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Estella Pena

Estella Jane Pena, 73 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, with her family by her side.

She was born June 28,    1940 in Pena Ganado to the late Pedro and Carlota Aguilar Tristan. Estella attended Ganado High School and graduated in 1958. She was also a graduate of Durham Business College in Victoria.

She married Marias Pena, Jr. on Aug. 27, 1960. Estella and Mat are the owners of Estella's Mexican Restaurant lo-
cated in Ganado.

Estella is survived by her husband of 52 years Marias Pena, Jr.; two daughters, Molisa (husband Misail )
Cortez and Monica (husband Jessie) Arriaga, both of Ganado. She is also survived by her brother Albert (wife
Gaynell) Tristan of Victoria. She really adored her four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren and her four great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of Ganado.

Visitation was Thursday May 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m., at the Ganado Funeral Home.

Services were Friday May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Assumption Catholic Church, with Rev.
Michael Lyons officiating. Interment followed in the Assumption Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her grand-sons, Mathew Rosalez, Anthony Perez, Joseph Perez, Jake Guillory, Phillip Weber-
nick and Joe DeCaria.

Donations can be made to Memorial Herman Heart & Vascular Institute in Houston, Texas.

Services under the direction of Ganado Funeral Home, 800 So. Third St., Ganado, Texas 361-771-2120.

Ganado Funeral Home
 


Matias "Mat" Pena, Jr.

July 30, 1938 – May 31, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Matias Pena Jr. who was called home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2026 at the age of 87 years old. Born July 30, 1938 in Boling, Texas to the late Matias Sr. and Ofelia Pena. Matias was a devoted husband to the love of his life Estella Tristan of 65 years of marriage.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend whose greatest joy in life was his family. He never missed an oppurtunity to support, encourage, and celebrate the people he loved. Whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering for the sidelines, or sharing stories and laughter, he made every moment meaningful.

Matias dedicated many years of hard work to Union Carbide, where he built a respected career before retiring. Following retirement, he and his beloved late wife Estella embarked on a new journey together as owners of Estellas Mexican Restaurant, proudly serving the community for 23 years. Through their restaurant, they shared not only great food but also friendship, hospitality, and a welcoming place where countless memories were made.

A passionate sports fan, Matias found great happiness in watching the Astros and our Ganado Indians. His enthusiasm, friendly spirit, and unwavering support brought people together and created lasting memories.

He was deeply involved in his community and valued the relationships he built throughout his life. Among those friendships were his dear friends, Larry and Janet Bures and Ed Kacer, whose companionship, laughter, and support meant so much to him over the years.

Above all Matias was a man of strong Catholic faith and a long time member of the Knights of Columbus. His relationship with God guided the way he lived his life- with compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. He faithfully attended Mass, and prayed for those he loved, and served as an example of Christian values for his family and community.

Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nutured, the community he served, and the faith he shared. We find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the loving embrace of our Lord.

Matias is survived by his daughter Monica Arriaga (Jesse), grandchildren, Mathew (Rebecca) Anthony (Heather), Joseph (Jessica) Miranda (Michael). Christopher (Shelby), Halie, & Jessie Jr. Great-grandchildren, Makayla, Eli, Jordan Austen Annleigh Perez, Gage Rosalez, Lucas Crump, Ayden & Aubrey Alvarez, and Hayden Arriaga. Siblings: Rick Pena (Sharon), Edward (Kathy) Miguel Pena (Ida) Dora Garza (Al), Cristella Martin, Debbie Hayes. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Estella Pena, daughter Molisa Cortes, parents Ofelia and Matias Pena Sr. spouse. His family was their greatest joy, and the memories shared with them will be cherished always.

"Well done, good and faithful servant" - Matthew 25:23

A visitation will be held on Wednesday June 3, 2026, at 9:00 am at Assumption Catholic Church in Ganado with a rosary being recited at 9:30 am.  The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am with Father Greg Korenek officiating.  Interment to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Daven Mendoza, Eddie Pena Jr., Michael Pena, Dennis Mendoza, Alan Martin, Robert Pena

Honorary pallbearers include Austen, Eli, & Jordan Perez, Gage Rosalez, Lucas Crump, and Hayden Arriaga.

Services are entrusted to the Todish family of Ganado & Slavik Funeral Homes.

Slavik Funeral Home
 


Susie Power
Mrs. John Power

Last Monday morning, September 3, at about 10 o’clock, at her home in this city, Mrs. John Power, a pioneer and highly esteemed lady died after an illness of several years. The remains were laid to rest in the Edna Cemetery Tuesday afternoon by the side of her husband, who had preceded her to the grave by many years.

