Anton J. Strzelczyk, known to many as 'Buster', was born on January 7, 1931, to Joesph Strzelczyk and Clara Josephine Ploch Strzelczyk, in the backdrop of the Great Depression.  His father suffered life threatening injuries in WW1, his mother enlisted Buster at an early age to help raise the younger three of six children in the family.  Buster would wake and feed the little ones while his mother picked cotton, then he and his mother would switch roles and he'd go pick a sack of cotton, all before school.   These life lessons helped build a strong foundation for Buster's role as he became a primary caretaker in his children's lives and those who followed after them.

At 17 years old, no more than just a child, Buster enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country in the Korean War.  His first tour was as a gunner aboard the USS Cowell, a navy destroyer.    His time spent in Korea made him realize that although he himself came from humble means, he was truly blessed as he watched an impoverished nation beg and steal for their basic needs.  He told us often about the little children in Korea who would pick up a dirty piece of bread off the ground, and be thankful for it.  Through him, us kids learned that wastefulness was a sin, and that no matter how bad you believe your circumstances are, be thankful for what you do have, because there is always someone, somewhere, worse off than you.

Buster arrived back state side and married the love of his life, Miss Betty Jean Haecker.  Together they traveled across this great State of Texas, working the natural gas industry, and raising 4 kids who became, and remained, the center of his life for over 70 years.

He worked his way up the natural gas business and eventually became a superintendent for pipeline for the entire South Texas area for Coastal States and then Valero.  Although he was always proud to work for his employers, he never became proud or boastful about his own accomplishments.  And there were many.  Instead, he carried on in a private and humble manner, providing a quiet assurance and confidence that guided not only his children, but all those who knew him, and worked with him, to believe that your dreams will come true to the extent you work for them.

Buster never met a stranger.  He wouldn't brag that he knew 'important people.'  He delighted in knowing the waitresses at the Hungry Hobo, the gas station attendants, the friends and families of his children, and all the other common folks he met along the endless miles he drove.  There wasn't a paved or dirt road in this state that he didn't know by number.  If you traveled anywhere with the man, you might as well let him drive because he would tell you every left turn, right turn, or lane you needed to be in ten miles ahead of time.   He was the original google maps.

He loved his family, no doubt, and found his greatest joy in remaining close to each of them, no matter the miles between.  He also loved and appreciated the great outdoor world our Father in Heaven created here on earth.  He rarely missed an opportunity to throw or set a line in a tank or lake or the Texas gulf.  Some of the greatest times of his life were spent with family and friends hunting deer, elk, pheasant, and dove.  Ask anyone who knew him, and they would tell you he was welcome not only to go along for a hunt, but to sit up front, shotgun, directing the way.

He was a kind and generous man, always happy, always ready to help, always eager to learn what was happening in the lives of those he loved.  He was that man who came to your rescue, before you even had to call.   The door at Bobolink was always open, no one ever knocked, and there was always something cooking on the stove or on the pit.  You would never leave his home hungry or empty handed.   In truth, he was a guardian to many, a ray of sunshine on a dreary day, and by far the wisest and funniest man in any room on any given day.

Anton was predeceased by his parents; his wife Betty Haecker Strzelczyk in August 2025, his siblings Loly Bednorz, Theofil Strzelczyk, Joseph  Strzelczyk, Jr., Rosemary Appelt, and Gilbert Strzelczyk; his son-in-law Grady James; his sister Loly's children and grandchild; and numerous Haecker in-laws, all of whom he loved and adored.

Anton is survived by his children Robert Strzelczyk, Michael (Cerise)Strzelczyk, Carrie James, Laurie (Donnie) Garrison; grandchildren Greg (Alecea Pohler) Strzelczyk, Timothy (Stephanie Hoffer) Sisak; Kristina Sisak; Justen Strzelczyk; and Jenna (Erik) Engbrock; great-grandchildren Avery and Peyton Sisak, Emory Weinman, Colby and Harper Strzelczyk, and Ellie Jane and Easton Engbrock; numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.

A Visitation will be held from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, 189 N. Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

A Rosary will be Recited at 1:30 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, followed by a Mass at 2:00 PM to be Celebrated at The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 14011 FM 1346, St. Hedwig, Texas 78152.  A Procession will follow for burial to the Redeemer United Church of Christ Cemetery,7415 Gin Road, Marion (Zuehl), Texas 78124.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com