E.J. Ed Muehlstein

E.J. "Ed" Muehlstein, age 101, of Abbott, passed away Saturday morning, March 25, 2006 in a Hillsboro nursing home. A rosary will be recited 10:00 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:15 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Msgr. Frank Miller as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Muehlstein was born March 13, 1905 in Gonzales, the son of Jacob and Katherine (Mikes) Muehlstein. He attended Spring Creek School in Avoca. He was married to Annie Hykel on November 19, 1928 in West. She preceded him in death on August 28, 1975. He was a farmer and owner of Chatt Gin for a number of years. He was also a gin maintenance supervisor for over 30 years. Ed was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, where he "helped build the church." He was a life charter member of Knights of Columbus Council #2305 in West. He was an avid domino player, and loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed listening to Czech music, and loved to dance and tend to his garden. He loved people in general, which is why he never met a stranger. He was a very good father, grandfather and great grandfather, and was loved by all of his family. He was especially very proud of all his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by two daughters, Virginia Jaska and Irene Gerik; two brothers, Jimmy Muehlstein and Frankie Muehlstein; four sisters, Annie Kutach, Ella Mazur, Agnes Hajek and Lillie Sykora; a son-in-law, Ernest Jaska; granddaughter, Eugenia Muehlstein; and a grandson-in-law, Ernie Janek. Mr. Muehlstein is survived by one son, Edward J. Muehlstein, Jr. and his wife, Virginia, of Abbott; one daughter, Patricia Zapletal and her husband, Raymond, of Ennis; 25 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; 18 great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Danny Zapletal, Andrew Zapletal, Jeffrey Muehlstein, Eddie Muehlstein, Jerry Gerik, Jr., Chris Jaska, John Betik and John Gerik. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Muehlstein, Larry Muehlstein, Hollis Muehlstein, Gary Muehlstein, Frankie Muehlstein, Jr., Patrick Muehlstein and Anton Hajek. Memorials may be made to Bridgeway Hospice or Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Abbott.