Louis P. Mikulenka, 87, of Hallettsville, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 25, 2010 at 4:03 pm. He was born on Dec. 2, 1923 to Louis F. & Agnes Sykora Mikulenka in Hallettsville, where he was raised and attended school.

On March 22, 1943, Louis joined the army and fought in the European Theater, returning a decorated veteran. He received The Bronze Star; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 bronze service stars for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe Campaigns; the Combat Infantry Badge; the Good Conduct Medal; and the Army's Unit Citation Ribbon.

When he returned home to Hallettsville, he met the love of his life, Thelma Henneke. They married on May 20, 1946. He worked in the cotton buying business for several years. In 1953, he took over the Mikulenka Insurance Agency. For the rest of his working life, Thelma and Louis operated the business.

Louis was well known in the community. He spent time in volunteer work with the Lions Club, Boy Scouts Troop 222, VFW, March of Dimes, Sacred Heart School, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus (a 60 year member). In his early days he drove the bus for athletic games, and Bar-B-Q'd for many organizations, he was well known for his cooking. Louis loved to hunt, fish, and if there was a football game on TV, he was watching it. He kept abreast of current issues, political issues, gave to the hungry and missionaries. He knew no stranger, loved to shoot the breeze and tell a tall tale.

Louis loved his wife dearly and would do for her if it was possible. He had a heart as big as Texas, loved to give and receive hugs. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be etched deeply in our hearts forever. We love you Louis (Dad) Mikulenka.

Louis is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Thelma; daughter Shanta Foster & husband Ernest of Sheridan; sons, Dennis Mikulenka & wife Susan of Houston, Myron Mikulenka of Kingsburg, and Craig Mikulenka & wife Linda of Devine; grandchildren, Andrew, Katheryn, Myron Jr. & wife Tally, Denise, Sierra, Diane and Joshua Mikulenka; Michael Henry & wife Brandy, Amber Cashio & husband Michael, Gena and Ben Krieger, Daron Coull, Eric Foster and Lonnie Foster & wife Amy; great grandchildren, Cody, Hattie, Haley, Hanna, Brianna and Beau Mikulenka; Abel Bunn; Layla, Cadence, Joshua and Zachary Cashio; Gavin Weatherford; Nicolas and Summer Foster; Brailyn and Jase Gaitan; sister Margaret Mokry; and brothers, Eldertt and Marion Mikulenka.

Louis was preceded in death by; his parents, daughter Sheryl Ann Mikulenka, brother Francis Mikulenka and grandson Stephen Mikulenka.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 11 am, Wednesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Memorials: The American Diabetes Association.