Daniel ‘Zeke’ Vacek

Daniel “Zeke” Vacek, 74, of Schulenburg, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

On Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, the visitation was held starting at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home. The Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department memorial service was held followed by the parish rosary led by Kenneth Berger. A funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Church at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Alexander Aboagye officiating on Saturday Jan. 13. Charolette Cuccia, niece, and family friends Sheila Brossmann, Cassie Redding and April Brossmann were readers for the Mass. Slade, Mason and Kallie Vacek, grandchildren, brought up the offertory gifts with Roxann Redding being the Eucharistic Minister. Jake and Paden Mulholland played two special songs for the family. Peggy Kalich, organist, along with singer Denise Trojacek provided the beautiful music during Mass. Joey Cuccia, nephew, read the eulogy on behalf of the family.

The Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department led Zeke to his resting place at the church cemetery; following was his son Lance on horseback leading the horse that Zeke helped raise for Lance. Pallbearers were grandson Taiton Hudec; nephews Michael Stavinoha, Sean Vacek and Allen Konvicka; and family friends Scott Brossmann and Ryder Ervin. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren Slade, Mason and Kallie Vacek, Alyssa Otto, great-nephew John Michael Stavinoha, and the Coastal Ag Family.

Zeke was born in Schulenburg on June 27, 1949, the son of Adolph and Mary (Blaschke) Vacek. He graduated from Bishop Forest High School in 1967. He attended Wharton Junior College and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville studying animal science. He married Linda Konvicka on Sept. 15, 1973 at St. Rose of Lima Church and they made their home in Schulenburg ever since. This past year, Zeke and Linda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family.

Zeke’s jobs and hobbies all were related to the agricultural field. He worked at Old River Ranch in Clay in his early years, followed by Farmers Co-op and ESCO in Schulenburg. For the past 27 years, he worked at Coastal Ag Supply in Seguin as a salesman. All his customers and Coastal Ag Family were glad to see his smiling face come through the door and they knew they would have a good laugh or joke played upon them before he left. Zeke enjoyed spending much of his time on the farm taking care of the cattle, piddling in the barn, and planting/caring for his garden. Zeke spent all his years supporting and spending time with his kids and then with his grandchildren. He was proud of his tomato crop which he shared with many but he was most proud of his kids and especially his grandkids. Zeke’s kind, caring and humorous personality made a lasting impression on his co-workers, customers, friends and family that will be missed.

Zeke, being devoted to the promotion of agriculture, he was in numerous organizations that gave back to the community and the youth. He was a member of the Schulenburg Young Farmers, Friends of the FFA, Fayette County Go-Texan and a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo along with being a retired member of the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Church and also volunteered his time being an auctioneer at many local church picnics.

Zeke will be forever remembered and missed by his wife, Linda; daughter, Vicki Hudec; his son, Lance and daughter-in-law Wendy Vacek; grandchildren, Taiton Hudec and Alyssa Otto, and Slade, Mason and Kallie Vacek; sisters, Loraine Stavinoha, and Jane Hale and husband E.J.; sisters-in law, Doris Brisco, Barbara Konvicka and JoAnn Konvicka; and brother-in-law, Thomas Konvicka and wife Rhonda. He will be missed also by numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be greeted in heaven by his Mom and Dad, Mary and Adolph Vacek; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Josie and George Konvicka; sonin- law, Keith Hudec; and brothers-in-law, Joe Stavinoha, Allen Konvicka and Darius Brisco.

Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.