Rita Vanek

Rita Frnka Vanek, a dedicated community member, devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in Bryan, Texas, on June 2, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born in Hillje, Texas, Rita was the third of six children of Frank Frnka and Laura Kosler. Her family, with roots tracing back to Tylovice, Moravia, later moved to the Garwood area, where she was raised on a farm. She attended Garwood School and graduated in 1955 as salutatorian of her class.

In 1964, Rita married the love of her life, Frankie Vanek. The couple moved to El Campo, where they raised two daughters, Kimberly Vanek and Amanda Vanek Eisele. Rita enjoyed a long and distinguished 41-year career in banking. Alongside her husband, she also co-owned Kimbo’s Diner in El Campo from 1981 to 1983.

In 2016, Rita relocated from El Campo to College Station to be closer to the pride and joy of her life, her grandsons Zachary and Joshua. She made it a point to attend all their events and always ensured they were well cared for and well fed.

Rita was a committed servant to her community, actively participating in numerous Czech fraternal and civic organizations. Her leadership roles included:

• President of SPJST El Campo Lodge 50 (10 years)

• Second Vice-President and FAC El Campo–Hillje (4 years)

• President of El Campo Hillje Lodge 40 (10 years)

• Member of the SPJST Finance Committee from 1976 to 2008

• Secretary of SPJST Lodge 151 Wharton

• Treasurer of the Wharton County Chapter for over 10 years

She was instrumental in reorganizing SPJST Lodge 151 Wharton in 1999 and played a key role in merging Lodges 50 and 40 to form the El Campo-Hillje Lodge. Rita was honored as Fraternalist of the Year on the local level and received honorable mention at the state level.

Her contributions extended to the Czech Heritage Society of Texas, where she served for 13 years as Treasurer of the Wharton County Chapter and for over 30 years as State Treasurer and Executive Committee member. She was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Catholic Daughters of America.

Rita’s greatest joy was being a loving mother to Kim and Amanda, a grandmother to Zachary and Joshua, and a cherished mother-in-law to Bill Eisele. She also adored her little best friend, Abby, who was her inseparable companion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Laura Frnka; her beloved husband, Frankie Vanek; sisters Madeline Shimek, Genevieve Walters, and Jeanette Canaris; and brothers Leroy and Jerome Frnka.

Rita’s legacy of service, selflessness, compassion, and devotion to family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, TX. The rosary will begin at 9:30 am and a funeral mass at 10:00 am, with a reception following. Graveside services will be on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Ascension of Our Lord Cemetery, FM 957 Schulenburg (Moravia), TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Czech Heritage Society of Texas located in La Grange, Texas or a charity of your choice.