Gilbert P. Butschek, 80, of Hallettsville, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011. He was born on April 3, 1931 to Fred & Elizabeth Henneke Butschek , on the family homestead in Hackberry, TX. He attended Hackberry School, and graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1948.

Gilbert married his sweet heart Beatrice Janak on May 21, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. They moved to Houston and Gilbert was employed at Rohm and Haas in Deer Park as a pipefitter for 36 years. After retiring, they returned to Hallettsville and resided at Vsetin for the past 20 years.

Gilbert always having a love for the outdoors, he purchased what would become his piece of heaven, outside of Hallettsville, TX. He spent most weekends there hunting, raising catfish, and tending to his cattle until he was ready to retire. He spent the last 20 years there enjoying what he loved the most, his family and being outdoors. Family gatherings here were always filled with plenty of food, drinks, and nights around the fire pit.

Gilbert was an avid deer hunter, he took great pride in his firearms and marksmanship. After a lifetime of successful rifle hunting, he took his first archery deer this year using a crossbow. To show he wasn't done, he also shot his final buck the weekend prior to his passing. His sons were able to accompany him on these final two hunts, making this extra special for him.

Gilbert also had a gift for dancing and after retiring, he and Beatrice joined the Swiss Alps Dance Club, where he never missed an opportunity to kick up his heels. He was member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Lavaca County Czech Heritage Society and life member of National Rifle Association.

When Gilbert was ready to relax, you could find him sitting on his swing with his dog Bo usually at his side. This was the place where his grandkids would often gather to fill him in on what was going on in their lives or to sit and listen to one of his many stories. His children always knew they could visit him on his swing and get the advice they needed or just spend some quiet time with him enjoying a cold drink.

Gilbert will be greatly missed and always remembered by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Gilbert is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Beatrice Janak Butschek; 3 sons, Gilbert Butschek Jr. & wife Beverly, Mark Butschek & wife Roxanne, Fred Butschek & wife Nancy; 2 daughters, Brenda Butschek DeLaRosa & husband Masimo, and Sandy Butschek Maldonado & husband John; 2 brothers, Leroy and Robert Butschek; 10 grandchildren, Joe DeLaRosa, Jonathan DeLaRosa & wife Sarah, Allison DeLaRosa Swinney & husband Ben, Kevin Novark, Ty and Jacob Maldonado, Anna and Drew Butschek, Blake and Alyssa Butschek; and great grandchild Juliet DeLaRosa

Gilbert was preceded in death by: his parents; 3 brothers, Alfred, Victor, and Frank Butschek; and 3 sisters, one at infancy, Margaret Klesel, and Pearline Butschek.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Kyle Kahanek, Buck Janak, Jim Klesel, Kevin Butschek, Kevin Janak, and Wayne Butschek. Memorials: Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.