Jerry Cyril Steffek

Jerry Cyril Steffek , 79, of Needville passed away Friday, May 18, 2007 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas immediately after surgery for a pulmonary embolism. He was born July 4, 1927 in Needville to John Steffek and Frances Skrovan Steffek who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brothers: Victor Steffek, John Steffek, Edwin Steffek and Emil Steffek; sisters: Christine Steffek, Marcella Steffek, Martha Schwettman, Cecelia Steffek; and his only son, Randall Wayne Steffek. Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lillian Novosad Steffek; his daughter, Amber Dawn Cortemelia and her husband Chris of Richmond. He is also survived by grandson, Casey Kendall Steffek of Needville; sisters, Mary Zwahr of Needville, Alma Martin of Richmond, Evelyn Skellie and husband, Al of Houston and Loretta Whittington and husband, Dale of Houston; brother-in-law, Ed Schwettman of Houston and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry graduated from Richmond High School in 1946. He was employed with the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation and retired with 30 years of service. All the while, he was a farmer, cattle rancher and a real cowboy. A member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Needville, he loved spending time with his family and friends, working on the farm, gardening, riding horses, listening to country music and watching sports and old westerns. Jerry will be remembered for his sharp and witty sense of humor even during his failing health. After his diagnosis of brain cancer in 2006, he never gave up hope and fought bravely to the very end. He is greatly admired by his family for battling his illness with such patience, dignity and always-pleasant demeanor. The pallbearers for the service are Jerrys nephews: John Charles Steffek, Jason Steffek, Brian Zwahr, Michael Schwettman, Tommy Martin and Joel Skellie. Honorary pallbearers are Casey Steffek and Chris Cortemelia. Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2007, with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at the Davis Chapel in Needville. A funeral mass is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Needville with Rev. James Ramsey officiating. Interment to follow in St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made in memory of Jerry to St. Michaels Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 95, Needville, TX 77461 or Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, Inc. to aid in the fight against the disease, 1717 Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg 281-341-8800.

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Jerry Cyril Steffek

July 4, 1927 - May 18, 2007