Estelle C. Heimann

Estelle Patek Heimann – 93 of Wharton passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021. She was the first of 8 children born in Sweet Home, Texas on August 21, 1927 to Jerome and Carrie (Matus) Patek. Estelle spent most of her childhood on the family farm between Hallettsville and the big town of Shiner. Around the age of 16 the family moved to Shiner, across from the Catholic Church. After the 10th grade, Estelle went to work at Yoakum / Tex Tan doing hand tool work on saddles. All the extra money she earned was turned over to the family with her father Jerome unable to work due to a heart attack.

Being raised in a Polka family, Estelle was no stranger to music. She met Frank Heimann at “Coconut Grove” dance hall. Estelle and Frank married in June of 1948. For a while they lived in Shiner but moved to New Braunfels in 1949. Frank did mechanic jobs while Estelle worked in the home. Robert was born in October of 1949, followed by Edward in March 1952. During this time, Estelle would work nights at the textile Mill. Estelle said that when exhausted, during the day she would lock the boys in the bedroom, and sleep while they played around her. In March of 1955, Estelle gave birth to another son Joseph, who died soon after. Her 4th son Kenneth was born in January of 1957 and was shortly followed by the only girl of the bunch, Shirley – born in April of the next year. While in New Braunfels, Frank decided to surprise Estelle with an electric washing machine as a gift. She did not believe the delivery man and would not let him in to install it! She had to call Frank using a neighbor’s phone to confirm it was for her!

In October 1964 the family moved to Wharton for Frank’s work. For a while Estelle worked at the Wharton School Cafeteria. However, Frank never really liked that idea, so she gave it up to go back to being full time homemaker. When Estelle was young, she drove a stick shift. Soon after the marriage, Frank decided he did not want her to drive. So, like a good wife in the 50’s she quit driving. Supper was always ready when Frank walked in the door at 5:00 p.m.; even Estelle’s mother said she made better kolaches than her. Estelle’s famous sausage rolls have been known to bring $200 in auction.

Siblings: Eugene (Dorothy) Patek of Shiner, George Patek of Houston and Fred (Rita) Patek of Katy

Her Children: Robert (Helen) Heimann of East Bernard, Edward (Anna) Heimann of Wharton, and daughter Shirley (Brian) Price of Houston

Five Granddaughters: Deanna Reeves and Susan Davis of East Bernard, Ann Matocha of Katy , Lisa Kinsey of Abilene, and Michelle Sherrod of League City

Six Grandsons:  Bill and John Heimann of East Bernard, Brian Heimann of San Angelo, Scott Heimann of Victoria, Reece Price of Lockhart, and Cody Price of Houston

16 Great Grandchildren and

2 Great-Great Grandsons

She is preceded in death by her husband Frank Heimann, Parents Jerome and Carrie Patek, Infant son Joseph Heimann , Son Kenneth Frank Heimann , Brothers Jerry Patek ,Daniel Patek Sisters Evelyn Patek Holub and Carrie Patek Hajek.