Fred Theodore Muras passed away on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 at the age of 91.
The funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill on Wednesday, Nov. 2 with Fr. Jasper Liggio officiating. Pallbearers were the eight grandsons and honorary pallbearers were the six granddaughters.
He was born on Sept. 17, 1931, in Hostyn to Frank and Emilie (Klecka) Muras. He was the sixth of nine children. In 1953 he joined the Army at the age of 22, doing his Basic training at Fort Bliss. He was transferred to Chicago, Illinois and was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of Corporal. He received the National Defense service medal and the marksman medal. He served an additional six years in the Army Reserves.
On Oct. 20, 1956, he married Janet Krischke in High Hill. They moved to Houston where they raised their five children, yet always keeping their roots in the High Hill community and upon retirement they settled in High Hill. Fred and Felix Stavinoha successfully started their own carpentry business known as F&F Trim. After his retirement, he continued his passion for woodworking by creating unique cabinetry and furniture for his family and friends.
Fred’s lifetime passion was taking care of his family, being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In the evenings, the family enjoyed putting puzzles together, playing dominos and Tarok cards. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to play the games and spent many long evenings in their company.
As a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he served as an usher and volunteered at the annual High Hill picnic. He enjoyed donating his handmade items to the auction and selling beer tokens at the picnic.
He is survived by son, Denis Muras and wife Sheryl; four daughters, Theresa Krecmer and husband Robert, Catharine Marek and husband Bobby, Ruth McCommas and husband Keith, and Sarah Oertli and husband Karl; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian Klesel and Beatrice Sumbera; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Janet; parents Frank and Emilie Muras; one sister, Annie Beyer; three brothers, Frank Muras, Gregory Muras and Albert Muras; two infant siblings; and numerous in-laws and four nephews.