Joseph "Joe" Chovanec

Joseph "Joe" Daniel Chovanec went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, October 24, 2025. We have faith and believe that when he arrived to Heaven, Jesus wrapped His arms around him and said, "Welcome Home, well done, my good and faithful servant."

Joe was born on September 3, 1949, in La Grange, Texas, to Katherine and Joe F. Chovanec. He was the eldest of nine children. Growing up, he learned the value of hard work and commitment to one's family, church, and community. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He attended Fayetteville schools and graduated from Fayetteville High School.

After graduating high school, Joe met the love of his life, Sheila Kay Macat, at a dance in Round Top, Texas. Soon after meeting Sheila, Joe was drafted and joined the Army in September of 1969 and bravely served his country from February of 1970 through January of 1971 during the Vietnam War. He was a decorated member of the Army's Armored Division and during his time of service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Man Badge, and Expert Rifle Medal. Joe and Sheila sent love letters over the course of Joe's Army service.

Time and distance only made their love for one another grow stronger. They were united in marriage on July 15, 1972. Their devotion to one another was evident in all that they did and how they loved one another during their 39 years of marriage until Sheila's passing in November of 2011. Joe and Sheila had two children: Danny Chovanec and Becky Chovanec Ogg. His proudest accomplishment in life was his family. He was a proud Daddy, Poppy, and Pop. He soaked up every opportunity to spend time with his family, support them in all they did, encourage them during difficult times, and love them for all that they are. He loved to take them fishing, watch their sporting events, play dominoes and games with them, impart his wisdom on them, and simply be with them. His love for his family was evident in the smile that would beam from his face getting to speak about them to others. Joe was a man who was never afraid of hard work. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and build a legacy he was proud of. He succeeded.

After returning from Vietnam and being discharged from the Army, Joe went to work at Blue Bell Creameries. He worked for over 40 years and worked his way up to Supervisor of the welding shop. He prided himself in being able to build, fix or engineer any machine that Blue Bell needed. There was never a project or challenge that he didn't joyfully tackle and work on until it was completed and done right. He enjoyed managing his team of folks and believed that a good leader always challenged his folks and treated everyone fairly. He retired in 2011 after the passing of his beloved wife.

Although retired, he never slowed down. He always found great pleasure and solace in hard work, whether it be raising beef cattle, raising sheep, making hay, bulldozing, welding, or fixing equipment. He continued in these pursuits until an unfortunate auto accident in June of 2023 forever transformed his life and left him a quadriplegic. Even amidst this devastating change of life circumstances, he managed to find joy in life again and always found a way to look for the blessings amidst life's trials and be grateful that he survived, still had his family, and still had use of his mind. His strength amidst life's trials served as an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a living testimony for God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness through all of life's tribulations. Now, he rests in Jesus' arms, made whole, in perfect peace, with his precious wife, Sheila, enjoying the beauty, joy, and blessings of Heaven.

He was a faithful and loving member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Industry. He sang in the choir and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion (Shelby Post), and the Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department. He tirelessly volunteered at fundraisers, fought fires, and faithfully served others until his health no longer allowed.

Joe greeted everyone he met with his signature strong handshake, full attention in conversation, and genuine care and concern for them. He touched the life of more people than he could possibly begin to realize.

Joe was preceded in death by his precious wife, Sheila Kay Macat Chovanec, parents Katherine and Joe F. Chovanec, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Erna and Alvin "Cotton" Macat; special friend, Mike "Papa Mike" Ogg, and his brother, Thomas Chovanec.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Keitha Chovanec of Bleiblerville; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Michael Ogg of Brenham; grandchildren: Fallon Chovanec, Gunner Chovanec, Shelby Ogg, and Cora Ogg; special friend and honorary big sister, Billie "Bebe" Ogg of Brenham; special friend, Tona Marrs; as well as numerous close friends (who have become family in every sense of the word), and extended family.

Serving as pallbearers are Frankie Macat, Matt Macat, Gary Shupak, Terry Shupak, Art Jensen, and Cliff Brast.

Honorary pallbearers are James Chovanec, John Chovanec, Charles Chovanec, David Chovanec, Pat Chovanec, Kathy Chovanec Marusik, Teresa Chovanec Schaefer, Howard Kruse, Steve Schwartz, and members of the Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hospice Care Amedysis, and Knesek Funeral Home for all of the care and support they have provided. Joe's family extends particular gratitude for Brandi Koehne and Michelle Hall --- whose loving care of Joe over the past two and a half years are true examples of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department. Click on the Donate tab on the website at www.bleiblervillevfd.com