Patrick "Pat" Stephen Molak

Patrick Stephen Molak passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Good Friday, March 29th. Pat, known to most as “Mo” or “Mo Boy,” was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 14, 1947. He truly lived his life to the fullest in his 76 years. His stories were unrivaled and the adventures he lived were those of movies. He was a legendary man whose presence will be missed.

Pat graduated from Central Catholic High School and carried his talents to the University of Texas where he spent more time with his Kappa Sig brothers than he did in the classroom. He was recently named Kappa Sig Tau Man of the year in 2023, an honor he was very proud of. While in Austin, Pat was greatly influenced by the Americana Outlaw music scene and set his sights on owning a dance hall. In 1975, he stumbled into Gruene Hall and the rest, they say, is history.

Pat purchased the much-storied dance hall and restored it to its former glory while preserving its authenticity. It quickly grew in popularity as it became known for hosting big-name musicians (Willie Nelson, Little Richard, George Strait, and Garth Brooks to name a few) and launching the careers of many soon-to-be-famous ones. Pat forged his own path in business and trusted his gut. He went on to acquire several other significant properties in Gruene and San Antonio including The Gristmill, Mozie’s, Josephine Street, and Down On Grayson. Pat was a true visionary and touched many lives through his restaurants and businesses. He never put high priority on titles or formalities, but he knew that cheesy sliders, ice cold beer and good tunes would always bring customers back.

Pat’s pride and joy was his family. Many of his best memories were spent at his favorite South Texas locales. Whether he was sipping Lodgaritas at Lake McQueeney, attending the annual “Still Rammin’” beach party in Port A or hosting a weekend at El Molino, he wanted to be surrounded by his family and his family’s friends. He was always up for a quick trip to Galatoire’s or the Moderno and strived to share his most nostalgic memories with the next generation. As long as everyone else was having fun, he was happy. He loved his children more than anything and his generosity with his family and friends was paramount.

Pat was creative and authentic and never hid his true feelings, which landed him in hot water more than a few times. He was the life of the party and had an affinity for ice cold Santa Margarita. He loved his weekly “Wolf Game” and was always excited to do a little fishing and b.s.-ing with his friends. He had his own language - “mobonics” - that became an endearing form of love to those who knew him — “Hey chully!” and “Let’s ram!” were a couple of his most notable phrases. Those he loved most knew they were really special when Mo finally dubbed them with their own unique nickname.

He married his wife of 35 years, Susie Kirk, in 1988. He is survived by Susie and his two children: Katie Molak Courtney (Cody) and Jake Molak (Pilar); his four grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “MoMo,” Bridger, Cissy and Lily Courtney, and Camila Molak. He is also survived by his nephews, Michael, Matt and Marc Molak.

After a three year battle with several ailments, Pat is truly in a better place and we know he is surrounded by so many of his buddies - Boogie, Ratso, Chicken, Sticker, Roob and many more. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Kay Molak and his brother Mike. The Molak family wishes to thank Scott Campbell, Juanita Lara, Lola Frederick, Carmen Villarreal and Jose Pena for their love and beautiful care over the past three years.

His life will be celebrated with family and friends on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Texas Historical Commission, https://www.thcfriends.org/.