Dorothy Mae Havlak

Dorothy Mae Havlak went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 30, 2021. She was 88 years old.  “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever”.

Dorothy was born March 1, 1932, in Veribest, Texas to Sam Vince and Frances (Ripple) Dusek. She lived with her family in Mereta, Rowena, Eola, and Wall while growing up, going to school, and working on the family farm. On December 30, 1952, she married the love of her life, Ludwig Havlak of Rowena, Texas, and was married for 68 years.  She and her husband lived on a farm between Miles and Lowake for forty-six years and had seven children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She loved being a housewife and mother- always cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids, and helping out on the farm. She enjoyed gardening and having flowers and plants all around the home.  Growing up in a big family and having a big family of her own with get-to-togethers and celebrations were some of her favorite times.  She and her husband loved to dance and were members of the local Western Club and Polka Club. She loved music and singing and was the biggest fan of the Havlak Polka Band! She and her husband moved to San Angelo in 1999. During her lifetime, she was a member of the Brethren Church of Wall, St. Joseph Catholic Church of Rowena, St. Thomas Catholic Church of Miles, and Holy Angels Catholic Church of San Angelo. She was also a member of VFW Auxiliary.

Our fondest childhood memories include Mom rocking us and singing nursery rhymes and lullabies; homemade birthday cakes with one candle; sitting down together for home-cooked meals, fresh from the garden; being awakened in the morning on school days with her sweet voice, “schooly-schooly”; packing everyone in the station wagon for shopping and trips, and our mom always looking beautiful with her “hairdo” and lipstick.

She is survived by five sons: Harvey Havlak of Hico, Charles Havlak of San Angelo, Dennis Havlak of Ballinger, Richard Havlak of Rowena, and Roger Havlak and wife Donna of Miles; two daughters: Carolyn DeLand and husband Paul of Fort Worth, and Janelle Nolan and husband Terrence of San Angelo; nine grandchildren: Brandee McKee and husband Blake, Candice Montes and husband Derek, Terrence Nolan and wife Alexandria, Ryan Nolan, Nathan Havlak and wife Jenna, Dylan Havlak and fiancée Brenda, Ashlee Havlak, Heather Havlak, and Kayla Havlak; six great-grandchildren Taylin and Conlee McKee, Arthur Nolan, Jameson Montes, Hunter, and Ember Havlak; her sisters: LaVerne Mikeska and Carlene Maher; and brothers: Eugene Dusek and Wally Dusek.  She is preceded in death by her husband Ludwig Havlak, her parents Sam Vince and Frances (Ripple) Dusek, brothers Marvin Dusek, Roy Dusek, and Billie Ray Dusek, sister Lilly Dusek, grandson Jason Havlak, and daughter-in-law Connie Havlak.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Regency House, Dr. Christopher Peterson M.D., and staff, Dr. Miltiadis Leon M.D. and staff, the San Angelo Community Medical Center, and Kindred Hospice for the loving care and compassion shown to Dorothy during her life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s charity in her honor.

A private viewing for family and close friends will be held at the Chapel at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena, Texas with Father Ariel Lagunilla officiating.  Pallbearers will include Terrence Nolan, Ryan Nolan, Nathan Havlak, Dylan Havlak, Bruce Havlak, Fred Havlak, Terry Mikeska, Wayne Dusek, Douglas Dusek, and James Maher.