Felix J. Worchesik

Felix J. Worchesik, 81 of Houston, and husband of Thelma (Meleski) Worchesik passed away February 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. 

Felix was born November 4, 1941, to Ben and Mary (Tomczak) Worchesik in Monaville, Texas.  He grew up working on the family farm and his chores included milking cows, planting and harvesting crops to take to market, especially watermelons.  Felix attended Monaville School and graduated from Hempstead High School.

The United States Army drafted Felix on December 4, 1963, into the Vietnam War.  He proudly served his country as a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Division, Airmobile.  His unit fought in the infamous three-day battle on November 15th, 16th and 17th of 1965 in la Drang Valley, the first major encounter between the U.S. Troops and Viet Cong soldiers.  On December 3, 1965, Felix received his Honorable Discharge and returned home to the family farm.

In the Spring of 1966, Felix accepted a position as a welder’s helper in Houston, Texas, eventually becoming a Master Machinist.  He met the love of his life as well, Thelma (Meleski) Worchesik and they married on July 20, 1968.  By 1977, they had grown to a family of six.  Felix’s machining skills led him to branch out to establish MWM Machine Shop with two partners, Alois Mazurkiewicz and Doug Mayfield.  Felix took great pride in his work and when the opportunity arose, he and Thelma opened FJW Machine Co. in 1987, in Houston, Texas.  Felix’s integrity, impeccable work ethics and machining talents led the company to flourish.  He and Thelma, with both their sons by their side moved FJW Machine Co. to Waller, Texas in the Spring of 2009.  Patrick and Jeffery will continue the family legacy in the beautiful shop built on 19 acres.  With a nod to farming and hunting, there are cattle, a lovely pond for fishing and a great place for a little dove hunting.     

In 2002, Felix became a JaJa (Grandpa).  He loved his five grandkids and attended many recitals, sports activities, school events, birthdays and any special occasions.  He loved being on the farm watching and teaching his children and grandchildren about the country life he grew up with.  Felix imparted many skills to his children, grandchildren and their friends while they visited the family farm.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working cattle, riding around on the mule and tractor, visiting family and friends, and attending church to give praise for all his blessings.  Felix was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and the vastness of his family’s roots.  He could recite a family tree at the drop of a hat with an accuracy that would boggle the mind.  He enjoyed the folk music of his heritage and all the traditions of food and dancing that came with it.  Any reason to celebrate with family and friends, he was there as he loved a good time.

Felix was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mary (Tomczak) Worchesik, sister Lillian Konieczny, brother-in-laws, Peter Bilski and Clem Konieczny, and niece Doris Konieczny. 

He is survived by his wife Thelma (Meleski) Worchesik of 54 years; children, Jeffery Worchesik (Gennie), Laurie Russell (Scott), Patrick Worchesik (Stephanie), and Felicia Worchesik (Shane); grandchildren, Caroline Worchesik, Kennedy Worchesik, Jaxon Russell, Peyton Worchesik, and Jaycie Russell, as well as his godchildren Barbara Meleski and Kathy Worchesik.  

Also surviving are siblings and spouses, Sylvester and Lillian Worchesik, Theresa Bilski, Hedwig and Raymond Konieczny Frances and David Majewski, Dorothy and Benard Meleski, Domonic Worchesik, Florence and Malcolm Browne, Mary and Willie Wisnoski, Florian Meleski Jr., Linda Harris, Barbara Meleski, countless nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Felix will be greatly missed.  His bigger than life personality, giving heart and laughter will remain in our hearts forever.  Through the many memories made and lives he touched, his footprint on this earth will be cherished for many years to come.

We want to give special thanks to caregivers that have given a tremendous amount of support and love to Felix and his wife, Thelma.  Yaneth Perez, Rebecca Gonzalez, and Jasmine Flowers, you will forever be remembered for your love, patience, and support. Dr. Rushford, Dr. Daye, Dr. Sathyamoorthy, Dr. Jasani and all ICU nures/staff at HCA North Cypress.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 5-8 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Klein Funeral Home – CyFair Northwest. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Hempstead with a 10:00 a.m. viewing and 11:00 a.m. Mass.  Rite of Committal and Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hempstead.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Andersson, Calvin Bilski, John Hammond, Donald Konieczny, Jon Majewski, Mark Meleski, Matthew Meleski, and Anthony Worchesik. Junior Honorary pallbearers are Jaxon Russell and Peyton Worchesik. Honorary Military pallbearers are Bonifacio Juarez, Fidel Jimenez , Heraclio Lara, Monico Rodriguez, Joe Pena, Nathan Harvey, Martin Latigue, Clearence Davis, George Jennings, Anastacio Lara, Robert Saucedo, Arturo Villareal, David Nieves, and all other Ia Drang Combat Brothers both alive and deceased throughout United States.

 

In lieu of Flowers - Donations may be made to St Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, Hempstead, TX - New Building Fund in memory of Felix J. Worchesik