Willie V. Bohuslav Jr., “Buddy” 93, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his home in Austin, surrounded by his wife of 70 years and his loving children and grandchildren. Willie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.
He was born on Sept. 29, 1931, in Ammannsville to Willie V. Bohuslav, Sr. and Agnes Parma Bohuslav. After high school, in 1949, Willie went into the Army and was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was discharged in 1955 and settled in Houston where he earned his bachelor of applied science degree from the University of Houston. On Feb. 20, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Josephine “Joyce” Marie Cernosek. Willie and Joyce raised their family in Houston, where he was proudly employed as director of Physical Plant at Baylor College of Medicine, working with many renowned physicians including heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. In addition to his career, a favorite place on weekends was the family farm in Ammannsville. Willie enjoyed tending to cattle, planting gardens, mowing hay, picking cotton, driving tractors and family gatherings. Terri, Stacy and cousins share many fond memories of being together for holidays, weekend raccoon hunting, fishing, riding tires and as much mischief-making as the aunts and uncles would allow.
After retirement, Willie and Joyce moved to Austin to be close to family. They loved their grandchildren deeply, participating in all aspects of their lives from weekly sleep-overs, sporting events, Veterans Day ceremonies, Eagle Scout projects, graduations and countless birthday celebrations. All remember “Buddy’s” silly stories and sharp-witted advice. Willie and Joyce also enjoyed everything polka, including traveling all over the U.S. to participate in polka festivals celebrating their Czech heritage. Their shared passion for dancing led them to form the Polka Lovers Klub of America (Po.L.K.ofA.) as well as the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum located in the Czech Village at the La Grange Fairgrounds.
Willie is survived by his wife, Joyce Bohuslav; daughters, Terri Bohuslav and husband Mark McFarland, and Stacy Wiltshire and husband Brent; grandchildren Brittany Jennings and husband Jack, Bayley Bennett and husband Nick, Bo Wiltshire, Beck Wiltshire and Jessica McFarland; greatgrandchild, Josephine “Jo” Marie Jennings of Austin; brother, Gilbert Bohuslav and wife Veronica of Lake Jackson; sister-in-law, Jane Freis of Schulenburg; many beloved nieces and nephews; and, last but not least, his faithful dog companion Louie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Agnes Bohuslav; grandson, Kevin McFarland; sister, Dolores Klesel and husband Bill; fatherin- law and mother-in-law, Adolph and Della Cernosek; sisters-in-law, Irene Bucek and husband Oscar, and Lorene Koehn and husband Wilbert; and brother-in-law, Frank Freis.
Willie will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville. A private inurnment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (PLCTM) c/o Gary Bucek, President, 1400 McKinney St. Unit 3604, Houston, TX, 77010-4068.
In true polka fashion, please join the family in celebration by wearing something red in honor of Buddy. You are invited to sign the guestbook at SchwenkeBaumgarten.com.