Ann "Dornak" (Dornak) Friedel

Ann Friedel age 94, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at Windsor Nursing Home in Bastrop, Texas. She was born on April 16, 1931, in Kirtley, Texas and grew up in Smithville, Texas. Ann was the beloved daughter of Frank and Fannie Dornak.

On January 6, 1949, Ann married the love of her life, Jerome Friedel at St Mary's Cathedral in Austin, Texas. Together, they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until Jerome passed away in 2005. They were blessed with three children Jerome Jr., David, and Joy. Their life together was filled with love, faith, and dedication to family and community.

Ann went to Smithville High School and enjoyed over 25 years as a cherished member of the Smithville ISD Cafeteria as head cook. She took great joy in preparing meals and especially loved seeing the smiling faces of the children and staff she cooked for each day.

Her love and passion for cooking extended into her home life where she found the greatest joy in preparing meals for her family. The gatherings were more than just a time to enjoy her delicious food; they were moments she treasured making memories with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Known for her warm heart and hardworking hands, Ann also found joy tending to her chickens, gardening, and sewing. Her talents as a seamstress and her love for nurturing life around her were expressions of her generous spirit and enduring patience.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of home and nature, and the quiet strength she brought to those around her.

She was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Smithville for over 70 years where she actively participated in the Altar Society and found strength and fellowship in her faith.

Ann is survived by her daughter Joy and husband Roy Kovar of La Grange; Grandchildren: David Paden and wife Kaci of La Grange; Kendall Calhoun and husband Kevin of Austin; Grayson Kovar of Washington State; Dori Enloe and husband Daniel of Lexington; Nikki Peacock and husband Jason of Smithville; and Christopher Friedel of Smithville. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, one sister Jonell Dornak of Houston, one brother-in-law Joe Friedel of Houston, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Fannie Dornak; her husband Jerome Friedel; her sons Jerome Friedel Jr. and David Friedel; her sister Joyce and husband Bobby Pfertner; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. August 19th at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Smithville, with funeral services to follow.

A private burial will be held at Oakhill Cemetery in Smithville, Texas.

Memorial contributions can be made to Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter or to St. Paul's Catholic Church 204 Mills St., Smithville, Texas 78957.

Thank you to: Fr Bernard Hung, Deacon Bernard, St Paul Bereavement Committee and all friends and family for all the love and support you have given during this time.

A special thank you for the patience and compassionate care provided by JOL hospice and Windsor Nursing in Bastrop, Texas.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com .