Eugene Nesvadba

Eugene Wenceslaus Nesvadba, 91, aka "The Candyman" of Rosenberg, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on January 17, 2023. He was born on September 20, 1931 at the family farm in Cottonwood, aka Rosenberg, Texas to John and Albina Novak Nesvadba. He married the love of his life Willie Mae Sunderhause on August 11th, 1952, and 3 months later was drafted by the U.S. Army to honorably serve his country in the Korean War. He held memberships in the local V.F.W., the American Legion, and the Sons of Hermann Lodge.
Eugene began his business career working in a South Texas grocery store and in the Sugar Plant Refinery in Sugar Land, Texas. This self-taught businessman soon became the owner and operator of various vending machines and began a cigarette and candy wholesale business, selling to all the "ma and pa" corner stores throughout South Texas. He became known in an endearing way as "Junk Man Gene" of Gene's Wholesale. Willie Mae was always at his side, handling matters at the office of his business, receiving and shipping sundry goods that Eugene bought and then sold from his truck, and taking Eugene's place delivering merchandise occasionally. Although Eugene officially retired at 62 his understanding and acumen in financial matters kept him actively engaged in the business world thereafter.
In his younger years, Eugene and his family enjoyed taking trips together. Eugene loved nature and the outdoors. He took great pride in keeping his birdfeeders stocked on his patio. His hobbies included enjoying bowling with the League, Dominos with friends, riding trail bikes with the whole family, and fishing in the bays and lakes. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Maggie, listening to Polka music while bird-watching in his patio, and mowing his sons' yards over the years. He was an avid reader of almanacs and enjoyed sharing his gardening knowledge, including when and where to plant fruit trees.
It was Eugene who introduced a young Mason Nesvadba, his only grandson, to his first accordion that originally belonged to Mason's Great Uncle Joe Nesvadba. As fate would have it, Mason, now 26 and a music teacher and gifted musician and accordionist, joined the highly popular Red Ravens Polka Band as its youngest member. Eugene and Wille Mae proudly enjoyed attending their grandson's performances.
Eugene loved traveling to polka music functions, watching the band, listening to polka music, and, bursting with pride, watching Mason play his accordion and sing polka songs.
Eugene graciously volunteered and loved cooking at V.F.W. functions, and shared his love for V.F.W. Bingo with Willie Mae during many fun-filled years.
This enormously generous, loving, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and veteran, will truly be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Eugene is preceded in death by his brothers, Larry, Dennis and John Allen Nesvadba.
Survivors include Willie Mae, his beloved wife of 70+ years, their two sons, Ricky Wayne (wife Margie), grandson Mason; and Terry Gene (wife Rose), along with his extended family and a host of friends who all loved him dearly.
The immediate family will gather for private services.
To honor Eugene's love of Mother Nature, please consider planting a tree in his honor.
Tributes and expressions of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.