Pratka

Robert (Bob) Pratka, 99, departed this earth peacefully on June 23, 2022, in La Grange, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.

He was born on Aug. 28, 1922, in La Grange. Bob attended La Grange High School and after graduation was employed with Woodley Petroleum Company in Houston. Woodley would eventually become Parten Interests, a company he would work for until his death.

While employed as an accountant at Woodley, Robert was drafted into the Army. During World War II, from 1943-1945, he served in the 6th Armored Division in the European theater. After the war, Bob returned to his job and attended night school at the University of Houston, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Violet Janicek, and they were married 67 years before her death in 2013.

Robert was a world traveler who loved attending symphonies, plays, and Broadway musicals. He traveled yearly to NYC for New Year’s Eve and enjoyed making memories with family on vacations throughout Europe. He also loved gambling in Louisiana and beach vacations in Florida.

Robert is survived by his daughters and their families: Anne Pratka, Richmond; Susan Rideau and son-in-law Roger, Richmond; and Jane Balsam and son-in-law Michael, Houston. Bob leaves a legacy of love behind for his grandchildren and their families: Lindsay and Michael Riedle, Chantal and Robert Ferguson, Kelly Owen and Luis Flores, Jenny and Nick Kubiak, Kristi and Charlie Elsea, and Robert Balsam. He leaves behind eight great grandchildren: Andrea Barrera, Kendall Riedle, Cade Kubiak, Violet Kubiak, Otto Elsea, Kate Elsea, Leighton Ferguson, and Hadley Ferguson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elfrieda Pratka, his brothers Lawrence Pratka and Werner Pratka, as well as his grandson, Bryce William Harkrider.

Bob’s family truly appreciates his longtime caregiver and friend, Mirna Miranda, for all her support and care she provided over the years to both Violet and Robert.

A Memorial Mass for Robert will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 539 E. Pearl St., La Grange. A reception to honor Robert’s life will be held at Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club, 575 Country Club Dr., La Grange, following the service.

For those desiring, contributions may be made to St. Agnes Academy, 9000 Belaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77036 or a charity/church of your choice in Robert Pratka’s name.

Family and friends can sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home in La Grange.