May 13, 1921 – April 16, 2021
John J. Kobersky, who would have reached 100 years of age on May 13 of this year, died Friday, April 16, 2021, at his home and farm in Holman, after a year of care provided by his family, caregivers and Brazos Valley Hospice.
John was born May 13, 1921, in Lovelady, Houston County. He was born John Joseph Kazmir, the son of Emilie Selzer and Joseph Kazmir Jr. After the loss of his mother at an early age, and a brief stay in an Oklahoma orphanage, he was given by his natural father for adoption in March, 1932 at the age of 11 years to Anna and Edward Kobersky of Holman, immigrants from Czechoslovakia. He settled into his lifelong calling by assisting his new family in farming operations, particularly after the death of his adopted father at the age of 16, when he became fully responsible for the farming operations, and where he continued to reside his entire life.
He was drafted into the Army in 1942, but before leaving for the European war arena, he married Hazel Lee Doerrich of Schulenburg on Nov. 9, 1942. They have remained married for 78 years, and she survives his passing. He is also survived by his four children, John Emil Kobersky and wife Delores of Manvel, Donald Lee Kobersky and wife Carolyn of Holman, Barbara J. Wampler and husband Austin of Smithville, and Marilyn S. Sims and husband Charlie of Deer Park. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.
His two brothers, George Kazmir and Emil Kazmir, preceded him in death. A half-brother, Allen Zak of Victoria, survives him as do numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
John served in World War II from 1942 to 1946, in the 326th Field Artillery Battalion of the 84th Infantry Division. His forces participated in the Battle of the Bulge campaign in Germany. John was one of the few remaining veterans of Fayette County who saw military action in World War II, and he loved sharing his military stories. John was a lifelong farmer, involved in dairy operations, raising cattle and various other farm animals and also worked in construction. In his later years, John enjoyed spending time outside in the sun, viewing his pastures and cattle. He enjoyed the company of his family, friends and caregivers.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Holman. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Catholic Mass will start at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Schulenburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Holman, Brazos Valley Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice.
Services are entrusted to Hubbard Funeral Home, 216 East Jackson Street, Weimar, Texas, www.hubbardfuneralhometx.com.