Frank J. Viktorin

Frank J. Viktorin, 78, of Austin passed away peacefully on August 12, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dolores, of Austin; his son Mark and wife, Lee Ann, of Houston, his son Gary and wife, Debbie, of Austin; his daughter Debbie and husband, Steve, of Kyle; his son Bobby and wife, Carol, of Katy; and his son Brian and wife Megan, of Austin. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jeffrey, Kimberly, Jennifer, Marcella, Kirby, Erin, Emily and Caroline, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Sr., his mother, Marcella, his brother, Jerry, and his sister, Agnes, and is survived by his sister, Dorothy, of Jarrell, Texas. Frank was born November 6, 1928 in Jarrell, Texas. After attending elementary and high school there, and later the University of Texas, he joined the Air Force in 1950 and served until 1954. From 1954 to 1966, he worked in the oil supply business throughout the southern part of the United States. In 1966, Frank took over his father’s house moving business. Over the next 26 years, he operated, developed and grew the business into the most successful and reliable of its kind in Central Texas. In a unique profession with limited industry guidance, Frank was an innovator who rarely met an issue or problem that could not be solved when it came to transporting any kind of building or structure, regardless of its size. By its nature, his business was physically demanding and took its toll on Frank over the years, resulting in numerous medical hardships and issues. But he tirelessly endured these and continued to grow the business over a period of four decades. In 1992, Frank retired to spend time with the love of his life, Dolores, and his beloved children and grandchildren. Frank was fond of Dr. Pepper, slot machines (especially the ones that paid off), and an occasional Jack Daniels and Coke. And he never met a cigar he didn’t like, whether he actually smoked it or simply chewed on it for hours. But Frank’s true passion was his undying love and adoration for his wife, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and remainder of his family. He spent his entire life devoted to providing for their well-being and happiness. Having done that, and much, much more, Frank is now peacefully resting in Heaven. He was a loving and compassionate man who will be dearly missed by all of us who were enriched by his presence in our lives. His departure has left us deeply saddened and with very heavy hearts. But we are also full of happiness and warmth for having such a loving, generous and compassionate man in our lives for so many years. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Hill, MD, for his compassion and expertise over the past several years, and Brenda Manor for her devoted and faithful care of Frank. Additionally, we would like to thank Regency Village Care Center, especially Richard Brown, and the staff at Texas Home Health Hospice. All of them were instrumental in maintaining Frank’s quality of life as his disease became more debilitating. Finally, thank you, Gary, for your countless trips across the street to make sure dad (and mom) were doing okay. Memorial donations in Frank’s honor may be made to Texas Home Health Hospice and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Austin. Wake service will be held from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church by Monsignor Fred Bomar. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Havran, Richard Viktorin, Mike Klepac, Andrew Klepac, Richard Callahan and Leslie Callahan.