Published: April 07, 2009 10:49 am      

Theodore Joseph Marek

Theodore Joseph Marek, 81, died at home in his sleep on April 6, 2009. Theodore “Ted” was born the youngest of five children on December 28, 1927 to Frank and Rosie Skrivanek Marek. He was born and reared on a farm in Burleson County near the city of Caldwell. He was baptized in the Moravian Brethren Church as a baby and remained a loyal member of the Austin Brethren Church until his death. His faith was very important to him. He demonstrated his faith and devotion by participating in many church leadership roles and remaining active in his church work even as his health deteriorated.

Ted was a third generation Czech-Texan whose family immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia in the 1860’s. They arrived in Galveston by ship and settled near other Czech families in the rich farm land near the Brazos River in Burleson County. He was raised speaking Czech and learned English as a first grader at Red Hollow School. He was very proud of his Czech heritage. He enjoyed being a member of the Austin Czech Historical Society. He also belonged to SPJST Lodge 155 in Austin where he was president until 2008.

Ted was born into a hard-working prudent family and continued that tradition. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1945 and went on to the University of Texas at Austin. Ted became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1966. He worked in manufacturing in the private sector as an accountant, comptroller, and partner from 1950 until 1963. In 1963 Ted went to work for the State Auditor of Texas as an auditor. On May 1,1966 Ted joined Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) as Director of Accounting (Chief Auditor) and became Comptroller in 1977. In 1981 he became Vice-President of Finance and Management where he served until his retirement on Jan. 31, 1993. During his tenure at SWTSU enrollment increased from less than 5,000 to over 22,000 students. During his eleven years as Vice-President of Finance and Management more than $150,000,000.00 in buildings and improvements took place. He believed in the importance of education and was proud to serve almost 30 years of his career with this fine institution of higher education.

Ted married Neldina Holubec on May 29, 1948 enjoying 60 years of marriage. This union was blessed with a son, daughter, and two grandchildren. Ted and Nel were married in Austin and lived there for 18 years until moving to San Marcos in 1966 where he lived until his death. Ted loved to travel and kept a world map marking all the places he had visited. His last big trip was a cruise to the South Pacific in October which he thoroughly enjoyed staying up until 2 in the morning because he didn’t want to miss out on any of the entertainment or activities. While the rest of the family was resting, he could be found zooming around on his motorized scooter meeting new people and talking. He loved to meet new people and talk politics. He got to do a lot of that on the cruise and he was happy!

Besides traveling, he spent much of his time tending his beautiful orchids and other exotic plants. He found such joy in gardening and showing off his plants. Another life-long hobby of his was photography. His life with his wife, children, and grandchildren was well-document through pictures and videos.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rosie Marek; siblings, Annie Kubelka, Rose Skrabanek, Lil Skrivanek, and Frank P. Marek. He is survived by his wife, Neldina; daughter Janette Hall and husband John of Mountain City; son Larry Marek and wife Becky of San Antonio; granddaughter Jennifer Hall Kruppa and husband Elliott of Philadelphia, Pa., and grandson Johnny Hall of Mountain City.

Ted was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed greatly but we take solace knowing that he is in heaven with his Lord and Savior and happy to be reunited with his loved ones.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Pennington Funeral Home at 353 N. Comanche in San Marcos. The prayer service will be at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Pennington Funeral Home in San Marcos at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. Entombment will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Mausoleum in Pflugerville at 3:30.

Pallbearers are Bill Nance, Michael Abbott, Lamar Urbanovsky, Barney Beran, John Faseler, Jack Miller, and nephews John David Skrivanek, John Skrabanek, Mark Skrabanek, Malcolm Holubec, Don LaFaitte, Gary LaFaitte and Curtis LaFaitte.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Austin Brethren Church, PO Box 181252, Austin, Tx. 78718.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, 353-4311.