Services for Gladiola Bednar, 83, of Caldwell, were held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell with Pastor Terry Bage officiating.
Burial followed at Elizabeth Lutheran Cemetery.
Mrs. Bednar died on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, surrounded by family.
Gladiola Mertz was born Dec. 31, 1937, in Latium, Texas, in Washington County, to Alfred and Rena Mertz, joining her older brother Eugene.
She graduated from Burton High School in 1956.
She met her husband of 60 years, Hubert Bednar of Caldwell, at La Bahia dance hall in Washington County. They married on May 13, 1961, at Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Burton.
In 1962, they welcomed their first child, LaVell, followed by Carolyn in 1964 and Hubert Jr. in 1967.
Prior to marriage, Gladiola lived and worked in Houston after completing business courses.
Throughout their marriage, she worked by Hubert’s side and was an indispensable helper in building their business, Bednar Welding and Machine.
She enjoyed gardening and growing roses, as well as baking, particularly cookies and her legendary dinner rolls.
Also, anyone who knew Gladiola knew she liked her Dr. Pepper.
Traveling was another favorite activity. She and Hubert went to Europe several times, which allowed her to practice the German she grew up speaking, and they traveled to many polka festivals and dances where they enjoyed spending time with their friends.
Gladiola was an expert at shopping for bargains at Dillard’s and thrift shops, and her children often benefited from her deals.
At festivals, she and her friend Debra walked for miles looking for special outfits.
Her presence at the dances will be missed.
Gladiola was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Rena Mertz; and her brother, Eugene Mertz.
She is survived by her spouse of 60 years, Hubert; her daughters and sons-in-law, LaVell and Byron Sommerlatte of Caldwell and Carolyn and Glen Wood of Spring; and her son and daughter-in-law, Hubert and Bliss Bednar of Caldwell; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elizabeth Lutheran Church.
Services are in care of Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home Caldwell. Express condolences at Phillipsandluckey.com.