Adolf E. Motal

Adolf E. Motal, 88, of Victoria, passed away on May 16, 2016. He was born May 27, 1927 on a farm in Breslau, Texas to the late Adolph A. and Konstantina Kocian Motal. He later grew up with 5 brothers and a sister on a farm in Moulton. Adolf graduated Salutatorian from Komensky High School in Komensky, Texas. As a young man in 1946, Adolf proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater on board the USAT E.T. Collins as a pharmacist mate. He retired as a bookkeeper from Texas Iron Works after 45 years of dedicated and loyal service. He often worked multiple jobs to provide for his wife and family. Adolf was married for 54 years to Valeria Pesna Motal until she passed away in 2003; they sacrificed to send all five of their children to Catholic schools. He always valued education and taught as a teacher when he was only 17 years old.

Adolf valued his Czech heritage and this led him to be an advocate for the Czech language and culture. Since 1952 he was very involved in the Czech fraternal organization of SPJST (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas). He sold the SPJST Life Insurance for many years, which earned him numerous Sales Awards, including District 6 “Sales Champion.” As a founding charter member of SPJST Lodge #32 in Victoria, Adolf held several board positions including president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

While attending the University of Houston as a student he taught Czech and Russian language classes. After retirement he continued teaching the Czech language to children and adults who were interested to learn the language in Hallettsville and Victoria. It was a joy for him to assist anyone who needed to translate manuscripts into English. In 1973, Adolf continued his passion for "all things Czech” by organizing and co-founding along with Vlasta Svoboda, the “Czech Singers of Victoria”. He spearheaded the group to record three LP albums and cassette tapes. The group traveled and sang at Czech festivals all over Texas for years. This was a true joy to him and he was happy to have his family involved with him. Adolf also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.

As a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Adolf for many years attended the earliest Sunday Mass with his family. He enjoyed serving his parish by volunteering to work at the Parish Fall Festivals. He was a 3rd Degree and Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1329 with 50 years of service and a Life Member of VFW Post 4146. Adolf spent the last 9 ½ years at Cuero Nursing and Rehab in Cuero, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 54 years, Valeria Pesna Motal; son, Adolf John Motal; and brothers, Theodore, Benjamin, George, and Jaroslav “Jerry” Motal.

Survivors include his daughters, Catherine Bettge (Richard) of Meyersville, Rebecca Richardson (Johnny) of Victoria, Gayle Hill (Steven) of Houston and Mary Elizabeth Byers (Kevin) of Sharpsburg, GA; brother, I. John Motal; sister, Lydia Claybrook; grandchildren, Jason Motal (Caryn), Eric Motal (Natalie), Lisa Bettge Kincart (Barry), Angie Bettge Arnold (Todd), Chris Bartsch (Carrie), Kendra Richardson Baldera (Joe, deceased), John Thomas Richardson, Bryan Richardson (Krystyn), Sarah Hill, Emily Hill, Michael Hill, Ashley Byers, Lauren Byers, Mathew Byers and Christopher Byers; great grandchildren, Morgan and Amelia Motal, Lincoln and Justine Kincart, Jack and Anna Arnold, Carissa and Carlie Bartsch, Joseph and Jacquelyn Baldera and Jackson, Parker and Brinkley Richardson; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

The family will hold a visitation from 9 to 9:30 am on Friday, May 20, 2016 at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral followed by a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 am and the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am with Rev. Kristopher Fuchs officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 pm in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Praha, TX with Full Military Honors. Pallbearers are Jason and Eric Motal, John Thomas and Bryan Richardson, Michael Hill and Joseph Richardson.

Memorial donations may be made to SPJST Lodge #32. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com