Albert Henry Pivonka

Albert H. (Al) Pivonka, 90, went home to be with his Lord on April 19, 2019. He was born at home on April 20, 1929 in the High Prairie Community of Burleson County, TX; was baptized on April 20, 1929, and Confirmed on October 30, 1945 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat, TX. Was preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Mary Schroeder Pivonka, as well as one brother, Martin J. Jr. of Houston, six sisters and six brothers-in-law; Albina & Bob Davidson of Portland, Oregon; Mary & Edwin Stanek of Shiner, TX; Lydia & Joe Kostelnik of Hallettsville, TX; Josephine & James Vaughn of Houston, TX; Hattie Laffere of Deanville, TX; Bernadine Dworsky Gerland & Roy Dworsky and CW Gerland all of Deanville, TX; one niece, Patricia Kostelnik Steffek of Hallettsville; nephew, Henry Kostelnik of Hallettsville and nephew, Jimmy Lee Laffere of Deanville, TX.

He was a devoted husband of LaVerne Eberhardt Pivonka for 65 years. Was the beloved father of two daughters: Loretta Marie and husband Rob Supercinski of College Station; Diane L. and husband Jerry Vest of Spring Branch. He was the loved and cherished grandfather of Heather Lynn & David Muecke of San Antonio, TX; Danielle Marie & Justin Kalisek of College Station, TX; and Christopher Wayne Vest of San Antonio, TX. Three great grandchildren; Charles Vest of San Antonio; Jase & Reid Kalisek of College Station. Two step great grandchildren; William & Samantha Muecke of San Antonio, TX.

He is survived by a brother, Bernard A. Pivonka of Deanville, TX; as well as one sister-in-law, Catherine Pivonka of Houston and one brother-in-law, Jimmy Laffere of Deanville, TX; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Al was a country boy, plowing with a pair of mules until he was 21 years old, as he so often told his story. Walked on dirt roads and through pastures, rain or shine, to a little two room country school house, called High Prairie through the 7th grade, which was as far as one could go there. Without a family car or there being no school bus near enough to ride, this was all of the education he could obtain. He then worked on the family farm to help provide for the family, and hired out to other farmers in the area, even cut enough cord-wood with an ax for a cotton gin near by to gin all the cotton bales in the area; even hunted & killed small wild animals in the area to skin and sell the hides to Sears Roebuck/Montgomery Wards for a few cents per hide to help out the large family; until at age 21 he left home hoping for a better life in Houston. After working in the drywall business for a few short months, he was drafted into the US Army, serving in Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict, in which he served two years (1951-1953). Was in Field Artillery, 24th Division; was granted the Army of Occupation Medal in Japan, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and UNSVC Medal; received an Honorable Discharge on March 6, 1953.

After returning from the Service, he again went to work in the drywall business in Houston. It was there he met his wife to be, LaVerne, while dancing at Bill Mraz Hall on 34th Street, eventually marrying her on April 19, 1954. He later took some classes at the University of Houston, obtaining his GED. On May 21, 1956 he entered the Houston Police Department Academy, where he received his training to become a Houston Police Officer of Class #14, serving near 25 years, until his retirement 1981. He was a member of the VFW Police Post #6010, Houston Police Retired Officers Association (HPROA); and an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church since 1965. While at HCLC, he served on Council, as an Usher, Greeter and assisted with Altar Guild. He loved spending time with his family, as well as traveling whenever the opportunity arose. When the children were young, we traveled through many states showing them the sights, especially enjoyed traveling through the states in early summer where there was still snow on the ground to play in; believe that this was one of his favorite things to do with them. When all of the traveling was said and done, he had seen all but possibly five states in the US, plus several foreign countries; more than any old cotton picker ever thought possible he would always say.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are; Sons-in-Law, Grand Children & Houston Police Officers and members of the HPROA.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be made to the 100 Club of Houston, HPROA Assistance Committee, P.O. Box 130787, Houston, TX 77219, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or Charity of Choice.