Lillian Sophie Franta Blinka

Lillian Sophie Franta Blinka, 96, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at SPJST Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation and Memory Care in Taylor, Texas.

On November 15, 1927, Lillian was born in Fayetteville, Texas, to John Stephen and Sophie Vera Kovar Franta.

Lillian was united in marriage to Harry Henry Blinka on October 6, 1946, at the Fayetteville Brethren (Ross Prairie) Church.

At the age of 14, Lillian began her job career working for Hruska’s in Ellinger, Texas.

After marriage and moving to Houston, Lillian made her way in business. She worked several business jobs which led to opening the Blinka Variety Stores in Heights near their home and on West Gray in Houston.

When the stores closed, Lillian went to work for Hogan Allnoch Dry Goods in downtown Houston until she retired.

Harry and Lillian were members of the First United Methodist Church, SPJST Lodge #88, and the Polka Lovers Club of America.

Everyone who knew Harry and Lillian understood their love of “Old Time” music and dancing.

At the age of 93, Lillian danced a polka by stepping the Minnesota hop.

Lillian loved the Lord and her church, family, and friends.

She is a member of the Fayetteville Brethren Church where she was an active member of the Christian Sisters group. She was blessed with a happy life and God’s gifts of friendliness and a caring heart.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Betty Neimann and husband, Herb; her granddaughter, Krisha Crosley and husband, Robert, and their children, Wyatt and Raeley; her granddaughter, Shana McCune and husband, Chad, and their daughters, Natalie, Marcala and Jamesie; her granddaughter, Summer Neimann and husband, Federico Filippone; her sisterin- law, Dorothy Franta; her nephew, Kenneth Franta and wife, Jennifer; her niece, Sheri Franta Eubanks and husband, David; her niece, Charlyn Krause; and her niece-in-law, Ann Minor.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Willie (Billy) John Franta; her niece, Tammy Franta Richards; her sisterin- law, Anita Blinka Minor and husband, Arnold; her nephews, Leander Minor, Ray Minor, and Melvin Krause.

Arrangements are provided by Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas 78945.

Funeral services were held at Fayetteville Brethren Church, 1022 Kramr Rd., Fayetteville, Texas 78940 on February 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at the Fayetteville Brethren Church Cemetery. Prior to the services, there was a visitation with the family from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff at The SPJST Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation & Memory Care for the compassionate care they provided Lillian in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Fayetteville Brethren Church or the church of your choice.

Rest in peace Momma! Your warm heart, infectious smile, radiant love and gracious hugs were sprinkled with determination, encouragement, persistence and dedication to family and friends leaving us with beautiful memories and an abounding legacy.