Bernadette Minarcik Kovar

Bernadette Minarcik Kovar, of the Willow Springs community, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Columbus, Texas, at the age of 96.

Bernadette was born on December 4, 1929, to Joseph and Julia (Bordovsky) Hrachovy in Ellinger, Texas. She married Alvin Minarcik on October 14,1947, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Texas. Bernadette and Alvin had six children. Bernadette was married to Alvin for 33 years before his sudden death in 1980. She married Jerome Kovar in 1985. He passed away in 1994.

Educated in Ellinger schools, Bernadette went on to play a pivotal role in her husband's construction business, Alvin Minarcik, Building Contractor. She was the bookkeeper and a draftsman. Her work ethic and dedication were matched only by the love and support she provided to her family and friends.

A devout Catholic, Bernadette's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She prayed her rosary daily and lived a life that embodied the spirit of her beliefs, always extending a hand of friendship and sharing her spirited nature with everyone she met. Her faith-filled approach to life was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Bernadette's interests were as varied as they were rich. She enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing the beauty of God's creation. She loved to work outdoors in her garden and doing her yardwork. She was an avid reader, could often be found reading a daily devotional, and had a particular talent for working puzzles and playing her favorite card game "Stick."

But perhaps Bernadette's most cherished pastime was baking, especially her kolaches, poppyseed rolls, and famous pineapple rolls, which were as much as a part of family gatherings as laughter and shared stories. She enjoyed attending music and sporting events, particularly those involving her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose achievements were her pride and joy.

Bernadette's home was the heart of holiday celebrations, where warmth and love were served up alongside her delicious treats. For her, the greatest pleasure came from spending time with her family, a source of boundless happiness and contentment.

In her interactions with others, Bernadette was known for her friendly demeanor and lively spirit. Her famous saying was "Laughter is the best medicine."

As we bid farewell to Bernadette, we celebrate the profound impact she had on our lives. Her memory will continue to shine brightly, guiding us with the same love and grace she so freely gave during her time on earth. Bernadette Minarcik Kovar will be dearly missed, yet her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Bernadette was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. John Altar Society, KJZT, and Catholic Daughters. She faithfully attended the local Senior Citizens group and monthly Birthday Club gatherings.

Bernadette is survived by her four daughters; Mary Frances Warschak and husband Vernon of Columbus, Betty Ann Fritsch and husband Gary of Willow Springs, Paulette Keilers and husband Arlis of Fayetteville, Donna Schwake and husband Wade of Sugar Land; two sons; Alvin Minarcik and wife Brenda and Allan Minarcik and wife Carol all of Fayetteville; twenty-one grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren and another one arriving in late March.

Bernadette is also survived by the children of her second husband; Angie Waligura and husband Ed of West Columbia, Tom Kovar and wife Kay Lynn of Bay City, Richard Kovar of Bay City; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Alvin Minarcik, second husband, Jerome Kovar, sisters; Agnes Daniels, Alice Krenek, Henrietta Hrachovy, and Beatrice Baron, brothers; Frank Hrachovy, Henry Hrachovy, Emil Hrachovy, Jim Hrachovy, Laddie Hrachovy, and Edmund Hrachovy.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Fayetteville with the family present at this time to receive friends. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 57, Fayetteville, TX 78940; Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 65, Fayetteville, TX 78940; or to Amedisys Hospice, 210 E. Tom Green St., Brenham, TX 77833.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.