Lydia Orsak Stelzel

Lydia Orsak Stelzel was born August 16, 1917 in East Bernard, Texas to Martin and Anna Orsak of Wharton, TX. She was the middle child of 12. At the age of 99 she went to be with her Heavenly Father on August 7, 2017. Lydia married Harvey H Stelzel, Sr., the love of her life, on November 28, 1939. They made their life in Wharton where they raised 5 children. Lydia is survived by Harvey, Jr and Sharie Stelzel, Margaret and George Fojtik of Wharton, Patricia and Daniel Pless of Somerville, Theresa Thigpen of Rockport, and sister, Martha Hardy of Richmond, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by parents, her ten siblings, her daughter, Delores and husband Bill Malek, son-in-law, Claud Thigpen, and grandson, Danny Pless. Harvey and Lydia enjoyed fishing and crabbing at the coast. They would spend their time listening to polka music and playing dominoes. They also enjoyed raising chickens, gardening and canning (especially pickles for BINGO games). Barbecuing and cooking for the family led to Lydia becoming a Pastry Cook at the old Gulf Coast Hospital. Lydia did not learn to drive until she was in her 50’s so she could be seen walking and even jogging with her grandchildren. In later years she loved raising doves, playing BINGO at family gatherings, and playing with her great grandchildren. As a devout Catholic, Lydia prayed the Rosary every evening. Some would say:” From her lips to God’s ears!”. Mama, Grandma, Granny was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was an amazing woman who will be a Special Angel for us all. She will be greatly missed and always loved! Once again, she is dancing with Grandpa to their song, “The Tennessee Waltz” Visitation was held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 6p.m.-8 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home with a Rosary recited at 7 pm. by Tim Duyka. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Rite of Committal and burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Funeral Services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com