Anton Frank "Tony" Lesak Jr.

Anton Frank "Tony" Lesak, Jr. was born on September 24, 1932, in Gonzales, Texas and died on October 20, 2024, in Gonzales at the age of 92. He grew up in Gonzales County and one day while attending Cost Schools, he saw an aircraft fly over, it was at this time Tony decided he was going to work on aircrafts when he grew up. In January of 1953, Tony joined the U.S. Air Force, during his time in the service, he received a lifetime Aircraft and Power Plant License. The Air Force also presented Anton with the opportunity to earn his GED, an accomplishment he was very proud of.
Tony married the love of his life Hattie Kuntschik Hobizal in 1964. He took on the role of becoming a father and helped raise his 4 stepchildren. Together, Tony and Hattie shared almost 39 years of marriage before Hattie's passing in 2003.
He served in the Korean War as an Aircraft Mechanic, he was stationed in South Korea during his two terms of active duty. Along with his time in the Reserves, he had a total of 38 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was also stationed in Africa, Syria, Libya, Japan, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Alaska, Wyoming, San Antonio and Miami.
After his travels abroad, he joined the Air Force Reserves based at Kelly Field with 433rd Wing. He also worked in Civil Service as an aircraft mechanic at Kelly Air Force Base repairing many types of aircrafts including C-130, C-119 and F-86 aircrafts before his retirement. Tony's first job was in Gonzales at the local Piggly Wiggly. After his time in the service he worked at the Coca-Cola plant, bottling various soda waters and also delivering to every store/business in Gonzales County. He then worked at the Goodyear service store delivering appliances in Gonzales for a short while before his employment with Gonzales ISD. While working for the school district, he drove buses for various events: football games, basketball games, drama, band, UIL competitions and field trips. He drove Rural Route 17, and also assisted with driving the special needs and handicapped children, a job that really warmed his heart and attributed to his many involvements with the community of Gonzales.
He was actively involved with the VFW post where he participated in many fundraising events, barbeque cookoffs, and also drove fellow veterans to their VA doctor appointments. He was a lifetime member of the local American Legion. He was also a member of the Czech Heritage Society of Gonzales County and he also managed the local SPJST organization (Sovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu of Texas). He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Gonzales, where he served as a life member of Council #3090. Tony faithfully attended the annual Veterans Day Celebrations, even in 2023 at the age of 91, he took pride in wearing his Air Force cap with all of its medals and pins.
Tony loved to play dominos and drink a few longnecks at local establishments. He could speak and understand English, Tex-Mex, and some Japanese. He was fluent in Czech, and he spoke Czech as often as possible. He was also very independent and took great care of himself at home with many caregivers helping out, up until he was 92. Tony also had a great appreciation for his family, he enjoyed family time, and really loved talking with his great-great-grandkids.
Anton Frank "Tony" Lesak, Jr. is preceded in death by his parents Anton and Angelina Lesak, his beloved wife Hattie Kuntschik Hobizal Lesak, two stepchildren LaVerne Hobizal Wagner and Judy Hobizal Weston with her husband Clint Weston, brother Albin Lesak and sister Julie Lesak, step grandchildren Shonda Wagner, Tanya Zella and Kreg Llewellyn.
He is survived by his stepchildren Margaret Hobizal Zella and James Hobizal, his seven step grandchildren Dwaine Wagner, Debbie Remschel (Todd), Sharon Nelson (Tim), Jill Philbrick (Michael), Krista Llewellyn, Kimberly Deming (Justin) and Randy Zella. His thirteen step great-grandchildren Samantha Pollard (Jesse) Gabriel Nelson (Megan), Alex Dickinson (Alfa), Lance Remschel (Corie), Garrett Remschel (Tracie), Haley Nelson, Josef Nelson, Mason Philbrick (Samantha), Dillon Zella, Hunter Zella, Payton Deming, Spencer Deming, and Liam Deming. His eleven great-great grandchildren Destiny Gordon, Serenity Gordon, Liana Dickinson, Darren Dickinson, Laci Joe Remschel, Cooper Remschel, Millie Remschel, Olivia Remschel, Brecken Remschel, Royce Marie Nelson and Sutton Hattie Remschel.
A visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 9:00am to 9:30am, a holy rosary will be recited at 9:30am. A mass of the resurrection will begin at 10:00am. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will include his step great-grandsons Lance Remschel, Garrett Remschel, Josef Nelson, and Hunter Zella. Honorary pallbearers will include Mason Philbrick in the U.S. Army, Dillon Zella, Alex Dickinson in the U.S. Air Force, Payton Deming, Spencer Deming, Liam Deming and Gabriel Nelson.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion of Gonzales, and the VFW Post of Gonzales. Friends and family may leave their condolences online by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com
All services are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home of Gonzales, Texas.