Jerry Raymond Vrabel Sr., 83, of Granger went to be with his Heavenly Father Saturday, March 26, 2022.
Jerry was born July 1, 1938, to parents John and Albina Vrabel in Granger.
Jerry was married to his loving wife and lifelong sweetheart, Janice Mikulencak at St. Mary’s in Taylor. They spent 62 years building a beautiful life together. They raised three sons, Jimmie, Jerry Jr. and John Vrabel in Granger.
Jerry dedicated his life to the Lord, his family, farming, cattle ranching and his dogs named Boysies. Jerry was a member of the KJT and Knights of Columbus. He held true to his Czech roots and participated in the Czech Choir at church for a number of years.
Jerry quit school after 11th grade to get a job to buy his first car. He was never ashamed of this as he considered himself to be a self-taught man. Jerry started out working for $1 an hour trying to make things a little better for himself and earn enough to start on his first few acres of farming.
Over the years, Jerry worked multiple jobs including American Cleaners, Western Auto Shop and Taylor Bedding as he started raising duroc pigs to show and sell at livestock shows.
A few of his favorite past times included playing the accordion with his band called the Variety Playboys, playing dominoes with his buddies, listening to polka music and even learned how to fly an airplane.
Another hobby was his love for antique cars. He participated in the Granger Parade with his Model T called “Abner” or Model A named “Daisy Mae” in the springtime.
If you knew Jerry, you knew his main passion was farming and ranching. He started JR’s Trucking to haul grain and fertilizer around the state, as well as a bulldozer service to build terraces and waterways. Jerry loved working the land and was good at it. One time he received an award for Soil Conservationist of the Year and boy was he happy.
His wife, Janice recalls, there wasn’t a contest or competition where he didn’t win a medal, plaque or trophy – when he set his mind to something, he was bound and determined to be good at it or continue to improve, no matter what.
He often told stories to his grandkids and shared many lessons learned throughout his lifetime. In one of the stories he told his grandkids he mentioned, “Success is like a ladder, but remember you can’t climb it with your hands in your pocket. If things don’t work for you, then find a way that will work, there is always a way.” He made friends wherever he went, believed in respecting elders, and learned the value of hard work from his parents. He built a life he loved and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Albina Vrabel; son, Jerry Jr.; daughter-in-law, Nancy Vrabel; and in-laws Edmond and Clara Mikulencak.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Janice Vrabel (Mikulencak); his children, Jimmie Sr. (Michelle) and John (Pam) Vrabel. Grandchildren include Jimmie Jr. Vrabel (Amanda), Jennie Clark (Scott), Amber Vrabel (Garret Frattalone), Rachel Vrabel (Kole McCoy), and Sarah Vrabel. Great grandchildren, Ryleigh Cervenka and Brantley Clark. He is also survived by his brothers, Tim and Bernice Vrabel, Johnny and Irene Vrabel; his sister, Agnes and Richard Martin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger.
