Frankie P. Klekar, 86, of Hallettsville, passed away Feb. 28, 2013. He was born on Jan. 23, 1927 to John P. & Mary Micek Klekar in Hallettsville. He was a veteran of WWII; member of the American Legion, VFW, KJT, St. Mary's Altar Society, and St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Frankie attended Mossy Grove School at Williamsburg and completed his schooling at Hallettsville high school. Later in life he received his GED, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He was a veteran of World War II and received The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. After returning home, Frankie married Lucille Janak on September 25, 1950. They were married for 62 years. They were blessed with five children, Stanley, Larry, Annette, Francis, and Laurie.

Frankie was a farmer and worked at the Wied Gin during the cotton season. During the off season he traveled to other communities overhauling cotton gins. After the gin was closed, he went to work for Kaspar Wire Works. He worked there for twenty-two years. During this time he was employed as a Maintenance Supervisor.

After Frankie retired, he continued farming and ranching. He liked going down the pasture checking his cattle. His best friend, Sparky, was always along at his side. One of his main joys was traveling to different auctions.

Frankie was active in Young Farmers, American Legion, and KJT. Frankie was very involved in working with the St Mary's Church. He served on the building committee for several years.

Frankie was best known to his family and friends as "Big Frank".

Frankie is survived by: his wife Lucille; 2 daughters, Annette Prochaska & husband Robert of El Campo, and Laurie Janak & husband Glenn of Hallettsville; 3 sons, Stanley Klekar & wife Mary Jo of Brenham, Larry Klekar & wife Linda of San Antonio, and Francis Klekar & wife Charlene of Hallettsville; 12 grandchildren, Justin Klekar, Robbie Klekar, Chad Klekar, Jason Prochaska, Ryan Prochaska, Garrett Prochaska, Bryan Klekar, Jeffrey Janak, Eric Klekar, Kristin Hull, Jennifer Thibodeaux, and Tamara Klekar; and 10 great grandchildren, Riley Klekar, Nicholas Klekar, Taryn Thibodeaux, Tenley Thibodeaux, Brooks Hull, Easton Hull, Kennedy Klekar, Charlotte Prochaska, Trey Peikert, and Libby Peikert.

Frankie was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers, Paul Klekar and Lt. Col. John F. Klekar; and 5 sisters, Mary Uhyrek, Annie Macmahon, Louise Lorke, Rosie Nagle, and Elenora Rainosek.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Sunday, March 3, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church near Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Saturday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosaries: 7 pm, Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church; and 1:30 pm Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Officiate: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers (grandsons): Justin Klekar, Robbie Klekar, Chad Klekar, Jason Prochaska, Ryan Prochaska, Garrett Prochaska, Bryan Klekar, Jeffrey Janak, and Eric Klekar. Honorary Pallbearers: the granddaughters and great grandchildren. Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Altar Society, Hospice of South Texas, or Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Ludmila Catholic Cemetery.