Joe Valenta

Joe Valenta, 91, of Gonzales, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was born October 9, 1931 in Gonzales the son of Bohus and Rozena Grossman Valenta. He graduated from Gonzales High School Class of 1949. He joined the United States Air Force and while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii he met Siava Tina Maaele and they were married December 13, 1952. He was active duty during the Korean War and often spoke of his time in Korea and Hawaii.

Joe and Siava settled in Gonzales in the Pilgrim community on FM 1116 where he was born and raised. He was a house painter with Louis Decker for 30 years. After retirement he spent more time on the farm with his brother Charlie until his passing. He was a great dad, grandpa “Papa Joe”.

He is survived by four daughters: Mary Ann West, Rose Kistler, Tina Shannon and husband Clay all of Gonzales and Eva Iakopo of Carson California; son Michael Iakopo of Gonzales. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 11 great- great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Larry Valenta, siblings Henrietta Zbranek and husband Laddie, Albina Lehman and husband Walter, Stella Mudd and husband Joe, Hattie McElfresh, Frank Valenta and wife Evelyn and Charlie Valenta and wife Opal, son-in-law Charles Kistler, granddaughters Sierra Valenta and Lillian Iakopo.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Agnes Gast who visited daily and spoke Czech with him, Hospice of South Texas, Dr. Kody Selzer, our local HEB pharmacy and Advanced Home Health.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Gonzales Memorial Park Cemetery with Reverend Christina Aschenbeck officiating. Pallbearers include Joey West, Chase West, Rick Kistler, Jeremiah Valenta, Zack Valenta and Jody Shannon. Serving as an honorary pallbearer is Danny Aschenbeck.

Memorials in memory of Joe may be made to Hospice of South Texas or Advanced Home Health.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX.