RICHARD C. KLIMITCHEK Sr.

RICHARD C. KLIMITCHEK SR.

EZZELL - Richard C. Klimitchek Sr., of Ezzell, age 83, passed away on July 7, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on Feb. 29, 1928 to the late Frank and Julia Klimitchek in Ezzell. On June 28, 1955, he married Rosie Joyce DeBord at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Richard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, and received the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Parish Council Board in Koerth. He retired from Alcoa with 30 years of service and was a member of the Alcoa 25 Year Club. After retirement he enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting, raising cattle, and enjoying time on his ranch with his family.
He was also a member of the Ezzell ISD School Board for 20 years, director of the First National Bank of Hallettsville, member of American Legion Post 230, member of VFW Post 6382, and member of Lavaca County American Cancer Society.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rosie Joyce DeBord Klimitchek; and his six children, Joycelyn Kozelsky and husband Louis of Edna, Carolyn Ebert and husband David of Pasadena, Richard Klimitchek Jr. and wife Sheila of Hallettsville, Linda Van Sant and husband Gary of Tomball, Sharon Bitter and husband David of Double Oak and Frankie Klimitchek of Richwood. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Kristin Kozelsky Marek and husband David, Louis (Skipper) Kozelsky III, Andrea Ebert Jones and husband Justin, Victoria Ebert, Alyson Klimitchek, Amy and Adrienne Klimitchek, Joshua and Jacob Van Sant, and Kelsey and Blake Bitter. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Jacklynn and Bradley Marek of Edna.
Surviving are four brothers, Franklin Klimitchek, Carl Klimitchek and wife Patsy, and Alton Klimitchek, all of Hallettsville, O'Daniel Klimitchek and wife Jeanie of Lolita; a sister, Dorothy Horton of Hallettsville; a sister-in-law, Rose Klimitchek of Dayton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julia Klimitchek; his brother, Jesse Klimitchek; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Horton.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of DaVita Dialysis of Cuero, Helping Hearts of Hallettsville, and Accolade Hospice of Yoakum. Also, the family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ann Wagner, Dr. Campbell, Dr. White, Dr. Watson, and Dr. Adams.
Visitation was at 4 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, followed by a wake service at 7:30 p.m., at Kubena Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Koerth, the Rev. Charles Sonnier officiating. Burial will be at Koerth Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Louis (Skipper) Kozelsky III, Victoria Ebert, Amy and Adrienne Klimitchek, Blake Bitter, Joshua and Jacob Van Sant, and Kenneth Klimitchek.
Honorary pallbearers: Andrea and Justin Jones, Charles Klimitchek, William (Buddy) Hermes, James Hermes, Leon Smothers, and Joe Gerlich.
Memorials (In lieu of flowers): St. John the Baptist Catholic Building Fund, Sacred Heart Catholic School, the National Kidney Foundation, or donor's choice.
Words of comfort and guest book entry may be shared with the family online at www.kubenafuneralhome.com.