Albin Joe Mladenka

Albin “Joe” Mladenka, 92, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2019 in Houston, Texas.  He was at home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, August 12 at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home, led by Deacon Jim Nabor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.  Procession and grave-site services will be conducted at the Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.  Reception following at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive.

Joe was born in Schulenburg, Texas to Joseph Mladenka and Albina Pechacek on January 7, 1927. He married Mary Ann Girard on February 22, 1952 in Houston, Texas.  He graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1977. He was a veteran of WWII and served in the Navy as Signalman Third Class and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. He was commissioned as a Texas Highway Patrolman in 1948 and served the Texas Department of Public Safety for 36 years, achieving the rank of Major in 1981.  He retired from the DPS as Regional Commander in December, 1984 to assume the position as head of corporate security for Santa Fe Energy.

Joe was a very charismatic individual, who enjoyed getting together with family and friends including his fellow DPS retirees.  When the grandkids where young, he and Mary Ann would host a three week summer camp at their summer house in Ruidoso, New Mexico; the entire family still shares fond memories of the many years of “Camp Mladenka.”  In addition to being an avid gardener, he loved working with his hands and was always willing to lend a hand on any home repair project.  He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, hunting, pitching washers or just telling stories around the campfire.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his brother, Pat Farek and wife Janet of Elk, TX;  his daughter, Linda Dunn and husband Gary of Prineville, OR;  his sons: Mark Mladenka and wife Cindi of Midland, TX; Paul Mladenka and wife Brenda of Tomball, TX; David Mladenka and wife Sandy of Lakeway, TX.  His grandchildren: Jennifer Mladenka (deceased), Madison Luikens, Michael Mladenka, Jeff Mladenka, Brittany Hill, Chelsea Platow, Colbey Griffin, Leanne Denault, Sarah West, and Steven Mladenka. His great grandchildren: Journey and Rush Hill, Autumn Platow and Margot Mladenka.  He will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church

10135 West Rd  Houston TX 77064

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