Viola Frels

March 1, 1917 - August 3, 2020

Viola (Krenek) Frels of Garwood, passed away on August 3rd, 2020 at the age of 103. She was born on March 1, 1917 to Adolph and Mary (Warschak) Krenek in Garwood, Texas. Viola was a homemaker and she and husband Clarence were lifelong residents of Garwood and married 63 years. They were both baptized, married, and were faithful members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada. For 42 years, they owned the F and W Food Market in Garwood, together with Ben and Julie Waligura. When Clarence and Ben retired, in appreciation for the customers that enabled them to run their successful business for so many years, they donated the building and land to the Garwood Lion’s Club. Upon retirement, they loved fishing at Port O’ Conner and Indianola at the coast and traveled regularly through the scenic western states with an occasional stop in Las Vegas. Five years ago, the Garwood Christmas Fair, Mrs. Frels was selected as “Citizen of the Year”. She was presented with an appropriate plaque and was honored to ride on a float with her family in the night parade. She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband Clarence, an infant son Johnny, two brothers, Monroe and Lee, a sister Evelyn Phillips, and a niece Betsy Phillips. Viola was the last living relative in a long line of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by daughter Jean Gansky and husband Dan of Tomball, son Gerald “Buddy” and wife Gladys of Fredericksburg, daughter Carol Drlik and husband Rudy of Garwood and Son Glenn of El Campo. Nanny, as she was lovingly called, is survived by 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; Donna Gansky Witmer and husband Todd, and children Sara Witmer Krauss and husband Greg, and sons, Chris and Brandon; Paula Gansky Amsler and children Danny, Mary, and Elise; Lori Gansky Naegeli, husband Steve and children Kyle, Kaylen and Kristen; Lisa Drlik Floyd, husband Tracy and children Lawson and Weston; Vicki Drlik Polak, husband Joey and children Randice, Raegan, Raelee, and Brock; Jason Frels and wife Elizabeth and children Lilia and Arleigh; Michael Frels; and Natalie Frels Busby and husband Bob. Due to Covid circumstances, private services will be held with the family. Pallbearers will be Todd Witmer, Steve Naegeli, Tracy Floyd, Joey Polak, Michael Frels, and Billy Krenek. Memorials made in memory of Viola may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Mass Intentions, and Garwood Volunteer Fire Department. Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681