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~Estella Hundl~
SHINER: Estella Ann (Velek) Hundl, age 91, entered eternal rest on March 30, 2026. Her life was a testament to quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others. Estella, the eldest of three children, was born February 24, 1935, in Shiner to Jacob Jr. and Albina (Wentrcek) Velek. During her childhood, Estella resided on the family farm in the Boundary Line Community and Attended Boundary Line School. She graduated from Baldwin’s Business College in Yoakum, TX and was employed by Aetna Casualty & Surety Co. in Houston, TX. After caring for her children, she was a Manufacturing Department Secretary with Anderson, Greenwood & Co./Tyco in Stafford, TX. On June 6, 1959, Estella Velek and Delphin (Del) Hundl were united in marriage at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Houston, Texas. They were blessed with three children – Laurie, Randy and Cathy. Estella loved her family and she was always ready to help in any way needed – her greatest joy was spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren - visiting and planning for the holidays and birthdays were especially some of her favorite times. When her grandchildren were younger, she enjoyed attending and supporting all of the boys’ baseball and football games and her granddaughter’s theatrical plays. Estella found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments – tending to her garden, nurturing her beloved roses, and cultivating vibrant flowers, especially her cherished zinnias. Her hands were rarely still; whether she was planting something new, preparing a meal, writing letters every week to her beloved grandchildren or spending hours in her office keeping up with the household finances – she poured love into everything she did! Cooking and baking were one of her greatest gifts, and she expressed her care for others through meals or baked goods she lovingly prepared. She made amazing kolaches, cakes, pies and cookies and her made-from-scratch meals were fit for a King! She was selfless in every sense of the word, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her kindness was steady and constant, a source of strength to everyone who knew her. In the face of illness, Estella showed remarkable courage and grace. She accepted her Journey with dignity and became a source of comfort to us all. With gentle reassurance, she would say “Don’t cry, I’ll be Okay” or don’t cry, You will be Okay”. Those words will forever echo in the hearts of her loved ones. She faced her illness as a true warrior – brave, resilient and unwavering. While her passing brings deep sorrow, there is also a sense of peace knowing she is free from pain. A special thanks for Reverend Aaron Padilla for bringing her peace knowing that the Lord was there with her. Estella’s love, strength, and selflessness will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished. Survivors are her husband, Delphin (Del) Hundl; daughter Laurie and husband John Griffith, grandson John Austin Griffith; Grandson Brian and wife Claire Griffith; daughter Cathy and husband Keith Johnson; daughter-in-law Marybeth Hundl; grandson Connor Hundl; granddaughter Maura Hundl. She was preceded in death by her son Randy Wayne Hundl; her parents Albina and Jacob Velek, Jr.; twin brother Joseph Velek; twin brother George Velek and sister-in-law, Patricia (Pat) Velek; and her grandparents: Frank and Theresa (Mrnustik) Wentrcek and Jacob Sr. and Mary (Patek) Velek. A private family burial is planned for Estella. In lieu of flowers, donations in Estella’s memory to the following charities would be appreciated: Salvation Army – salvationarmyusa.org or ASPCA – aspca.org. Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656. |