Deacon Marvin Ray Fikac

Deacon Marvin Ray Fikac passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and a recurring cancer diagnosis at the age of 86.

Deacon Marvin was born on August 20, 1938 in Shiner, TX to his parents John and Evelyn Fikac. He graduated from Shiner High School in 1955 and then attended St. John’s Seminary. On May 10, 1958, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Pesna, and they raised seven beautiful children: Terry, Brenda, Michael, Allen, Connie, Patty and Marcus.

After a brief service in the Army National Guard serving as a medic, Deacon Marvin began his 50-year career at Olshan Lumber Company. Marvin was able to provide for his large family beginning in Sales and Operations and working his way up to presiding as President of the company for over forty years. With his loyalty and dedication, he exemplified his strong work ethic to those around him. This quote by Carlos Ghosn describes him well: “Any job very well done that has been carried out by a person who is fully dedicated, is always a source of inspiration.”

Deacon Marvin received his Diaconate from St. John’s Seminary on June 8, 1975. He was blessed in touching the many lives within the parishes he served, including over 25 years at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston. Through his ministry, he assisted in the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided at weddings and funerals and was a long-time participant in Marriage Encounter. He baptized many babies, including his own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and brought Communion to the retired priests and nuns at St. Dominic’s Center, hospitals and nursing facilities over the years. His service brought him so much love and joy serving God and his people, and this year would have marked 50 years of devotion in his Diaconate.

He is survived by his six children: Terry Durrani; Brenda Reiser; Michael and his wife Becky Fikac; Connie Stryk and her husband James; Patty Yonish; Marcus and his wife Kim Fikac. He is also survived by his thirteen grandchildren: Cheryl and husband Shawn Kerr, Mary and husband Joe Ordonez, and Erin and husband Daniel Lukes; Jason and wife Carly Schneider and Richard and wife Paige Reiser; Matthew and wife Lori Fikac and Michael Fikac and girlfriend Develin; Tamara and husband Ryan Ives and Kristin and husband Thomas Miles; Lauren Yonish and Lindsey and husband John Hetmaniak; Katherine Fikac and Brandon Fikac; his twenty great-grandchildren; his sister, Annette Novosad; and his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Deacon Marvin was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mae Fikac, his son, Allen Fikac, his father, John Stanley Fikac, his mother, Evelyn Fikac, and sister, Judy Hrncir.

A special thank you to the Assisted Living at Lady’s House. Lupita and her beautiful family brought such joy and happiness to our dad. Their love and dedication of care went above and beyond showing much attention, compassion and willingness to help. You all have become like family to us and will hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you to the wonderful nurses and care team at Devotion Hospice for providing exceptional care, patience, and comfort to our father in his last journey in life. Finally, to Pastor Steven Exelbert, who came and spent countless hours with our dad and the family in many conversations about faith. Your beautiful prayers and words of wisdom will forever be in our hearts. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the Assisted Living at Lady’s House at 405 Avenue F, Conroe, TX 77301 via Zelle using the number 936-297-3219, account holder Kasandra Vazquez.

Serving as pallbearers are Matthew Fikac, Michael A. Fikac, Carter Fikac, Braylen Ives, Richard Reiser, Maddox Compton, Luke Fikac and Cameron Ives.