George J. Hanzlicek

George J. Hanzlicek, age 74 of West, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday evening August 12, 2006 at a Waco hospital. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 16 at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in West; with Father Ed Karasek, as celebrant. Military graveside services will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, conducted by West VFW Post 4819. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Kotch Funeral Home. Mr. Hanzlicek was born November 15, 1931 in the Cottonwood community to John and Hattie (Neckar) Hanzlicek. He also lived in Penelope from 1947 until 1954 at which time he left home to serve his country in the Army. On July 13, 1953 he was united in marriage to Leona Sulak in Abbott. They have made their home in West for the past 50 years. Mr. Hanzlicek retired from General Tire and Rubber Co. after thirty years, he then worked at West Rest Haven in the maintenance department for the past nineteen years. He was a Army veteran having served from 1954 until 1956 with a tour of duty in Munich, Germany. He was a member of St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, VFW Post 4819 and SPJST Lodge #54. George loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was never happier than when he had a house full of family unless it was when he was dancing to "The Mountain Valley Waltz" with his beloved Leona, his dance partner for 57 years. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various sports, playing dominoes and fishing at Penelope. Mr. Hanzlicek was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Johnny Hanzlicek, Herman Hanzlicek and Bennie Hanzlicek and a sister Mary Johnson. Mr. Hanzlicek is survived by his loving wife, Leona, one son, George J. "Boogie" Hanzlicek Jr. and wife Carolyn of West; two daughters, Debbie Debbendener and husband Dennis of West and Janice Glatter and husband Donnie of Comanche, Texas; brothers, Edwin Hanzlicek and wife Eula Mae and Leo Hanzlicek all of Penelope; sisters Helen Cepak and husband Daniel of Bellmead, Estelle Marek of West and Hattie Kadlubar and husband Bernard of Lake Charles, LA.; brother-in-law Al Johnson of Ft. Worth; seven grandchildren, Stephen Glatter and wife Shannon and Justin Glatter, Heath and Heather Hanzlicek, Crystal, Karen and Jeff Debbendener; and two great-grandchildren Tyler Glatter and Baylee Hopper and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be (grandsons) Stephen Glatter, Justin Glatter, Jeff Debbendener and Heath Hanzlicek (nephews) Johnny Hanzlicek and Edwin Sulak. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Board of Directors of West Rest Haven and all staff and residents and members of VFW Post 4819. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center. Kotch Funeral Home of West is in charge of arrangements.