Sodolak

Emil Leonard Sodolak, 54, of Round Top, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 at North Austin Medical Center with his wife by his side and his loving family nearby.

Emil was born Aug. 14, 1966, in Houston, the first child of Leonard and Annie Mae (Kaspar) Sodolak. Emil’s early life was spent in the Needville/ Fairchilds area. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Needville. In his teens, the family relocated to Round Top. Emil was a proud member of the Round Top-Carmine class of 1984. His fun-loving personality earned him the titles of Best All Around, Most Athletic, Craziest, and Mr. RT-C. He went on to earn an Associates Degree in Business from Blinn College in Brenham.

Emil will be best remembered for his love of family and friends, his impeccable work ethic, and his vibrant personality.

Emil married Mendee Harlan June 16, 1990, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville. They chose to make their home on a farm in Round Top where they could be close to family and rear their children with the country values and ideals that they cherished. He was very proud of his Czech heritage and enjoyed passing family traditions down to his children, traditions including hunting, fishing, and sausage making (who can forget his delicious boudain!) Emil was active in his children’s lives whether it be coaching their sports teams, assisting with their agricultural projects, or cheering from the sidelines. His best times were those spent with family and friends hunting at the deer lease, floating at the Frio, fishing at Port O’ Connor, or on any of the many family vacations.

Emil’s work ethic and service to others is to be admired. He started his 37-year career at LCRA at the age of 17, working at the boat ramps at Oak Thicket and Park Prairie. He transitioned to a full time position in the maintenance department and eventually became a Sr. Environmental Technician, a position he held for many years. In addition to his fulltime work, Emil was known for his farming abilities. He was a partner in D&E Custom Hay Services and continued to produce and sell hay after the death of his business partner in 2017. Emil also enjoyed working with his cattle and was the go-to man for many neighboring farmers and ranchers. Emil’s service extended to the community as well. He served as president of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church KJT Society #9, president of the Round Top-Carmine Young Farmers, director of the North Central Fayette County Wildlife Management Cooperative, and head of the Waldeck-Nechanitz-Walhalla Showfund. He was always willing to lend a hand whether it be cooking for fundraising events, selling raffle tickets, or providing live entertainment.

His vibrant personality will never be forgotten. He never knew a stranger, and his list of friends was endless. More than anything, he loved to entertain. He was the founder and lead singer of the Just Us Band. He performed at many community events and private gatherings. Emil’s love of country music extended to the dance floor. He loved to dance and was wellknown for his famous moves! He also enjoyed Tuesday night poker and the occasional trip to Louisiana. He lived life to the fullest and he knew true joy. He always had a sparkle in his eye and a song on his lips.

He is survived by Mendee, his wife of thirty-one years; daughter, McKenna Heger, and husband Rustin Heger of Buda; son, Lucas Sodolak of Round Top; daughter, Ellee Sodolak, of Round Top, and his “bonus son,” Jared Johnson, of Round Top; mother, Annie Mae Sodolak, Round Top; two sisters: Diane Schubert and husband Rodney, of New Ulm; Karen Koska and husband, David, of Ledbetter; two brothers: James Sodolak and wife, Jane, of Brenham; Larry Sodolak of La Grange; nieces and nephews: Jared Schubert and wife, Elyse, of Bellville; Clayton Schubert of New Ulm; Kaylee and Megan Sodolak of Brenham; Sawyer Koska of Ledbetter. He is also survived by his in-laws, Damon Harlan of Somerville, and Nancie Harlan of La Grange.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Sodolak, and his best friend and business partner, Dwayne Garlin.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Koenig-Bellvill Funeral Home and Cremations. Family received friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

A Rosary was recited at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Services were held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 205 E. Bell St., Fayetteville, at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were: Rustin Heger, Rodney Schubert, David Koska, Jared Schubert, Clayton Schubert, and Chris Kaspar. Honorary pallbearers include: Luke Sternadel, Justin Malota, Jr., Michael Pietsch, Alvin Gross, Casey Lange, Kyle Kaspar, Kory Kaspar, and Lawrence Padilla and the members of the Just Us Band.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Round Top-Carmine Young Farmers, North Central Fayette County Wildlife Management Co-op (NCFCWMC), Waldeck-Nechanitz-Walhalla Show Fund, or KJT Society #9.

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.