Laddie served in the U.S. Army and after receiving an honorable discharge he worked in the oil field. In 1949 he moved to Victoria and began working for Lee & Holsum Bakery. Then in 1961 he began his career with Mrs. Baird’s Bakery as a production engineer, moved up to foreman then transferred to the maintenance department. When Mrs. Baird’s purchased Ole' Food Company, Laddie took on the responsibility of plant manager until he retired in 1992.
He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, KC Council 9088 & KJT. He loved working in his garden, was a jack of all trades, loved dominoes and dancing.
Laddie is survived by the love of his life, Mildred Bohuslav Patek of 68 years; 5 wonderful children and their spouses, Sharon (Don) Andres of Victoria, Cyndy (Larry) Hensley of New Braunfels, Lynette (Larry) Rasco of New Braunfels, Donna (Mark) Jensen of Deer Park and Gary (Gay) Patek of Victoria; twelve grandchildren, Ross Andres, Robin Sanchez, Jana Proff, Jill Chavez, Eric Knippa, Matthew Rasco, Brian Rasco, Kristin Eliason, Laura Jensen, Amy Kaddatz, Jacob Patek, and Rachel Blinka; 25 Great Grandchildren; sisters, Gussie Walla of Smithville and Ann(Bill)Wagner of Victoria; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward & Johnny Patek; sisters, Agnes Schlenker and Mary Smith.
The family will receive friends at Colonial Funeral Home on Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, with Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 14 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are grandsons Eric Knippa, Ross Andres, Jacob Patek, Matthew Rasco, & great grandsons Drew Sanchez and Kyle Knippa.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Mr. Patek to Holy Family Catholic Church, 704 Mallette Dr., Victoria, Texas 77904.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
