Laddie Michalec

Published in the Express-News on 1/5/2009

Mr. Laddie A. Michalec, 86, was lifted up to our Lord, Jesus Christ, Saturday evening, January 3, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at his home in China Grove.

Laddie, a proud Czech, born on May 29, 1922 in Moulton, Texas was one of seven children to Steve and Christina Michalec. He grew up in Shiner, Texas, attending school, working the family farm, and learning to play ball.

Laddie joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and served four years, returning home to play semi-pro baseball as a pitcher from 1948 to 1954. Laddie and his wife settled in San Antonio to raise their family and after 37 years of civil service work at Kelly Air Force Base, he retired.

Laddie enjoyed helping people as an active member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church and American Legion Post 539, St. Hedwig, Texas. He served on the Board of Directors for Fellowship Credit Union from 1978 to 2002.

He is survived by his loving wife Anita of 57 years, and five children whom he was so proud of: daughters Bernadette Real of Universal City, Texas, Vivian Prothro and her husband Ron of St. Hedwig, Texas, Barbara Tripp and her husband Bill of Houston, Texas, and sons Ronald Michalec and his wife Kimberlyn of Aransas Pass, Texas, and Michael Michalec and his wife Cheryl of St. Hedwig, Texas. Laddie affectionately known as "Papu" loved his ten grandchildren, Russell, Jamie, Ryan, Randy, Kori, Travis, Elizabeth, Bethany, Stephen, and Sarah. He also has five great grandchildren.

Services
There will be a visitation held at Dellcrest Funeral Home Tuesday January 6 at 2:00 P.M. with a rosary to be recited at St. Jerome's Catholic Church at 7:00 P.M.; mass of celebration will be held at the church Wednesday January 7 at 10:00 A.M. with burial following at St. Jerome's Catholic Cemetery.