Deacon Mike Tankersley will officiate.
Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Frank Bludau III, Eric Bludau, Chad Bludau, Drew Poche, Luke Poche and Clay Youngblood.
Memorials (in lieu of flowers) may be made to Sacred Heart Church/School, Hospice of South Texas or a charity of donor’s choice.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com