Obituaries

Eric Otto Eckhardt

Eric Otto Eckhardt of Yoakum passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at the age of 90.  He was the son Otto Adolf Eckhardt and Antonie Braeutigam Eckhardt born on Friday, Oct. 27, 1933 in Fredericksburg.  On June 15, 1958, he married Jo Ann Spies.

Jeanette ‘Jeanie’ Targac

Jeanette “Jeanie” Targac of Moulton passed away on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.   She was born in Moulton on Nov. 21, 1939 to Reinhold Dierschke and Lorine Madala Dierschke. Jeanie was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, raised chickens for many years and was a rancher and gardener.

Catherine M. Valis

Catherine M. Valis, 93, of Shiner, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023. She was born on November 23, 1930 in Worthing, Texas to Peter and Albina (Kocian) Bujnoch. She married Louis L. Valis on December 29, 1953, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Louis passed away on January 18, 1966.

Roger Frederick Bishop

Roger Frederick Bishop, 77, left this world in sure and certain hope of the resurrection on Dec. 2, 2023.  He was a longtime resident of Ezzell, where he lived with his wife of 55 years, Diane Bishop, who preceded him in death.

Tina Marie Chovanetz

Tina Marie Chovanetz, 47, of Fulshear, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 from complications due to cancer. She was born in Hallettsville on Oct. 20, 1976 to Linda Tobola and Ellis Pitre.

Eugene Vaclavik

Eugene “Gene” Joseph Vaclavik, 80, of Houston, began his heavenly journey Monday, December 4, 2023. A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, December 8 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at Sts.

Jim Vanek

Jim Vanek, 101, of Hallettsville, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023. Jim was born October 27, 1922, in the Sweet Home area, to Josef and Emilie Pratka Vanek. He married Elizabeth Berger on May 18, 1948 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Patricia “Pat’ Yeschke

Patricia (Pat) Yeschke passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov.  28, 2023,  surrounded by family and close friends.  Pat Yeschke was born on Oct. 28, 1947 in Yoakum.  Pat lived in Gonzales, and worked for the City of Gonzales as dispatcher for many years.

John “Johnny” David Phillips Sr.

John “Johnny” David Phillips Sr., 81, of Shiner, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023. He was born on November 13, 1942 in Texas City, to David and Gloria Kilsby Phillips. He was a elevator mechanic. He enjoyed sitting by the campfire, hunting and fishing. He served in the U.S. Navy.

Laddie J. Janik

Laddie J. Janik, 87, of Shiner, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023. Visitation began at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 3 with rosary recited at 4 p.m. at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, December 4 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev.