~Johnnie Pekar~

SWEET HOME: Henry John Pekar, age 97, joined his heavenly family Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born April 7, 1927 in Sweet Home to John Joe and Frances (Fait) Pekar.

He was known as Johnnie to many. One of 13 children, Johnnie grew up during the Great Depression, and he did his fair share of work: picking cotton, raising animals, gardening, and many other chores.  Johnnie bravely served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. At 18 years of age, he was drafted and went to Germany by way of ship. Johnnie received the WW II Victory Medal as a Private First Class and his occupational service medal. He received a marksmanship badge for his MM 30 Cal Rifle M1. After returning from the U.S. Army, he briefly worked for the Carnation Milk Company in Houston, where he learned to make cottage cheese for his family, who in turn used it to make delicious kolaches. Johnnie married Rose Marie Turner from Sweet Home in 1953 and lived in San Antonio until 1959, when they returned to rural Hallettsville to purchase the farm and home place from his parents. For several years he was a mail and cotton truck driver for Leo Hoffer Truck Lines, while managing the family farm. Until he retired in his late 70s, he spent 46 years at Texas Tan Western Leather Company. Johnnie loved God, his family, and the church. Johnnie was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, KJT, St. Isidore Society #13 and Sweet Home American Legion.

Survivors: daughters, Mary Kocian (Larry), Jeannie Heinold (Kennis), Carol Konvicka and Jo Ann Bludau (Ronnie); son, John Pekar (Debbie); grandchildren, Amy Kocian, Robert Kocian, Heather Pekar (Cassandra), Dustin Pekar, Tyler Pekar (Stephanie), Erik Konvicka (Amber), Dillon Konvicka (Sara), Laney Bludau and Lacey Bludau; step-grandsons, Pat Matula and Bradley Matula (Jennifer); 16 great-grandchildren, 7 step-great grandchildren and 3 step-great great grandchildren; sister, Mary Long; brother, Bobby Pekar (Vonnie).

Preceded in death by: parents, wife, Rose Marie Pekar; sisters, Rosie Pekar, Matilda Kutach, Infant sister, Lillie Melnar, Frances Hermes, Nora Dolezal, Janie Migl, Toni Kopecky, and Annie Darby; brother, Charlie Pekar; grandson, Thomas Kocian and son-in-law, James Konvicka.

Visitation 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. then a rosary at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home with Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako officiating. Burial Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Robert Kocian, Dustin Pekar, Tyler Pekar, Erik Konvicka, and Dillon Konvicka. Honorary pallbearers: Amy Kocian, Heather Pekar, Laney Bludau, and Lacey Bludau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Queen of Peace Catholic Church or the donor's choice.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home 361-293-5656.

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