Sodek

Larry Albin Sodek, 73, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sept. 11, 2025. He was born in La Grange on May 14, 1952, to Albin and Mary (Jurecka) Sodek.

Larry attended Fayetteville High School and graduated in 1970. He married Betty Jo Beran on Oct. 10, 1976, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville.

Larry’s life was defined by his music, his friendships, and his gift of making everyone around him feel welcome. At just 14 years old, he joined his first polka band and began what would become a lifelong journey of sharing polka music with countless people across Texas. Over the years, he performed with the Lee Roy Matocha Orchestra, the Ellinger Combo, and the Central Texas Sounds, among others. He retired from playing music after 51 years. Known for his one-of-a-kind stage presence, Larry had a way of turning every dance into a celebration. He was especially loved for the way he would call out the names of couples on the dance floor, making every performance personal and memorable.

A true musician at heart, Larry could play nearly anything he picked up: trumpet, saxophone, piano, drums, bass guitar, steel guitar, harmonica, rhythm guitar, and, of course, the accordion. His talent and passion made him one of the most respected and beloved polka entertainers in the state of Texas.

Outside of music, Larry worked as a barber for 49 years, where his friendly personality and quick smile made every customer feel like an old friend. He had the rare gift of knowing everyone, and if he did not know you yet, it would not take long before he did.

Larry’s legacy will live on in the music he shared, the friendships he cherished, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty Jo Sodek; three sons: Chris Sodek (Leigh Ann) of Flatonia; Matthew Sodek (Gabrielle) of Fayetteville; and Marcus Sodek (Kim) of Fayetteville; brother, Richard Sodek (Shirley) of Fayetteville; sister, Genevieve Jones (Dale) of New Braunfels; six grandchildren: Duke, Summer, Henley, Emmi, Savannah and Samuel Sodek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Mary Sodek.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 205 E. Bell St., Fayetteville, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

“A musical tribute will be held in the St. John’s church hall following the graveside services. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made towards a Catholic mass to be recited in Larry’s name at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Texas; Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center, P.O. Box 6, La Grange, TX 78945-0006; or Fayette County Chapter, Czech Heritage Society, c/o Marilyn Cernoch, 103 Molly Lane, La Grange, TX 78945.

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

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