Margaret Marie (Janak) Bludau, 88, of Hallettsville, passed away Oct. 21, 2015. She was born on June 13, 1927 to Guntram J. & Annie Pesek Janak Sr. in Hallettsville. She was the oldest of 9 children born in the days of no running water and electricity. Her sisters referred to her as "The Matriarch". She entered Brown School not knowing any English… Just Czech.   She learned quickly and graduated from high school in 1945.

Margaret married Leroy A. Bludau on Nov. 21, 1950 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville, and together they raised 7 children. The children remember coming home from school with the smell of fresh bread coming out of the oven with butter, sugar and cinnamon. In later years, the smell changed to that of cinnamon rolls and pigs- in-the- blanket. She was known for her great cooking, but also her gardening skills. Vegetables were plentiful, and after canning they were shared with family and friends.

Although Margaret learned English in her early years, she still kept to her roots. It was common to go over to the Grandparents house at St. Mary's and hear the sisters talking Czech. Terms such as Jak Se Mas…Pojd' sem… " Jejdanecky" (credit for spelling given to Local Lingo: My Czech Republic.com J) were among the frequent phrases.

She loved time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The little babies had a special place in her heart. When one of them got into mischief, she would be the first to take up for them and respond " It's all right."

It was common to go over to her house on a Saturday morning and hear the Polka channel playing on the radio. Even till the end she watched "Polka Time" every Saturday night.

Margaret and Leroy loved to travel in their later years. They would plan trips with their friends…. Las Vegas being a favorite stop. Annual Rockport family vacations were a must. Margaret never learned how to swim but she made her yearly appearance in that blue swimsuit and managed to never get her hair wet!

Margaret was always a hard worker. She started working at Renger Clinic after high school. After marriage and children her work was centered around her family. Whether it be sewing her children's clothing or quilts, or working in the fields alongside Leroy and the kids, she never stopped. Margaret later went to work at Stevens Convalescent Center for 11 years. During the time the children were in school, Margaret would always offer her assistance to any Sacred Heart School function. After this she started her many years of volunteer work which included LAMB and driving patients for the American Cancer Society.

Margaret was very spiritual. She became an Associate of the Incarnate Word. This held a very special place in her heart. Her faith gave her the strength she needed toward the end.

Margaret is survived by: 4 daughters, Anna Rose Arsenian of Corpus Christi, Barbara Tankersley and Sharon Bludau of Hallettsville, and Karen Groenhuyzen of Victoria; 2 sons, Howard Bludau of Victoria, and Ronald Bludau of Hallettsville; 3 sisters, Johanna Dornak of San Antonia, Beatrice Butschek and Katherine Kahanek of Hallettsville; 3 brothers, Raymond Janak and Guntram Janak Jr. of Hallettsville, and Louis Janak of Victoria, 15 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by: husband Leroy; son Douglas Bludau; parents; and 3 brothers, Thomas, Gilbert and Benedict Janak.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at7 pm. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers (grandsons): Justin Arsenian, Travis Bludau, Bradley Bludau, Dillon Bludau, Dustin Bludau, and Tyler Bigham. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School or Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.