Roll Call Tribute

Leroy Joseph Mikeska

August 9, 1951 - August 12, 2022

Leroy Joseph Mikeska of Goliad died unexpectedly, August 12, 2022 at the age of 71. Leroy was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, devout Catholic, and dedicated member of his Goliad community. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him. Above all, Leroy will be remembered for his kindness and generosity of spirit.

A native Texan, Leroy was born, August 9, 1951, in Hallettsville to Alma Liebicher Mikeska and the late Leroy Marvin Mikeska. He was a graduate of the 1969 class of Hallettsville High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University in College Station, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy in 1973. Following his college graduation, Leroy married Barbara Jungbauer, June 30, 1973 in Shiner. Leroy and Barbara lived in communities of Farmers Branch, La Grange, and Ballinger before finally settling in Goliad; to raise their family. They welcomed son, Jason in 1978 and son, Bradley in 1983.

From 1973 to 1974 Leroy worked as the assistant golf course superintendent at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch. In 1974, Leroy started his career with the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service as a soil conservationist, where he worked for over 30 years. Following his retirement from the USDA he worked at the Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District. Leroy had accepted the position of manager shortly before his passing.

Throughout his life in Goliad, Leroy served the Goliad Independent School District as a bus driver. He also worked as a substitute teacher for several years. In addition to substitute teacher and bus driver, Leroy acted as the statistician for the Goliad High School football team for over 30 years.

Leroy was an avid volunteer in various community organizations in Goliad. Most notably, he devoted 42 years of service to the Goliad Volunteer Fire Department. Leroy held several positions during his time with the fire department; including firefighter, Fire Chief, and most recently, Secretary. He served his community through his fire department service with tremendous love and pride. Leroy was a former member of the Goliad Lions Club and worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the Goliad Little League Association for many years. Life-long devout Catholic, Leroy was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Community for ten years as a Eucharistic Minister.

As the proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1973 (WHOOP), Leroy was an enthusiastic supporter of Texas A&M football. Win or lose, he could be found supporting his Aggies at Kyle Field during nearly every home game. Tailgating was one of his favorite pastimes; he could usually be found manning the grill or serving food and drinks.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara; son, Jason and wife Joan; son, Bradley and wife Katie. He is survived by those who lovingly referred to him as “Papa”, his grandchildren, Jade and Nathan. Leroy leaves behind his beloved mother, Alma Mikeska; his brother, Mike and wife Sheryl; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Leroy’s family and friends will miss him dearly.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Mikeska; his brother, Roger Mikeska; brother-in-law, Edward Jungbauer; father-in-law, Edward Jungbauer; and mother-in-law, Annie Jungbauer.

Visitation will be Monday, August 15th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Grace Funeral Home in Goliad. Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by Father Ty Bazar at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 16th. Lunch will follow at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall. Burial will be at 3:00 PM at The Mikeska Family Cemetery in Hallettsville. Pallbearers will be Tim Decker, Wade Kallus, Tony Kouba, Alonzo Morales, Garrett Novosad, John Picha, Josh Stephens, and Rudy Toerck. Honorary pallbearers are all of Leroy’s numerous beloved friends.

Memorial donations can be made to the Goliad Volunteer Fire Department or the Goliad High School Booster Clubs. Thoughts and memories can be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net