Norbert Stavena

Norbert John Stavena, 76, of Brenham, husband of Olene Holesovsky Stavena, passed away May 25, 2011 at his residence. Born December 14, 1934 in Fayetteville, Texas, he was the fourth child of thirteen born to Ludwig and Anna Novosad Stavena. He was born in his home, delivered by midwife Mrs. F. C. Antonia Vecheta Zelesky, and was baptized December 18, 1934 in St. John Catholic Church in Fayetteville. After attending area schools, Norbert was drafted into the U. S. Army on January 31, 1958, receiving an Honorable Discharge on Dec. 31, 1963, serving two years active duty and three years reserve duty. He processed into the Army at Ft. Collins, Colorado and received basic training and advanced training at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas, after which he served 18 mos. in Kirch-Goens, Germany. On Dec. 24, 1959, before leaving Germany, Norbert received a Certificate of Merit as an outstanding soldier from the 3rd Armored Division Spearhead signed by his commanding officer. On July 16, 1956, he married Olene Holesovsky in Wharton, Texas. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel with Pastor Skip Stutts officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Olene Stavena of Brenham; brothers and sisters: Daniel Lee Stavena of Bay City, Bernice Anna Novosad of Porter, Clara Mae Chumchal of Wharton, James Henry Stavena of Reno, Patrick Frank Stavena of East Bernard, Margaret Ann Worthy of Needville, and Gilbert Harvey Stavena of Pearland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters: Estella Clara Keeler, Dorothy Rosalie Goff, and Elizabeth Agnes Ingle, and brothers Arnold Stavena and Leonard Ludwig Stavena. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. 979836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.