Walter J. Kubala

Walter J. Kubala, age 77, of Eureka, California, formerly of West, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at his residence. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August, 17, 2006 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Walter was born November 25, 1928 in Ennis, the son of Dr. Joseph and Agnes (Nemecek) Kubala. He grew up in West, and shortly after graduating from West High School, he joined the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict with the "Thunderbirds" Headquarter Company, 2nd Battalion, and 179th Infantry Regiment Combat Team. Walter was a Sergeant in the "Thunderbirds", along with Dan Blocker who starred as "Hoss" on the TV Show "Bonanza", and Buddy Ryan, who coached the NFL's Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. After the war, Walter enrolled at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science in 1956. He worked for Nemecek Brothers Meat Market for a short time before heading to Whittier, California and taking a position with Rath Packing Company. He became both, a State and Federal Government Meat Inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture and moved to Eureka in 1961 and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Walter loved socializing and attending sporting events. He enjoyed all of the local youth sports plus college sports and, of course, he was a big fan of the San Francisco Giants 49ers, especially during their Superbowl years, the Texas Longhorns, the San Francisco Giants, and the Yankees. He was a great friend, husband, father, and grandpa. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. Everyone who had made his acquaintance over the years have many memories of Walter. Each memory is filled with laughter and good times. Walter was definitely "one of a kind". His parents; and one sister, Rose Mary who passed away at the age of 5 from polio; all preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 40 years, Tonie, whom he married in May of 1965; three daughters, Patty Kubala of Eureka; Michelle Fitch and husband Tony of Bakersfield, CA; and Cindy Glavich and husband Andrew of Brentwood, CA; two sons, Mike Kubala and wife Elaine, and Joe Kubala of Eureka; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; an uncle, Raymond Nemecek of West; an aunt, Adele Nemecek of West; and numerous cousins and a multitude of friends. Memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association or to St. Mary's Parish Center.