Mrs. Power is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Wilson, of San Antonio, and ten living children, namely: James Power, Edna; Mrs. Wm. Payson, Ohio; Mrs. C. B. Peters, El Paso; R. W. Power, Edna; Hallie Power and Lonnie Power, San Antonio; Frank Power, Edna; Chas. Power, Louisiana; Mrs. B. K. Traylor, El Campo, and Mrs. C. E. Traylor, Edna.—Edna Herald

Victoria Advocate, September 9, 1923
 


R. L. Powers

Edna Herald: A sad and lamented accident occurred in Edna Friday afternoon when a team of young horses hitched to a wagon and driven by Mr. R. L. Powers ran away, overturning the wagon and so badly injuring Mr. Powers that he died within a few hours.

Victoria Daily Advocate, March 31, 1917
 


George Prihoda

February 21, 1939 - July 25, 2026

George Prihoda of Ganado passed away on July 25, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born at home in Columbus, Texas on February 21, 1939, to Ernest Prihoda and Bessie Zbranek Prihoda Janak.  During his childhood, he was a member of the Catholic Church where he was baptized. He attended school in Columbus, Texas and graduated from Columbus High School. He married his first wife, Becky and had two daughters, Sharon Webb and Aricia Long. George married Peggy Cadwell Dodds on March 7, 1983.  George worked as a backhoe operator and a mechanic. He enjoyed helping neighbors by fixing their cars, lawn mowers and various other equipment. He enjoyed watching car racing, fishing and hunting. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Theodore Janak, sister Dorothy Roberts, and brother who was killed in the Vietnam War, Joe Janak.

George is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughters Sharon and Aricia, stepson Grant Dodds, grandsons Mason and Colton, granddaughter Stephanie, sisters Viola Meyer and Laverne Phelan, brothers Ernest Prihoda, Norris Janak and wife Dinah, Larry Janak and wife Betty. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ganado Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Friday, July 31, 10:00 a.m. at the Ganado Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Harbor Hospice 5606 N. Navarro Street Suite 209 Victoria, TX 77904

Services are entrusted to the Todish Family of Ganado & Slavik Funeral Homes.

Ganado & Slavik Funeral Homes
 


Alfred Pratka

HALLETTSVILLE -- Alfred Lap Pratka, 81, of Hallettsville, died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday in a Hallettsville hospital following a long illness.

A resident of Hallettsville for four years, he was formerly of Vanderbilt. He was born March 1, 1909, in Taiton to the late August and Louise Sekera Pratka. He was a disabled veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II, and he served in the New Guinea, South Philippines and Luzon campaigns. His decorations and citations included the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with three bronze service stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze service star, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and three overseas service bars. He was wounded in action March 11, 1945, in the Western Pacific Theater.

He was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church of Vanderbilt, the Holy Name Society and the St. Isidor Society.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Vanderbilt with the Rev. Eugene Janson officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in La Salle under the direction of the Slavik Funeral Home of Edna.

Surviving are five sisters, Lena Gregurek, Olga Juroske and Agnes Tomas, all of Vanderbilt, Minnie Sablatura of Corpus Christi and Helen Bowden of Kingsville; three brothers, Fred Pratka of Ganado, William Pratka of El Campo and John Pratka of Edna.

In lieu of usual remembrances friends who so desire may make contributions to St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

Victoria Advocate, March 6, 1990
 


Mrs. Louise Pratka

EDNA--Mrs. Louise Pratka, 96, of Vanderbilt died Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at her home.

Born April 10, 1877, in Czechoslovakia, she had lived in Jackson County since 1916. Her husband August Pratka preceded her in death in 1949.

Mrs. Pratka was a member of the St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Vanderbilt, and a member of the Altar Society and the KJZT Lodge.

A rosary was recited Friday evening at St. Theresa Catholic Church in LaSalle.

The body will lie in state at the St. Theresa church from Friday evening through services Saturday which will start at 2 p.m.

Burial will be in LaSalle Catholic Cemetery.

The Rev. Wallace Stiles, pastor of Catholic churches in LaSalle and Vanderbilt, will officiate at the services, and Slavik Funeral Home of Edna will be in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Martin Pratka, Jerry Gregurek, Edmond Juroske, Willie Pratka, Marcus Thomas and Allen Pratka.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Pratka, John Pratka Jr., Daniel Pratka, Ludwig Sabalatura Jr., and Gary Bowden.

Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Lena Gregurek, Mrs. Olga Juroske, Mrs. Agnes Thomas, all of Vanderbilt, Mrs. Helen Bowden of Kingsville and Mrs. Minnie Pratka of Corpus Christi; five sons, Joe and Fred Pratka of Ganado, Alfred Pratka of Vanderbilt, Bill Pratka of El Campo, and John Pratka of Edna; 51 grandchildren, over 85 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, February 23, 1974
 

 

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