Dennis Joseph Smirak, 52 of Hallettsville, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 23, 2008, and entered into his heavenly home. He was born December 10, 1955 in Sweet Home, Texas to the late August Smirak Sr. and Margaret Schneider Smirak of Sweet Home. Dennis married his best friend Debra Henke on May 19, 1979. Dennis was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #2433 of Hallettsville, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus of Yoakum Assembly #1128.

Dennis, husband and father, was an energetic, fun loving person. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed tending to his ranch with his family.

As a carpenter, Dennis felt privileged to work for many wonderful people. He never complained about his work. Dennis spent over 30 years working with Roger Janak. Over these years they have shared many ups and downs that have formed a great friendship. Dennis told many great stories about his work adventures that included Daniel, Leonard, and recently Marshall.

Dennis enjoyed watching his best friend, his wife, Debra, working in the garden and flower beds that he built and tilled. He and Debra spent many peaceful evenings on the swing in the backyard enjoying each others company.

Rhonda looked forward to feeding cows with her dad. This special time was spent drinking diet cokes and talking about life. Jill spent the summer baking cookies, cakes and supper for her dad. The reward was evident from the joy seen in Dennis's face when he came home to see these treats. Dennis enjoyed hog hunting, deer hunting and fishing on the Rocky Creek with Chad. Chad always managed to "rope" his dad into helping him with one of his "many projects".

His children's favorite memory was going to town with their Dad to get kolaches and a soda water. And on the way home in the old farm truck, the boys could polish off two dozen cream cheese kolaches.

His favorite dish when eating out was chicken fried steak, a baked potato and "sweet" tea. He always managed to have room for Blue Bell before bedtime.

His latest hobby was remodeling his mother's home with his siblings (and giving his sisters a hard time).

Dennis is survived by his mother; his loving wife of 29 years, Debra of Hallettsville; daughters, Rhonda and Jill; son Chad; sisters Mildred Dworsky of Spring, and Helen Netardus & husband David of Katy; and brother August Smirak Jr. & wife Terri of Hallettsville.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, August Smirak Sr.

Service: 10 am, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: 1 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Rosaries: 7 pm, Tuesday; and 9:30 am, Wednesday, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Offertory Participants (his Godchildren): Jennifer Dural, Kristen Biediger, Jacklyn Smirak, and Stephen Gaidusek. Pallbearers (his Nephes): Stephen Gaidusek, Aaron Henke, Jason Henke, Darryl Dworsky, Brian Jalufka, Ryan Henke, Wesley Smirak, and Eric Jalufka. Honorary Pallbearers: Roger Janak, Daniel Smolik, Leonard Ebner, Marshall Sevcik, and members of the Knights of Columbus. Memorials: KC Scholarship, A.C.T.S., Sacred Heart CCD programs & Building Fund, and Hallettsville High School FFA Program. Burial: Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Sweet Home, Texas.