Daniel Joseph Tesar, Sr.

On April 14, 2015, Daniel Joseph Tesar, Sr., 77, of Wharton quietly passed away at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14, 1937, in Shiner, Texas, son of the late Joe Tesar and Christina Hundl Tesar. Daniel was a longtime resident of Wharton. He served his nation honorably in the US Army. He met the love of his life Dorothy Pyka and they married in Wharton on April 8, 1961. Daniel worked for 43 years in the steel manufacturing industry beginning with Mosher Steel in Houston and eventually retiring from Hudson Products in Beasley. Daniel was an active member of both the Knights of Columbus and The KJT where he held offices in both organizations during his membership. Daniel enjoyed playing in a domino club as well as getting together with friends to play dominoes at Burr Country Store. He also enjoyed socializing with his coffee drinkers at Freddie’s. He loved being outdoors, farming and his cattle. In addition, Daniel was an avid sports enthusiast. His greatest joy above all were his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, his sister Angeline Laqua preceded him in death. Visitation was held Wednesday evening, April 15th at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hungerford with a parish rosary that followed at 7pm. Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 16th at 2 pm at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hungerford with Father Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Serving as pallbearers were nephews Kevin Laqua, Patrick Laqua, Brian DeBord, Douglas DeBord, Michael Svetlik and Kenny Pyka. Honorary pallbearers were nephews Steven Pyka and Joseph DeBord, Coffee Club at Freddie’s and Dominoes Bunch at Burr Country Store. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Pyka Tesar of Wharton, daughter, Danette Thornton and husband Ricky of Wharton, son Daniel Tesar Jr. of Dallas; sisters, Mildred Machacek and husband Edwin of Shiner and Mary Ann DeBord of Victoria; grandchildren Trisha, Michaela, and Roma Thornton of Wharton, Joseph Dean Tesar of Sealy, Rebecca, Deanna, Emma, and Jessica Sponder from Wausau Wisconsin; great grandson Ethan of Sealy. Funeral services were under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com