Elsie E. Vrba

Elsie E. (Novak) Vrba, age 96, of West, passed away early Saturday afternoon, November 14, 2009, at Quality Care in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mrs. Vrba was born on July 8, 1913 in Penelope, the daughter of Frank and Veronica (Kolacek) Novak. She attended Griffin School in Penelope and on August 25, 1943 was united in marriage to August Vrba. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1991. Elsie worked as a housekeeper and babysitter. She was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours. She was also a member of St. Elizabeth Altar Society and K.J.Z.T. Society #45, where she served as a former president. Elsie enjoyed canning, sewing, quilting, collecting dolls and tending to her cats. She was very musically talented, playing the piano, accordion and organ. Her parents; five sisters, Mary Kessler, Annie Andrle, Frances Cepica, Christine Klanika, and Margarette Pratka; and a brother John Novak; also preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Clyde Vrba and wife Debbie of Leroy; two daughters, Dorothy Uptmor and husband Kenneth of Tours and Rose Svrcek and husband Tommy of Waco; eleven grandchildren, Kathleen Uptmore and husband Mike, Lisa Uptmor and fianc Randy, Erica Gerig and husband Jedd, Kristen Van Cleave and husband Charles, Brian Vrba and wife Kelly, Tracie Mayberry and husband Shane, Wendy Gaspard and husband Phil, Matt Stem, Cheryl Adams and husband Clint, Chris Svrcek, and Elizabeth Svrcek; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Brian Vrba, Matt Stem, Charlie Klanika, Dan Andrle, Alton Pratka, and Ike Pratka. Memorials may be made to St. Martin's C.C.E. or St. Martin's Cemetery Association.