Eugene “Gene” Jirkovsky

Eugene “Gene” Jirkovsky, 89, of Yoakum, died Monday, Dec. 18. He was born Dec. 18, 1928 to John and Sophie Stavinoha Jirkovsky in the Green Prairie Community near Shiner and Moulton. He attended school in Evergreen, Dixon, and Moulton. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was involved with various community, school, and church organizations. He married Lois Jean Reinhard on July 14, 1952 in Yoakum and they were married 63 years until Lois’ passing in 2016. He was an active member of K.J.T. For many years he achieved numerous awards and recognition. He also served as president of the K.J.T. Society No. 13 and District 3 for many years as well as state director for 20 years. While Lois was alive, where you saw one, you also saw the other. Their love for each other is a legacy of its own. Gene was always eager to help others and was always looking out for everyone else. He enjoyed woodworking, was an excellent cook, and loved being in the company of his family. He is survived by daughters, Sheryl Prihoda and husband Raymond of Weimar and JoAnn Kloesel and husband Glen of Shiner; sons, Larry Jirkovsky and wife Amy of Sweet Home and Alan Jirkovsky and wife Laura of Hallettsville. He is also survived by grandchildren, Mark Prihoda and wife Laurie, Carl Prihoda and wife Kari, Terri Prihoda, Nicholas Jirkovsky, Erin Jirkovsky, Matthew Jirkovsky, Casey Jirkovsky, Brianna Jirkovsky, Chad Kloesel and wife Maria and Ashley Pool and husband Bobby; and greatgrandchildren, William Prihoda, Ellie Prihoda, Sebastian Kloesel, Thomas Kloesel, Gabriel Kloesel and James Pool. Gene is preceded in death by his wife, parents, John and Sophie Jirkovsky and brother Daniel Jirkovsky. Gene’s celebrated funeral mass was held Thursday, Dec. 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jacob Koether officiating. Burial followed at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons, Mark and Carl Prihoda, Nicholas Jirkovsky, Matthew Jirkovsky, Casey Jirkovsky and Chad Kloesel. Memorial contributions may be given to Victoria Diocesan Seminary Burse or the K.J.T. Memorial Foundation.