Alphonse John Pokluda

Alphonse John Pokluda passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Alphonse was born Aug. 22, 1941 to John and Katherine Pokluda. He grew up working hard on the farm with his two sisters and one brother raising hogs, planting and harvesting crops, and tending to other hard life duties, as they lost their mother at a very young age. Alphonse met his wife of 54 years, Bernice, while frequenting Cozy Café where she worked, and they were married on April 20, 1968. Alphonse worked as a heavy equipment operator and ran a bulldozer for the majority of his life. He was employed by Fowlkes Equipment Co. soon after marriage, and later worked for Bozka Dozing Services for most of his career where he sacrificed many nights away from family stationed at oil rig locations.

Alphonse enjoyed playing polka music on his accordion and being part of the Pokluda Band. He volunteered his musical talent performing at nursing homes and other various celebrations along with his children playing trumpets and saxophones. He also volunteered for the Schulenburg FFA by staying overnight with the cattle during the stock shows and prepared the firewood and fire for the fundraiser dinners. In his pastime, Alphonse would shred for family and friends and loved spending time on his John Deere tractor. He helped Bernice prepare and tend their many gardens, along with tending corn crops and harvesting hay at his homestead farm with his siblings throughout his life. Throughout this last year, he shared many laughs and stories at the nursing home with the care staff at Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center. He formed many close friendships that he deeply cherished and considered family.

Alphonse loved spending time with family and most especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife, Bernice Pokluda; his daughter, Marcia Pokulda; his parents, John and Katherine Pokluda; three brothers-in-law, Allen Wiedemann, Robert Schaefer and Leroy Vrana; his nephew, Kenneth Pokluda; and his niece, Allison Vrana.

Alphonse is survived by his daughters, Theresa Pavlica and husband Michael of Flatonia, Deborah Friedrich and husband Ewald Jr. of Weimar, and Monica Pflughaupt and husband Lee of Houston; and his son, Richard Pokluda and wife Kristin of Whitesboro. His surviving grandchildren include Janice Kristynik and husband Kyle, Brandon Pavlica and wife Mackenzie, Justin Pavlica and wife Rebecca, Macy Friedrich and fiancé Lane Janecka, Madison Pokluda, Megan Pflughaupt and Evan Pflughaupt. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Emily, Aubrey and Noah Kristynik, and Reese Pavlica. Alphonse is also survived by sisters, Helen Wiedemann, and Anna Fishbeck and husband Michael; brother, Patrick Pokluda and wife Brenda; two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law and their spouses; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg, with burial to follow at St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery in Praha. Visitation will take place at St. Rose Catholic Church from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with the rosary to follow at 9:30 a.m. officiated by Rev. Jasper Liggio. Pallbearers are Patrick Pokluda, Bonnie Vrana, Brandon Pavlica, Justin Pavlica, Kyle Kristynik, Evan Pflughaupt, Mike Bozka and Lane Janecka. Honorary pallbearers are Janice Kristynik, Macy Friedrich, Madison Pokluda, Megan Pflughaupt, Emily Kristynik, Aubrey Kristynik, Noah Kristynik, Reese Pavlica, Mackenzie Pavlica and Rebecca Pavlica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center Activity Fund or a charity of one’s choice.