Joyce Floeck

Joyce Nell Floeck, 82, of Burleson County passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 with her family by her side. Her services will be held at the Strickland Funeral Caldwell Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2017 with Rev. Joseph Polasek officiating with the burial to follow in the New Tabor Brethren Church Cemetery. The family will receive guests from 4:30-6:00 Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the funeral home.

Joyce was born June 3, 1934 at the family home in the Czech community of Hrozanka between Tunis and Snook to parents John and Ella (Zalmanek) Orsag. She learned at an early age what work on the farm was like: working in the garden, the orchard, and fields along with her parents and siblings. She also learned how to sew and cook from her mother. Joyce graduated Snook High School in 1952, where she was Valedictorian and played basketball. While attending Sam Houston Teachers College she entered her dorm beauty pageant and was a diligent student graduating in just three years.

She married 2LT Jesse C. Floeck III on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1955 at the New Tabor Brethren Church. To this union were born 3 children: Jesse IV, Eliska, and Molly. Also during 1955 Joyce began her teaching career, which would span 37 years in numerous locations. Her teaching career began in Snook, then Ft. Hood, Houston, Rockdale, and at Saks and Oxford in Alabama. Joyce was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma chapters in Texas and Alabama during her teaching career.

Joyce was able to take a break from teaching during Jesse’s active duty time in the Army. She prepared the family for a military life, following Jesse on his many destinations and adventures to Ft. McClellan, AL, Weil im Schoenbuch and Nellingen Kaserne Germany, and Elwood, IL, before returning to Texas to resume teaching. While in the Officers Wives Club she hosted many events, brunches, meetings, and welcomed new families. During her time as an officer’s wife, she attended a 2-week Cordon Bleu Cooking Course and many Hail & Farewells; but her favorite events were the Military Balls. Joyce was always a gracious hostess making family and friends feel welcome, hosting bridge parties or simply entertaining. She enjoyed exploring her surroundings and experiencing the various cultures and destinations during her travels.

New Tabor Brethren Church was her home church, where she faithfully served God. It was there she was Baptized, Confirmed, and Married. She played the church piano, was a very active member of the choir, the Nifty-Fifties, the Pastoral relations committee, and Christian Sisters. Joyce served as the Financial Secretary for Christian Sisters, as well as the financial secretary for the Board of Elders. Joyce was very active in the community with memberships in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Republican Party Chair, and the Burleson County Czech Choir Singers performing at the Kolache Festival.

Joyce’s hobbies included watching sports (especially Aggie games), crocheting in winter months, and gardening. She took great joy in working in her flowerbeds, growing various fruits such as blueberries, Brazos berries, and fruit trees. She also enjoyed canning her own fruits, vegetables, and sharing her recipes. She loved having family and friends over, playing dominoes with her children and grandchildren, going on road trips to see the sights and preparing delicious meals.

In 2009, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. When the symptoms intensified she received care from the Hudson Creek Alzheimer’s special care facility as well as Traditions Home Healthcare & Hospice Brazos Valley of Bryan.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ella Orsag; 2 brothers-in-law, Bennie Hejl and Joe Mottola; and by a granddaughter, Amanda Howell.

Joyce is survived by her loving family members: husband of nearly 62 years, Col. Jesse C. Floeck III (USA Retired) of Caldwell; her son, Jesse C. “Chuck” Floeck IV and wife Lois of King George, VA; 2 daughters, Eliska Mattox and husband Vincent of Lineville, AL, and Molly Howell and husband Dirk of Vero Beach, FL; sister, Emily Hejl of Caldwell, brother John W. Orsag and wife Betty of Friendswood; sister-in-law, Sandra Mottola of Houston; 8 grandchildren: Anna and Kevin Costello, LCDR Christi Floeck (USN), SSGT Jesse C. “Chad” Floeck V (USMC), PR2 Jon Mattox (USN), Andrew Mattox, Stuart Howell, Robbie Hogan, Steve and Darlene Shelton; 5 great grandchildren: Nate Costello, Ella Floeck, RJ Hogan, AJ Shelton and Alana Shelton; and many dear extended family members.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Jon Mattox, Andrew Mattox, Steven Orsag, Ronnie Hejl, B.J. Hejl, and Donnie Hejl. Pallbearers in absentia will be Chad Floeck, Stuart Howell, and Kevin Costello.

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