Obituary of Ernest John Laitkep

On Saturday, January 18, 2020, Ernest John Laitkep, loving husband and father of four children, passed away peacefully at the age of 84. Ernest was born on November 23, 1935, in East Bernard, Texas. He was one of ten children born to John and Marie Mazoch Laitkep. He was married to Delores Ann Dornak, and they raised three sons, Chris, Kevin, and Gary, and a daughter, Kim. Ernest graduated from East Bernard High School and later served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Chinon, France. On February 6, 1960, he married Delores and loved her for the next 60 years. They resided in Houston, Texas, for 20 years and Pearland, Texas, for the last 40 years. Ernest worked for Industrial Casting in Houston and retired from Texaco after driving for 40 years. Ernest was an active member of St. Helen’s and St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. He was a member of the K.J.T. and Polka Lovers Klub of America, and he became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1959. He was a member of councils #4577 and #8960, where he was an Honorary Life member and a Sir Knight in the Fourth Degree. Even though Ernest spent his off days working a second job, he would still find time to volunteer. Ernest loved to cook and could always be found manning the pit at family reunions, church bazaars, Knights of Columbus functions, and Boy Scout fundraisers. Ernest found joy in spending much of his free time with his children and grandchildren—he never missed one of their events. Ernest was known for his big heart and sense of humor. He loved to dance with his wife, play dominoes, watch UH, UT, and Houston sports, and camp with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Delores, who he took care of until his last breath; his four children: Chris and wife Donna, Kevin and wife Jo Ann, Gary and girlfriend Cathy Burt, Kim Tiller and husband Clay; his granddaughters: Katie and Kailey; his grandsons: Trey, Zachary and fiancée Jennifer Pena, Matthew, and Michael; his great-granddaughter Sophia; his brothers: George, Johnny, Bernard and wife Linda, Anthony and wife Jeanette; Patrick and wife Clara, Frankie and wife Gertrude; his Dornak brother and sisters-in-laws, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ernest was preceded in death by his father John and his mother Marie; his father-in-law Tom Dornak and mother-in-law Annie; his brothers Charles and Michael, and his sister Mary Ann. Visitation is on Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 Broadway Street, Pearland, Texas. Visitation will also be at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Road, Pearland, Texas, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 22. Rosary is at 10:30 AM with Mass following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Serving as pallbearers for the service are Trey Laitkep, Zachary Laitkep, Michael Laitkep, Matthew Laitkep, Jason Laitkep, Steven Dornak, Jeff Dornak, and David Halata Jr.