Vera Hulda Roznovak

Vera Hanson Roznovak, born on February 19, 1926, in Hutto, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, in Temple, Texas at the age of 98. Vera, known affectionately as Granny to many, was a long-time resident of Taylor, and a strong, independent woman, living on her own up until the final days of her passing. Vera leaves a lasting legacy evidenced by her extensive family and loved ones.

Vera's life story is one of resilience and dedication, shaped by her family’s rich heritage. Her parents, Swen Johan "John" Hanson and Hulda Katrina Hedlund Hanson, immigrated from Sweden to the United States and married in 1914. By 1920, they were farming on rented land in Hutto, Texas, alongside Swen's parents, Hans and Johanna Hanson, who also immigrated in 1914. Vera was the youngest of four children, growing up with her brothers Arthur, Walter, and John.

Vera was married to Joe Roznovak, with whom she shared life until his passing in 1975. Together, they had five children: Wayne, Deborah, Denise, Claude and Kevin.

Vera’s drive and hard work are exemplified through the many hats she wore over the years. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by sewing mattresses. Vera loved to tell the story of working her way up in the hospital as an elevator attendant, where she was eventually promoted into the pharmacy to fill prescriptions. Always an entrepreneur, she and Joe later owned and operated a service station. In her later years, Vera owned a costume shop, furthering her success in business and applying her love of sewing.

Vera’s passion for sewing was just one of many skills she honed and enjoyed throughout her life. Vera also combined her love of music with her tenure as a piano teacher for many years. Vera enjoyed fishing, traveling, reading, listening to radio programs, word puzzles, and baking “spritz” cookies. An avid bowler, her hobbies also included playing pool as she did to celebrate her 94th birthday. In her later years, she found joy in looking after her bird bath and feeder and maintaining her own yard into her early 90s. An early riser and a woman of structure, Vera was up at 5am every day, dedicated to daily prayer, morning and night, followed by an early “supper” and not to be forgotten, Wheel of Fortune. Through it all, Vera’s greatest joy came from gathering with her family, a matriarch, always ready with a speech and gold coins to pass out to the grandkids.
Vera's legacy of family-first, hard work, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered for her many contributions, her unwavering spirit, and the joy she brought into the lives of others.

Visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home (807 Carlos Parker Blvd., NW Taylor, TX 76574) on June 10, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Vera's life will be held at Providence Funeral Home on June 11, 2024, at 10 a.m., with Shane Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Taylor City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tony Bonkowski, Tyler Bonkowski, Chris Cox, Brett Helbert, Riley Hill, Jeff Morris, Wyatt Townsend, and Chris Wesson.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Roznovak; daughter, Deborah Norman; grandsons, Darrell Wayne Roznovak and Erik and Derek Pfitzner; brothers, Arthur, Walter and John Hanson; and parents, John and Hulda Hanson.

Vera is survived by her children, Denise Roznovak, Claude Roznovak and his wife Pam, Wayne Roznovak and his wife Dannis, and Kevin Roznovak and his wife Stacy; and her grandchildren Stephanie Hill and her fiancé Rollo Werchan, Brandy Wesson and her husband Chris, Shelly Cox and her husband Chris, Natalie Bonkowski and her husband Tony, Jennie Helbert and her husband Brett, Monica Patin, Michelle Moore, Karyn Morris and her husband Jeff, Katelyn Townsend and her husband Wyatt; great-grandchildren Gracie and Riley Hill, Kaylee and Presley Cox, Tyler and Olivia Bonkowski, Rayna and Chaynee Helbert, Lilly and Penelope Patin; and step-grandchildren Hanna & Gwen Werchan.

Vera (Granny) will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.