Jerry Kucera

Jerry E. Kucera Sr., age 80, of West, passed away late Thursday afternoon, January 17, 2019 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Jerry was born March 5, 1938 in Abbott the son of the late Emil and Josephine (Grellhesl) Kucera. He was a 1955 graduate of Abbott High School and attended Baylor University. On April 11, 1959 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Kotrla in West. He and Dorothy spent their 59 years of married life as faithful parishioners of St. Marys where he served as an usher. Jerry spent many years of his life working for HEB food stores in Waco before retiring after 36 years of service. He was a general merchandise manager, often known for his great care and attention to his department as he had his areas in tip top shape. As he neared his HEB retirement he entered the insurance industry when he started Kucera Insurance in 1988 selling property, casualty, life and auto insurance. In 2017, Jerry retired from selling insurance for RVOS and SPJST after almost 30 years of service. While working with SPJST he served as the District 3 Regional Sales Representative. He also enjoyed many years of volunteering with the St. Marys Quarterback Club where he served as President, St. Mary's PTC, Boy Scout Troop #539 ScoutMaster, and treasurer of the West League Booster Club, where he also coached. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2305, SPJST Lodge #6, RVOS Lodge #78, and KJT Society #31. Jerry loved reading, listening to Czech music, dancing, and playing 42 and taroky. He was a great story-teller and loved visiting with others. Above all, he enjoyed family time. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy, and he loved visiting with them and attending their many extra-curricular activities throughout the years. Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Kucera, of West; children, Jerry Kucera, Jr. of West, Monica Ferguson and husband, Dan of Waco, Paul Kucera and wife Loretta of West, Steven Kucera and wife Stephanie of West, and Angela Thompson and husband Tony of North Richland Hills; grandchildren, Holly Liles and husband Clayton, Matt Ferguson, Kaylea Kucera and partner Josh, Kami Kucera, Jackson Kucera, Nick Kucera, Trey Thompson, Amy Kucera, Ashley Kucera, ZaRya Kucera, Aleyha Kucera, Jamie Heffner and husband Chase, Justin Cvikel and fiance Hailey, Brandi Cvikel and partner Ryan, Allan Cvikel, and Tina Thompson and partner Evan; great-grandchildren, Lauren, John-Luke, Dainton, Aaron, Samantha, Tyler, and Alona; and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Smith and the medical staff at Providence for their loving care for Jerry. Active pallbearers are Tommy Webre, Edward "Zork" Zahirnak, Brent Heath, Adam Heath, Brian Vanicek, Joe Liles, and Rufus Lamere. Honorary pallbearers are members and staff of SPJST Lodge #6 and the RVOS home office. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Association Pavilion Account. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Jerry in our memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West is in charge of arrangements.