Margaret Havrda

Margaret Havrda was born Jan. 8, 1931, to Charles and Ida Hartensteiner at home, in Weimar. She was the ninth of 10 siblings. In 1952, she married Vernon Havrda and they started building their family shortly after, with the birth of their first daughter, Deborah, in 1953 and would see that family grow with the additions of Pamela, Cynthia, Laura and Timothy. In the first years of their marriage, Margaret and Vernon were stationed in California and Washington State while he was in the Air Force, and eventually settled in Houston. Margaret spent most of her days raising their children and babysitting until they were settled in school; she then went to work at McGregor Medical Associates until she retired.

After losing her husband Vernon to cancer in 1984, Margaret moved to Schulenburg and stepped into the role of Matriarch of the family – a responsibility she took with incredible grace, patience and strength. She had unshakable faith and faced so many devastating moments in her life burying her husband young, losing a daughter, a granddaughter and a son-in-law as well as all her siblings passing before her. She loved even the simplest aspects of life – Wednesdays she cooked lunch for her grandchildren while they were in high school, also known as the “lunch bunch,” watching or listening to sports, high school, Astros, etc. and drinking her coffee in front of the window so she could watch her birds while sitting in her recliner. She loved life so much that she took the time to call each niece, nephew, grandkid, great-grandkid, in-laws and her children on their birthday.

Margaret is survived by daughters Pam Besetsny of Schulenburg, Cindy Deis/husband Dave of Spring, and Laura Machac/husband Jackie of Schulenburg; son Tim Havrda/wife Dellyn of Schulenburg; son-in-law Danny Bujnoch of Schulenburg; 14 grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Vernon; one daughter, Debbie Bujnoch; one granddaughter, Nerissa Besetsny Cahal; one son-in-law, Robert Besetsny; one step-grandson, Trey Bujnoch; and one sister and eight brothers.

A visitation was held Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Schwenke Baumgarten Funeral Home and parish rosary was led by Mrs. Phyllis Venghaus.

The funeral Mass was held on Thursday, Feb. 16 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jasper Liggio and Rev. Chase Goodman officiating. Interment followed at the St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Readings and responsorial psalm during the Mass were read by granddaughters Lindsey Schiffli, Kasi Hebert and Kayla Willey. Presentation of the gifts was offered by her granddaughters Bailey Dattomo and Carah Havrda. Petitions were read by granddaughter Allison Machac. The music for the beautiful service was provided by Bruce Lebeda and Nicole Michalke.

Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons Curt Besetsny, Brett Thompson, Wesley Thompson, Jordan Machac, Michael Hebert, Matthew Hebert and Ryan Havrda. Honorary pallbearers were her godchildren Barbara Adams and Kenneth Hartensteiner.

Memorials can be made to the St. Rose Church or St. Rose School or a charity of one’s choice.