In Loving Memory

Johnnie Gurka

Johnnie Gurka
October 24, 1923
January 25, 2019
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Obituary

Johnnie Gurka, age 95 of Brenham, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019.

Visitation will be Monday, January 28th from 6-8 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, January 29th at 2 p.m. at Brenham Church of Christ with Dr. Doug Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Johnnie Karl Gurka was born October 24, 1923 in Brenham to Joseph and Susan (Krolczyk) Gurka. He joined the U.S. Army during WWII and was a paratrooper. Following a parachute accident, he worked various jobs as his injuries would allow. Johnnie moved to Beeville, where he became involved in the oilfield business. Here he also began ranching and loved raising horses. He learned and was involved in all facets of oilfield operations. Through his expertise, he was self-employed in the oilfield industry.

On October 14, 1978, Johnnie married Bernice Wolff Klaus in Beeville. In 1980, the couple returned to Brenham. He enjoyed riding horses, rodeos and trail rides. He played the guitar and listened to country music. Playing cards and dominos were favorite pastimes. Upon losing his sight, he listened to stories on tapes. He was a member of Brenham Church of Christ.

Johnnie was preceded in death by: parents; siblings and their spouses, Alvin Gurka, Jeanette and James Meeker, Louise “Squeakie” and Eddie Lacina.

Surviving family includes: cherished wife, Bernice Gurka; daughters and sons-in-law,
Donna and Ronnie Mueller of Carmine, Mary Jane “Sissy” McMeans of Brenham, Mary Francis and Daniel Gorbet of Florida; grandchildren and spouses, Michelle and Randall Kohring, Amy and Tim Huebner, Melissa and Nick Kral, Mitchel and Norma Gorbet, Karl and Susan Gorbet; great-grandchildren, Dane Gross, Aaron Kohring, Cady Gorbet, Corie Gorbet; sister-in-law, Mary Arrington.

Special friends are Ward and Mary McDonald. Loving caregivers include: Sarah Thomas, Pam Richardson, Glenda Huschinson, Leisa Day, Sue Ellen Bernal, McKala and Twee Cortez.

Pallbearers will be Randall Kohring, Tim Huebner, Gary Frenzel, Nick Kral, Aaron Kohring, and Dane Gross. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Lacina, Rodney “Stoney” Lacina, Ward McDonald, Tommy Nettles, Scott Branton, and Rick Kasprowicz,

Memorials are requested to Hospice Brazos Valley and Brenham Church of Christ.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.