Henry Frank Sofka

Henry Frank Sofka, 83, of Gonzales, passed away Wednesday, July 12. He was born February 7, 1934 in Moulton, TX, the son of Frank J. and Amalie Molly Mensik Sofka.

He served with the U.S. Army in Korea. He ran Vic’s Place in Shiner for 12 years and later managed the Hermann Sons in Gonzales for many years and retired in 2012. He was a member of the Hermann Sons Lodge, Gonzales Elks Lodge and was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

He enjoyed playing dominoes at Boomers, playing cards especially Texas Hold Em with friends and bingo in Moulton with his daughter. His favorite pastime was time spent with his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Grandpa” to his grandchildren and “Ole Papa” to his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Zina Hartmann and husband Mike of Shiner; son Henry Frank “Bumpy” Sofka Jr. and companion Tammie of Tomball; step-daughters Sherry Lipsey of San Antonio and Annette Jereb and husband Michael of Jonesville, N.C.; step-son James Harold Holt and companion Donna of Hallettsville; sisters Martha Bishop and Mary Ann Brzozowski both of Gonzales; grandchildren Eric Hartmann, Kourtney Hartmann Nesloney and Katy Hartmann Wilkerson; step-grandchildren Shelly Collins, Mike Jereb Jr., Julie Grady, Melissa Neubauer, Jennifer Fohn, David Floyd and Derek Floyd; great-grandchildren Hayden Mertz, Cade Nesloney and Brody Wilkerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Virginia Sofka, longtime companion LaVerne Kalisek, sister Rosie Molnoskey, brothers Willie, Eddie, Alvin and Joe Sofka and step-grandson Timmy Holt. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 13 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday, July 14 at St. James Catholic Church with Reverend Paul Raaz officiating. Interment will follow at the Hermann Sons Cemetery. Pallbearers include Michael Brzozowski, Steven Malatek, Johnny Sofka, Donnie Petru, Glenn Malatek and Gene Gary. Honorary pallbearers are Oscar Ludwig and all of Henry’s nephews. Arrangements under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales.