Edmund A. Caka

Edmund Arthur Caka, 96, of Shiner, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025. 
He was born September 1, 1928, in Shiner, to Jim Caka and Ida (Janak) Caka. Edmund was raised on the family farm and attended Michna school in the Vlastenec Community. On February 28, 1949, he married the girl next door, love of his life, Marie Antonia Petru.
A country boy at heart, he enjoyed the simple things in life; hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. Hard work on the farm helped install his unrelenting work ethic. Strong in his convictions and core values, he was steady, stern, if need be, and oh so humorous in many moments. 
He loved riding his Kawasaki mule in the pasture, checking his cattle and fences with a watchful eye and doting heart. After taking cows to Gonzales Auction barn on Friday evenings, you could find him eating a bowl of “menudo” at Mr. Taco’s. 
He also made a habit of sitting on the front porch in the morning and the back porch in the evenings, alongside his beloved puppy, Daisy. 
In addition to life-long ranch work, he also worked as a carpenter, butcher at Yoakum Packing Co., in shipping at Kaspar Wire Works, and as a deer processor at EJ’s until the age of 92. When he wasn’t tending to his ranch, he spent hours watching the Catholic TV channel’s masses and prayers, the Big Joe Polka Show, Mollie B. and RFD.
Family gatherings were especially dear to him. He had a soft spot for babies and was considered a patient and compassionate man. Edmund was affectionately devoted to his wife, whom he would visit nearly every day in the nursing home in her later years.
He was proud of his Czech heritage and the Czech language, as anyone who engaged in conversation with him would discover. He was also a proud member of the Shiner Hobo Band but would happily play music and sing for anyone who would listen at any time. 
Playing the accordion and harmonica without missing a note was something he was known for, charming us all with polka classics like A Ja Sam, You are my Sunshine, and Frankie & Johnnie.
Edmund was also a member of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and KJT for 75 plus years.
Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Ann Caka and Beverly Jane Caka Bland (Earl); brother, Victor Caka (Delores); nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Petru Caka; daughter, Dorothy Marie Caka Cowan; his parents; sister, Mary Agnes Caka Wagner; twin brother, Edward James Caka; and granddaughter, Candice Annissa Caka.
A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 3 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev. Bryan Heyer officiating. 
Burial will follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are his grandsons and great-grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be given to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church Building Fund or donor’s choice.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Our House: Josie Orosco and staff, Crown Hospice, Excel Home Healthcare, Dr. Tim Wagner for his many years of medical care, and Shiner Catholic Church Deacon Michael Morkovsky and Pastor Bryan Heyer.
Online guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum. 361-293-5656.