Leroy L. Rybak, 67, of Hallettsville, passed away Aug. 26, 2012. He was born on Oct. 5, 1944 to Victor W. & Hermina Firasek Rybak in Schulenburg. He married Joyce Veselka on May 30, 1970 at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, TX. He was a member of Texas National Guard from July 2, 1965 to January 4, 1971, American Legion of Hallettsville, KJT and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

He had a farm and enjoyed working with his cattle. He was a musician at heart and had his own band, Leroy Rybak's Swinging Orchestra, for almost 40 years. He was the band leader and drummer and sang his heritage Czech songs all over Texas at various polka festivals, picnics and dances. He grew up in Moravia, TX where he learned Czech as his first language from his parents and then he learned English in grade school. He spoke fluent Czech his whole life.

His first job was with the Moulton Eagle and Hallettsville Tribune. While he worked there he could read Czech backwards as he was setting the words in for the print. He then went to Better Beverages for over 20 years, where he worked as a route man, sales man and then manager with the Dr. Pepper Company. He made a lot of friends through the Texas towns and everybody knew him. Leroy then briefly worked at the Shiner Brewery and he finished up working for the Lavaca County where he retired in 2009.

Leroy's wife Joyce stood by his side since they met and was his biggest supporter. They shared many great years together and in the recent years they even got to go to Europe, including Czech Republic, twice to see where their ancestors came from. His pride and joy was his only son Chris, who is following in his footsteps in music. Chris is married to his wife Edita who is originally from Slovakia, and they have an 18 month old daughter Kristina Nicole Rybak, who was grandpa's little " ž abka" (little froggie). Kristina is already now following the path of music like both her father and grandfather.

Leroy is survived by: his wife Joyce; son Chris Rybak & wife Edita of Hallettsville; 3 sisters, Eunice Sparks of Moravia, Betty Jean Kloesel & husband Dennis of Houston, and Cyndi Martin & husband Keith of Houston; and grandchild Kristina Nicole Rybak.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church of Moravia. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Dennis Kloesel, Marvin Zatopek, Ronnie Sparks, Skip Smith, Marvin Kremling, Bernard Tupa, David Vasut and Ben Box. Honorary Pallbearers: Harry Macik, Shirley Trojcak, George Simper, Paul Janak Sr., Paul Darilek and Ed Kopecky. Burial: Ascension of our Lord Catholic Cemetery in Moravia. Memorials: Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church or Donor's Choice.