Mary Ann Janacek, 87, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Dubina, Fayette Country, on New Year’s Day, 1929, she is the daughter of Julius Peter and his wife Amalia (Kubenka) Peter. She married John E. Janacek on Feb. 9, 1948, in Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina. As John was employed by The Malec Publishing Company, they moved to Hallettsville (Tribune Herald), Moulton (Eagle), and Yoakum (Herald-Times) as the family grew in size and John advanced to newspaper editorship. In 1970, John and Mary Ann purchased the DeWitt County View and relocated to Yorktown. Mary Ann assisted in newspaper publishing, proof reading and making copy camera ready. They purchased the The Kenedy Times and remained owners of that newspaper for six years. As a sideline, they published numerous community and family histories in addition to the “Best of The View I, II, III”. With the assistance of her daughters, Mary Ann, opened “The Treasure Chest”, a retail establishment next to the View building at 120 S. Riedel St. in Yorktown. She also enjoyed a brief career as a realtor.
One of her properties was the site of the El Shaddai Resort in Yorktown.
In addition to her husband of 68 years, she is survived by four daughters - Pam (Edwin) Culpepper of Yorktown; Rosanne (Dave) Floyd of Lago Vista, Connie (Phillip) Imes of Yorktown, and Marietta Gohlke of Cuero; four boys – Jake of Victoria, Michael (Sandy) of Yorktown, Peter (Mickey) of New York state; and Paul (Mary Ann) of Victoria. 11 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren completed the family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Josephine Koenig, and infant brother, Joseph J. Peter. A daughter, Amy Jo Boldt, died in 1998.
Family visitation and rosary will be held at Massey Funeral Home at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. Funeral Mass will be conducted on Monday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are John Michael Janacek, Evan Janacek, Joseph Janacek, Jason Wilson, K.W. Gohlke, and Andrew Crane – all grandchildren on the deceased.
Requested memorials are Mass remembrances or donors choice.
Massey Funeral Home, 361-564-2900, is in charge of arrangements.