Vernon James Warschak, 77, of Frelsburg, Texas, passed away on August 26, 2026 in Columbus, Texas.

He was born on October 17, 1948 to Clarence Henry Warschak and Viola Wilhelmina (Buxkemper) Warschak in Columbus, Texas. On January 31, 1970 he married Mary Frances Minarcik. He served his country in the United States Marines from 1968 to 1973. He served a tour in the Vietnam War with Headquarters Company, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division Scout Sniper Platoon and participated in ten major combat operations during the Tet Offensive.

Vernon worked as a petroleum consultant for many years in the oil and gas industry. He retired in 2014 and spent the rest of his time enjoying his garden, raising cattle and traveling with his wife.

One of his favorite sayings during retirement was "What a Life”.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg.

Vernon loved to cook. Cooking was one of the ways he showed his love, and the meals he prepared, whether homemade sausage, homemade noodles, or his famous fried chicken became family traditions and memories that will live on.

He had a special love for dogs, and sometimes it seemed like his dog was just another one of his kids. He could be a tough old Marine, but when it came to his dogs, he had a soft spot that was impossible to miss.

Vernon loved to hunt and fish and according to him there was only one place to go fishing….Port Mansfield, Texas. No one could convince him to go to a different fish ing spot. He made it a yearly tradition that he enjoyed with family including his brother and nephews.

If you knew Vernon you know he enjoyed a cold beer and loved going to the casino. His wish came true and he recently made one last trip to the casino with a few of his family members.

Vernon had a personality all his own. He was always ready to tell his family how to drive, whether they needed the advice or not. There were many trips made to MD Anderson and Vernon always made sure his family knew exactly how to get there.

When he was diagnosed with leukemia, he faced it the same way he faced everything in life, with determination and a refusal to give up. He was determined to beat it, and he fought hard until the very end. His strength, courage, and stubborn will to keep going were an inspiration to everyone who loved him.

Vernon is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Mary Frances; children Christi Trapp and husband John, Rodney

Warschak and wife Bonnie, Rhonda Heffley and husband John, and Russell Warschak and significant other Amy Ce jka; brother Kenneth Warschak and wife Patsy; sisters Carolyn Barsuhn and husband Barry and Loretta Runk; grandchildren Lauren Summers and husband Travis, Ashley Sanchez and husband William, Jayden Trapp, Ross Heff- ley, Gabby Warschak, Ryan Heffley, and Khloe Warschak.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Viola Warschak; father-in-law Alvin Minarcik; motherin- law Bernadette Minarcik Kovar; brother-in-law David Runk; great nephew Jacob Warschak.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A parish prayer service and rosary fol- lowed at 7:00 PM with Deacon Dwain Dungen officiating.

Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Visitation at church was from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Burial took place in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg, Texas.

Pallbearers were Jayden Trapp, Ross Heffley, Ryan Hef - fley, Donald Warschak, Durand Runk, and Brad Fritsch.

Honorary pallbearers were Glenn Holub, Billy Vasek, Arthur Faldyn, Clement Kubicek, Clement Belota, Charlie Kovar, Leroy Schuette, Leander Schuette, and Ernie Gross.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Ln., New Ulm, TX 78950, St. Anthony Catholic School, 635 Bonham St., Columbus, TX or Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department, 2319 FM 1291, New Ulm, TX 78950.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefu neralhome.com.