July 28, 1948 - Aug. 2, 2026
Jerome George Chudej Jr. 78, of New Ulm, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.
He was born on July 28, 1948, in Hallettsville to Jerome Sr. and Carrie (Jurecek) Chudej. He was welcomed home by his older sister, Gladys, and was later joined by his younger brothers, Nick and Henry.
Jerome grew up in Engle, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life – hard work, faith, humility and a deep commitment to family and community. After graduating from Schulenburg High School in 1968, he moved to Houston to begin work as a mechanic at Warren’s Garage. He then joined Leo Jarnigan Pontiac Dealership a few years later and worked as shop foreman for the next 11 years. In 1982, he moved his family to New Ulm where he fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own business, New Ulm Automotive Service. After being self-employed for nine years, Jerome closed his automotive business and went on to work as a service manager for area dealerships, the fleet manager for Systems Painters & Drywall, and later as ranch foreman for H&H Ranch until retiring in January 2026.
Shortly after Jerome moved to Houston, he met the love of his life, Pam. She just happened to be his next-door neighbor! They married on July 19, 1975, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Frelsburg. After their wedding, they settled in Houston, where they welcomed their first two daughters, Crystal Ann and then Donna Gail. After leaving the big city and moving to the peaceful community of New Ulm in 1982, their family expanded with another daughter Carrie Marie and later their son David Lee.
Before moving to New Ulm permanently, Jerome spent many weekends at the family farm. In 1976, he joined the New Ulm Volunteer Fire Department, beginning a remarkable 50 years of dedicated service to his community. He served many of those years as fire chief and in numerous other officer positions. Every September, friends and family knew they would find Jerome preparing the famous barbecue sauce for the New Ulm Firemen’s Feast – a tradition that has now been proudly passed down to his son, sons-in-law and grandsons.
Jerome enjoyed hunting, barbecuing, fixing vehicles, listening to KULM Radio Polka Time Show, fighting fires, raising cattle, and above all his family. He was a dedicated, hard-working father and grandfather (“Popo”) who never hesitated to give his time, share his knowledge or lend a hand. He spent countless hours helping his children raise show lambs for the Austin County Fair while also caring for cattle on multiple properties in the New Ulm area. He cherished each of his four children, their spouses, and all nine of his grandchildren. Family was the center of his life and brought him the biggest joy. No matter the distance, he rarely missed an opportunity to support them. He attended many school events, graduations, birthdays, county fairs, baseball and football games, rodeos and many other activities. He was and will always be one of our biggest fans!
Jerome is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Pam Chudej; his children, Crystal Witt and husband Russell of New Ulm, Donna Hayes and husband Sam of New Ulm, Carrie Rawls and husband Michael of League City, and David Chudej and wife Laura of New Ulm; and his grandchildren, Tyler and Easton Witt, Johanna, Samantha and Karoline Hayes, Austin and Emily Rawls, and Cody and Annie Chudej. He is also survived by his sister, Gladys Krenek and husband Ed of Schulenburg; his brothers, Nick Chudej and wife Valerie of Baytown, and Henry Chudej and wife Shelley of St. Lawrence; his brother-in-law, Roger Foerster Jr. and wife Judy of Houston; his special uncle-in-law, Henry Foerster Jr. of New Ulm; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Sr. and Carrie Chudej, and his parents-in-law, Roger Sr. and Bernice Foerster.
Visitation was held on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by rosary at 6 p.m. at Knesek Family Funeral Chapels in Bellville. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Frelsburg. The Rite of Committal and burial followed at New Ulm Cemetery. Pallbearers were Austin Rawls, Tyler Witt, Easton Witt, Cody Chudej, Blake Chudej, Brett Chudej and Russell Foerster.
Memorial donations may be made to New Ulm Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 14, New Ulm, Texas 78950 (please include “In Memory of Jerome Chudej” with the donation).