Joseph "Joe" Janecka '54 June 22, 2024 4:50 PM updated: June 22, 2024 5:00 PM
Joseph C. "Joe" Janecka
December 14, 1933 - December 6, 2023
Joseph C. "Joe" Janecka, age 89, of West, Texas formerly of Burleson, Texas passed away late Wednesday evening, December 6, 2023 at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Joe was born December 14, 1933 in New York, New York, the son of Joseph and Marie (Beran) Janecka. He was a 1950 graduate of Abbott High School and a 1954 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Education.
On June 14, 1958 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Alice Cepak in Abbott. Alice preceded him in death on July 13, 2018. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 before being honorably discharged at the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Burleson. Joe was also a member of the SPJST Lodge #180, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge, and formerly served as president of both the McLennan/Hill Czech Heritage Society and the Arlington Radio Club. Joe was a master of ceremonies for the Miss Czech Texas State Pageant, participated in the annual Westfest Parade of Costumes, taught the Czech language in West and Ennis, and researched genealogy of his Czech ancestry. He was an Industrial Engineer for Ling-Temco Vought in Dallas for 33 years before retiring in 1989. Joe enjoyed dancing, drinking a good pivo, being a great supporter of Texas Czech bands, listening to Czech music, camping, hiking, computer hobbyist, restoring old cars, electronics, and traveling through the states and Europe. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joe is also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Karel K. Janecka; a sister, Mildred Hanak; a son-in-law, Richard Lowe; and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Janecka.
Survivors include his children, Joey Janecka and wife Tracy of Georgetown, Carl Janecka of Burleson, and Angela Lowe of Burleson; his grandchildren, Joseph Janecka, Nicklaus Janecka, Cheryl Lowe, and Stephanie Ross and her husband Dave; twin great grandchildren, Grayson & Lily Ross; a brother, Jerry Janecka and wife Marie; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers are Nicklaus Janecka, Bennett Cepak, Adam Janecka, and Mark Janecka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to History of West Museum or McLennan/Hill Czech Heritage Society.