Agnes Marie Svehlak Cervenka

Agnes Marie Svehlak Cervenka, of Taylor, entered into rest the morning of Monday, July 20, 2020, concluding a life well-lived for 96 years.

Agnes Cervenka was born, the second of eleven children, on February 11, 1924 to August Svehlak and Annie Novak Svehlak of Granger, Texas. She was a life-long resident of the Granger area. Agnes married Emil Albert Cervenka on April 14, 1947 in Granger.  Together they raised two sons and spent many hours watching their boys’ sporting events.  They farmed the land, planting and harvesting wonderful vegetable gardens.  Relatives and friends enjoyed many great meals, parties, games and gatherings for holidays and special occasions at the farm. Homemade kolaches, cakes, cookies and other treats were always available in Agnes’ kitchen.

One of her greatest loves was quilting.  She handmade hundreds of beautiful quilts, presenting a wedding quilt to each of her grandchildren.  Agnes also gifted each with a baby quilt for their own children.  Agnes was able to share her kind heart professionally as she worked for 25 years at Will-O-Bell Nursing Home in Bartlett. She cared for her elderly patients with kindness and compassion. Her loving heart surely gave comfort to many.

Emil and Agnes moved to Taylor in 1993 where she continued her quilting hobby. She was a member of SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger and a 50-year member of the Granger KJZT Society # 28.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 56 years, Emil; brothers, August Svehlak, Louis Svehlak, and Jody Svehlak; sisters, Lillian Cervenka, Annie Vanek, and Mary Ochoa.

She is survived by her two sons: Richard E. Cervenka and wife Martha of Austin, Bennie Cervenka and wife Jody of Taylor; sisters: Dorothy Adamek, Martha Huff, Vlasta Kaderka, and Alice Kubacak; five grandchildren: Kerri Dankocsik and husband George of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Jason Cervenka and wife Terri of Houston; Chad Cervenka and wife Jennifer of League City; Lacy Funk and husband Alan of Austin; and Richard M. "Scooby" Cervenka and wife Jamie of Fort Worth; eight great grandchildren: Madalyn, Christopher, and Mia  Dankocsik; Carson and Cameron Cervenka; Desmond Funk; Valentina Newell and Camilla Rae Cervenka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Larry Svehlak, Augie Svehlak, James Svehlak, Charlie Betak, David Betak, and Carolyn Betak.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff and directors at the SPJST Nursing Home in Taylor for their care and efforts to ensure that Agnes was as healthy and happy as was possible in her later years. Thanks is also extended to Bertram Nursing Home in Bertram, TX, for their compassion and skill in working with COVID-19 care. Gratitude is expressed to Resolutions Hospice for their attentiveness and gentle care, and in helping the family understand the reality of COVID-19. Special, heartfelt appreciation is extended to Rev. Keith Koehl, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Taylor. Fr. Keith’s blessing eased the pain of her final earthly hours.

Visitation will be held Friday, 24 ^th of July at 6:00 PM followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM.  A Prayer Vigil will be held on Saturday, 25 ^th of July at 10:00 AM at Providence Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Granger, TX. In the interest of social distancing, there will be no luncheon.

If you are unable to attend, funeral services will be live streamed via Providence Funeral Home Facebook Page and you are also invited to sign the online guestbook.