Kuntschik Dies As a Result of Injuries from Hostyn Explosion

The June 9 explosion at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn took another tragic turn this week.

Verlene Kuntschik, the parishioner who was badly burned in the explosion, died from her injuries on Monday, June 20. She was 75 years old.

The explosion occurred shortly before the 7 a.m. Mass that was scheduled for Thursday, June 9. The first 911 call came in around 6:27 a.m. According to preliminary reports, Kuntschik had arrived early for Mass that morning and was lighting a candle at the time of the blast. She suffered serious burns. Kuntschik was transported by helicopter to Dell Seaton Hospital in Austin, where she remained in the intensive care unit until her death.

Multiple sources have said gas was smelled inside the church the evening before the explosion. Parish officials told the Record they could not comment on the explosion and directed our questions to the Diocese of Victoria. Janet Jones, a spokesperson for the Diocese, declined to comment about the possible gas leak while the case remains under investigation.

“It’s believed there was a gas leak which led to the explosion,” said Ben Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal’s Office. “The exact cause of the leak and the ignition source has not been determined at this time. It may be some time before a final report is available.”

La Grange Fire Chief Frank Menefee said such investigations could take as long as six months, especially ones that involve a fire-related death.

The Hostyn parish announced the following details for Kuntschik’s funeral. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Services take place at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. A private family graveside service will follow.