August Ludvic Kucera, of Victoria Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born in LaSalle, Texas on August 25, 1937, to the late Joe P. and Albina Kucera. He graduated from Industrial High School in 1956. While in high school he played football where he earned the name “LaSalle Flash” for his speed returning kickoffs and punts. August was also on the Varsity Tennis Team and went to State Finals in 1954. After graduating from high school, August enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He served as an MP (Military Police) as well as a Mail Delivery Carrier during his service. August had a twin brother Zefrin (Zeke) who also served in the U.S. Army as well. August married the love of his life Margaret Filla on January 11, 1957. They were married for 65 wonderful years. August was a faithful member of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral where he was an alter server as well as a Eucharist Minister for many years. He was also a Victoria County volunteer firefighter and a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as an active member of the Lion’s Club. He worked as an operator for DuPont before he started his own business known as “ALK Specialties”. He ran his own business until he retired in 2017. He had a love for golf and played weekly with a group of buddies at the Riverside Golf Course. He also enjoyed playing tennis, ping pong, horseshoes and of course 42 dominoes. One of his favorite pastimes was being “Papa August” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His eyes would light up every time the grandchildren and great grandchildren visited him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret Kucera, and his children, Donna Mitchell (Laurens), Gery Kucera (Jeannie) and Kim Hessler (Gary). He leaves behind five grandchildren: Zak Kucera, Tiffany McGregor (Kellen), Travis Hessler (Rhea Lea), Genafer Kucera (Tommy) and Tyler Hessler (Christina). He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Aiden Kucera, Tripp Hessler, and Rennon Hessler as well as a Hessler baby on the way. He is survived by extended family members: Edward Martinka, Diane Kucera, Lydia Sykora, Adolph Filla (Tula) and Rose Kouba and many nieces, nephews and friends. August is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rosalie Strelec and Lillie Martinka; brothers, Zefrin (Zeke) Kucera and Marvin Kucera; and granddaughter-in-law, Megan Kucera.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 5-7pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, with rosary being recited at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10am at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, with entombment following at Resurrection Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Travis Hessler, Tyler Hessler, Zak Kucera, Larry Kotlar, Eric Kucera and David Jurica.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of August Kucera to Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center, Our Lady of Victory Cathedral T.V. Ministry and Adopt-a-Pet. The family would like to give a special Thank You to Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center and Rosewood Funeral Home as well as all the participants who assisted with August’s funeral services.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
