Jerome Fred Veselka

Jerome Fred Veselka (aka, Grampy), 93, of Hillje, passed away December 12, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1932 in El Campo to the late Cyril and Martha Polasek Veselka. Jerome worked for The First State Bank of Louise for over 40 years, retiring as Executive Vice-President. He was very active in his community, serving as President of Louise ISD School Board, Hillje Nursing Home, Louise Lions Club, and the Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce. He was a life-long member of St. Andrew's Catholic church in Hillje. Many of his summers were spent chairing and running the auction for St. Andrew's Hillje picnic.

Grampy loved his family unconditionally and loved the community that he served. He was an avid sports fan, always making it to each of his children's many sporting events. He was the biggest and loudest cheerleader in the stands. He continued to follow and attend many of his grandchildren's events over the years. He spent endless hours watching his favorite sports teams (Texans, Astros, and Rockets) on TV.

Grampy thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. He especially loved fishing with his lovely bride and family at Carancahua Bay. The catching wasn't always good, but the fishing was always excellent. In the winter, when it was too cold to be fishing, you might find him helping make sausage at RJ Strnadel's butcher shop.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 68 years, Theresa Gabrysch Veselka of Hillje; children, Douglas Veselka and wife Donna of Inez, Kathy Veselka Foster and husband Joe of Palacios, Andrew Veselka and wife Debbie of Louise and Carol Veselka Huffman and husband Charlie of Katy; grandchildren, Daniel Veselka, Derrek Veselka and wife Megan, Ryan Foster, Todd Foster and wife Kendra, Brittany Veselka Payne and husband Scott, Joshua Veselka and wife Marilyn, Chelsea Veselka Davis and husband Hunter and Elizabeth Huffman Ballard and husband Joshua; great-grandchildren, Tanner Veselka, Raegan Veselka, Weston Veselka, Carson Veselka, Landon Veselka, Drew Payne and Marigold Ballard, foster great-grandchild Wallace, and sister, Norma Veselka (LeRoy-deceased) Kruppa.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents; his great-grandchild, Patton Veselka; and his siblings, PFC Daniel Veselka, Eleanora (Benno) Kana, and Delores (Leroy) Strnadel.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16 at Triska Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Hillje before the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Wayne Flagg officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Veselka, Derrek Veselka, Ryan Foster, Todd Foster, Joshua Veselka, Scott Payne, Hunter Davis, and Joshua Ballard. Honorary pallbearers will be Megan Veselka, Kendra Foster, Brittany Payne, Marilyn Veselka, Chelsea Davis, Elizabeth Ballard, and his great-grandchildren.

Memorials in memory of Jerome may be made to St. Andrew's Cemetery Fund.