1939 — 2023

Bernice Stolarski passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the age of 84 with family surrounding her.

Bernice Bures Stolarski was born in Sealy, Texas, Sept. 17, 1939, to parents Frank and Annie Anderle Bures.

She attended Sealy schools and Blinn College and worked for the Department of Public Welfare in Brenham before marrying her high school sweetheart, Benjamin (Bennie) Stolarski, Nov. 20, 1960, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy. Bernice and Bennie lived in Houston for 15 years where she worked for the Texas Department of Transportation and welcomed their three daughters before returning to Sealy to raise their family. Bernice worked at Schier Feed/Sealy Oil Mill as a bookkeeper and then Stewart & Stevenson in Accounts Payable before retiring in 2005.

Bernice was a loving and involved Mom attending numerous volleyball and basketball games, tennis tournaments, and football games to watch her daughters march in the band. She loved to cook and bake and helped her daughters with 4-H baking and sewing projects and even helped them raise rabbits to show at the Austin County Fair.

In retirement, Bernice and Bennie were busy working on the family farm, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren, playing cards and dominoes, dancing and traveling. She was involved with several church and local organizations including the Catholic Daughters, Altar Society, KJT, KJZT, SPJST and Woodmen Life where she served as the Secretary for many of these organizations. She also helped her husband with KC events including bingo, fish fry nights, and coordinating polka fests.

Polka dancing was Bernice & Bennie’s favorite pastime. They loved to dance. If there was a dance anywhere in the surrounding communities, they were there. They were members of the Polka Lovers Klub of America and proudly wore their red and white to dances. They served as Prince and Princess in 2007.

Their signature smooth dancing style can still be seen on reruns of Molly B and the Big Joe Polka Show. Bernice also served on the Board of the Lions Sealy Dance Club promoting and advertising their monthly dances. When Bernice and Bennie could no longer dance, they enjoyed listening to the music and visiting with friends.

Bernice is survived by her husband of almost 63 years, Benjamin Stolarski. Her three daughters, Patrice and Paul Vacek of East Bernard, Sharon Stolarski and Aimee Hoffman of Katy, and Lanette and Scott Earnest of Pearland. Her 4 grandchildren, Meagan Vacek of Kansas City, Missouri, Jacob Vacek of Spring, and Nicole Earnest and Zachary Earnest of Pearland. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Pat Stolarski of Sugar Land, Richard and Pam Stolarski of Flatonia, and Betty Stolarski of Schulenburg, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernice is preceded in death by two infant sisters and her parents, Frank, and Annie Bures.

Bernice’s family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel, Sealy.