Michalsky

Eugene “Red” Henry Michalsky, lifelong resident of Fayetteville left us to be in the loving arms of his Savior, May 9, 2021, at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, at the age of 90. Eugene was a retired businessman, the owner and operator of Michalsky’s Packing Plant for 36 years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a loving husband, patient father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Eugene was born at home in Fayetteville, on Jan. 24, 1931, the third of nine children born to Peter Paul and Frances (Krenek) Michalsky. He attended St John’s Catholic School. The priests at that time were Father Nesvadba and Father Matustik. He served as an altar boy for six years. He served at many World War II funerals of Fayetteville area men. Eugene was a Boy Scout and enjoyed camping trips in the Cummins Creek area.

Growing up, Eugene’s family always had a big garden and he helped with all the chores. He helped his grandfather, Valentine Michalsky at his molasses factory and picked cotton. To help the family earn money, he had to quit school in the 9th grade to work full time and at the age of 15 went to work at Voskamps Meat Market in Fayetteville as a butcher for 2½ years. He also worked for the railroad for about four months pumping cement into the water springs at Pisek, TX, and then for Kruez Market in La Grange as a meat cutter until he was drafted for the U.S. Army. He enlisted on August 6, 1952, in La Grange, Local Board 44.

At San Antonio, he received his army clothes and traveled by train to Santa Barbara, California. He received his basic training at Camp Roberts, California, for 16 weeks and advanced training at Camp Haugen, North Japan. He learned to snow ski while in Japan. He was sent overseas to Korea where he served in the 24th Division Company C 19th Infantry Regiment as a foot soldier and cook. He served 12 months on the 38th Parallel line in the Yangu Valley. A tactic used by the U.S. was to fire heavy artillery overhead to let the enemy know they were present. Eugene witnessed many planes drop bombs. He had to be alert 24 hours a day. He also served six months as a prisoner guard at Camp No. 6 in Nonsan, Korea. He remembered that North Korea was red and the South was blue. In 1953, he and 76 other soldiers were captured and held hostage for 30 days by the North Korean soldiers. After the prisoners were exchanged, he went to Panmunjom, Korea. He traveled by ship to Japan where he enjoyed some shore relief and bought souvenirs. As of recent weeks, he spoke about how much he enjoyed snow skiing. He was told that he was “a natural!”

Eugene received the following medals: Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star, R.O.K. President Unit Citation, U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct and P.O.W. Medals. He attained the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 17, 1954.

Eugene met Margaret Frances Matura in Fayetteville. They were married on November 17, 1957, in St. John Catholic Church in Fayetteville by Father Motl. Together they opened and operated the Fayetteville Locker Plant in March 1958. He was the butcher and a meat cutter. He was very well-known for his homemade sausage. He enjoyed barbecuing. He won First Place in two BBQ cook-offs – 1976, Fayette County Fair and 1977, Washington County Fair.

In 1975, the meat market was changed to Michalsky’s Packing Plant. It was during this time that more and more stringent regulations were enacted and enforced for public safety. He did comply. He did what he had to do. They retired in 1994.

Eugene enjoyed people – meeting and visiting all sorts of people. Traveling to an auction was his favorite hobby. It was there that he met many of his friends. He never met a stranger. He was involved in Fayetteville as the town and the people were very special to him. His father, Peter, served many years as the town’s night watchman. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone down on his luck or someone broken down on the side of a road. While in business, he offered jobs to those who needed money and offered a beer or two and invited them to have lunch. He was a true cattleman to the last day his health permitted, raising and attending cattle with his wife by his side, for over 75 years. He enjoyed playing pool (something that began as a young boy at the Past Time Club in Fayetteville), dominoes and stick. Scholarly can come in many forms. He was well-read in several subjects: gardening, politics, environmental protection, and history. At age 80 he replaced the timing belt on one of his favorite vehicles, his Mazda 323. He was truly talented. A sincere, gentle man whose immeasurable wisdom will remain in the hearts of all those he touched, deeply or briefly. He will be missed.

Eugene was a member of the St John’s Catholic Church, American Legion No. 602, was a former Fayetteville Volunteer Fireman, VFW No. 5254, Knights of Columbus No. 3168, Fayette County Farm Bureau and Disabled American Veterans Lodge No. 86 in Caldwell.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Henry Michalsky, Alfred Michalsky, B.J. Michalsky; one sister, Marcella Creed; brothers-in-law Jim Klobedans, Joe Creed, Emil Matura and Billie Bilski; sister-in-law, Ray Ann Michalsky; nephews, Henry Michalsky, Jr., Andrew “Jake” Michalsky and niece, Susan Matura Buchannan.

He is survived by his loyal wife of 63 years, Margaret; three daughters, Elizabeth Rypl-Ripple (Joe); Frances Vaughn (Gerald); and Roberta Michalsky; two sons, Eugene Jr. Michalsky (Sheryl) and Edward Michalsky; best fur friend, Kitty-Kitty; six grandchildren Raina Perez (Gaston), Blaise Kubesch (Eric), Sara Elley (Trey), Bridget Wilkins (Joe), Cris Michalsky (Kate), Megan Williams (Brad); five step-grandchildren Candace Smith, Joe K. Ripple (Erin), Don Ripple (Laura), John Ripple, Jim Ripple (Tina); nine great-grandchildren Riley, Reese, Ayden, Sam, Eva, Zoe, Owen, Sloane and Claire; 13 step-great-grandchildren Ricky, Briley, Shelby, Gabby, Justin, Audrey, Ryan, Josh, Cody, Brandi, Bryce, Austin and Ashley; and 10 step-great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers, Laddie Michalsky and Ludwig Michalsky (Betty Ann); two sisters, Margie Klobedans and Helen Wisniewski; sisters-in-law, Irene Michalsky, Lanell Michalsky, Jeanette Michalsky, Betty Bilski, Martha Matura; brothers-in-law, George Matura, Frankie Matura (Gladys).

Visitation for the public was held Monday, May 17, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fayetteville Brethren Church in Fayetteville. A private family service was held at the Fayetteville Brethren Church, with Rev Mike Groseclose officiating. Pallbearers will be: Cris Michalsky, David Michalsky, Stephen Michalsky, Thomas Michalsky, Emil Matura, III, George Matura, Jr., Freddie Darden and Randall Beck. Honorary pallbearers are the Fayetteville Domino Group. Burial with Military Honors was at Fayetteville Brethren Cemetery.

The family sincerely appreciates the prayers and kind gestures that have been extended during our heartbreak. We are thankful for the Fayette County EMS, Fayetteville VFD and Life Flight services for quick response and care. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff of St. David’s Medical Center for their tender care, especially Dr. Eric Pisklak, Rachael, Katie and Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 65, Fayetteville, TX, 78940; Fayette County EMS, 1721 N. Von Minden Rd, La Grange, TX, 78945; American Legion #602, Calvin Coufal, 7817 E. State Hwy 159, Fayetteville, TX, 78940, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.