Victor James Hubal Jr.

(1923 – 2012)

Victor “Vic” Hubal, a treasure to many, passed away July 26, 2012 at the age of 89 in home hospice in the loving presence of his family. Born June 7, 1923, Vic grew up a true “East Side kid” and loved living in St. Paul for most of his life. A born story teller, his stories highlighted the pre-WWII East Side and were a delight to many including The New Yorker magazine which published one of his stories in November 1961. A man of words, Vic’s speeches and his humor were the highlight of many events large and small. Victor dedicated his life to Jesus Christ at an early age and inspired others to follow Him by quietly serving and sharing God’s goodness. Vic married the love of his life Betty (Bailey), who he met at Harding High School (1942) and was blessed with what he called his “dear family” of children: James (Joanne) Hubal, Richard Hubal, Robert Hubal, Heather (Stephen) Ruggero; grandchildren Erin (Joe) Clausen, Serah (Brian) Greenwalt, Celia Hubal, Brandon (Sarah Stewart) Hubal, Ashley, Chelsea, Tory and Grace Hubal; Ruth and Raphael Ruggero, Jason, Josh and Lisa Hubal; great-grandchildren Caitlyn Greenwalt and Collin Hubal. Vic loved and prayed daily for his family in Minnesota, Illinois and California.

He was preceded in death by parents Eloise and Victor Hubal, Sr., brother Glenn and infant son Todd. He is also survived by his sister Lucille Burke and sister-in-law Helen Hubal as well as wonderful nieces and nephews. Vic was blessed to work as an educator with several MN schools including Byron, Forest Lake, and St. Paul. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track and enjoyed many successes with his teams. He spent his summers as a house painter and especially loved working with his brother Glenn in his later years. A WW II vet, Vic served in the Navy in the Pacific as a signalman on several destroyers including the USS Colahan. He loved meeting others who had served and hearing their stories. Vic’s love of St. Paul extended thru serving as president of the CSPS Czech Hall on West 7th Street for a number of years where he promoted St. Paul’s Czech heritage. But it was the people that he met through the years and hearing their stories that interested him the most. He will be missed by many. Special thanks for the kindness shown from friends in the body of Christ, Allina Home and Hospice Care as well as all the medical professionals who have been so caring during this season. His family will continue to praise God for making him a true “Victor” and for his inspirational life. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the C.S.P.S Czech Hall, 383 Michigan Street, St. Paul, on the corner of W. 7th.