Johnnie Joe Naizer

Johnnie Joe Naizer, 69, of Granger passed away on October 23, 2023 with his family by his side after a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Disease.

Johnnie was born on December 6, 1953, to Johnnie H. and Georgia Naizer of Granger, Texas.  He attended SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School and was a 1972 graduate of Granger High School.  He also attended Temple College.  In 1978, he married his soulmate, Rosanne Hajda, and they built their life of 45 years together grounded in their faith and love of their community in Granger.  As a “chosen” Dad for his two children, Noel Marie and Nolan John, Johnnie considered fatherhood a great blessing and privilege.  They were the best Christmas gifts imaginable.  Their family welcomed Johnnie’s namesake and only grandson, Johnnie Dale (J.D.) in 2009.  More than anything, Johnnie loved his family and cherished his role as Husband, Father and Pops.

Johnnie shared his father’s strong work ethic having a job at the early age of 12.   Johnnie’s career was focused on construction, and he worked at Westinghouse and Nash Phillip Copus and also with his (future) father-in-law building custom cabinets.  He later worked with Hensel Phelps as a carpenter foreman and was part of the construction crew creating the Granger Lake System including the spillway, the fishing pier, the overlook and the gates.  In 1980, Johnnie began working for Commercial Contractors in Rockdale as a carpenter foreman.  Eight years later, he was employed with ALCOA as a Millwright Carpenter until his retirement in 1995.

Johnnie was a lifelong member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a member of the Guitar Group, the Knights of Columbus, KJT and various committees; however, his favorite ministry was definitely the comradery he enjoyed leading the BBQ Crew for the annual church bazaars.  This was a tradition he looked forward to and co-chaired for 45 years.

Johnnie supported his children in their numerous activities serving as coach, volunteer, and biggest supporter.  He was a member of the PTC, serving as President with his wife.

Johnnie was always proud of his hometown of Granger and was a dedicated member of the Granger Volunteer Fire Department along with serving as Fire Marshall for several years.

He was an active participant at the Granger Lake Fest cookoffs; Fishing Tournaments at Lake Granger; and a member of the Granger Jaycees.

Johnnie took pride in his Czech Heritage and spoke the language.   He loved dancing with his wife (especially polkas and waltzes), spending time with his friends, working on his land, fishing, hunting, and travelling with his family.

Johnnie is survived by his wife, Rosanne Naizer; daughter, Noel Marie Naizer; son, Nolan John Naizer; and grandson, Johnnie Dale (J.D.) Morgan; Father-in-law, Albert Hajda; Brothers and Sisters in law:  Terry Pekar, Mark & Sherry Hajda, Jay & Karen Glynn, Jim & Amy McAllister, and Cindy O’Reilly along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends.  Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie H. and Georgia Naizer and sister, Betty Pekar, and Mother-in-law, Marie Hajda.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, October 30, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of the Resurrection will be held at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.  Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery in Granger.  All are invited to a reception at the parish hall after the burial service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Lee Pekar, Todd Pekar, Mark David Hajda, John Glynn, Sam Glynn, Connor McAllister, Jake O'Reilly, Zach O'Reilly, & Geremy Steglich.  Honorary Pallbearers include Jeff Berger, Richard Cervenka, Bobby Gaida, Leonard Huf, Tim Jezisek, William Novak, James "Doc" Pekar, Billy Schwertner, and Ricky Steffek and all members of the SS. Cyril & Methodius BBQ Crew.

Many thanks to those who have continued to pray, support and visit Johnnie and Rosanne over these past years.  Special thanks to all of the staff at the SPJST Skilled Nursing Center in Taylor (especially those working on Wing 5) for his exceptional care and for becoming part of his extended family.  Additionally, the family greatly appreciated Corey Strmiska and his team at Concho Hearts Hospice for their loving support during Johnnie’s final weeks.

Memorials will be accepted in Johnnie’s honor to SS. Cyril & Methodius Trust Fund, PO Box 608, Granger, Texas 76530 providing scholarships for those attending Catholic Schools and St. Mary's Catholic School, 520 Washburn Street, Taylor, Texas 76574.