Johnny Emil Krenek

Johnny Emil Krenek, a beloved father, brother, and friend, left us on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Born on January 17, 1936, in Louise, Texas, to the late John V. Krenek and Teresa Kocurek Krenek.

Johnny was raised in Louise, and, after high school, served in the U.S. Army. Johnny married Gennivie Auer on August 25, 1962, in El Campo. They made their home in Boling, where they raised their three children, Karen, Donna, and Jennifer. He spent many years working for Texas Gulf Sulphur Company in Newgulf where his commitment to hard work earned him the respect and admiration of those around him.

His weekends were often filled with life's simple pleasures, which included cooking, gardening, hosting Bible study with his cherished friends, deer hunting, and watching old western movies. He was also a participant in ACTS retreats, nurturing his spiritual connection. He was well known for his exceptional cooking and barbecue sauce at St. Joseph's Picnics, where he brought joy and flavor to countless gatherings. Johnny often found joy with his family by going fishing at the Newgulf reservoir and barbecuing. He also enjoyed sharing vegetables from his garden with family and friends. He loved taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren donut holes and chocolate milk, creating treasured memories that they will carry with them always. Johnny and Gennivie had the honor of leading Grand Marches at countless weddings for family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gennivie Auer, sisters, Dorothy Fiala and Irene Bayer, and brothers-in-law, Clifton Bolf and Charlie Fiala. Johnny is survived by his daughters, Karen Kulak and husband, John David of Boling; Donna Leopold and husband, Glenn of Hallettsville; and Jennifer Binford and husband, Jason of Katy; sister, Evelyn Bolf; brother in law Raymond Bayer, grandchildren, Trey Kulak & Jose Musset, Tyler Kulak and wife, Larissa, Casey Jansky and husband, Stephen, Walker Leopold and wife, Ginny, Kaylee Binford and Nathan Binford; great grandchildren; Braighlynn Jansky, Cohen Kulak, Canton Kulak, Hudson Leopold and Piper Leopold along with many nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

Johnny's gentle spirit and the warmth of his love for family and friends will be profoundly missed, yet his legacy will continue to shine through the lives he touched.

Visitation will take place at Wharton Funeral Home on Friday, June 27, at 5:30 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Boling at 1:00 PM with Father Sam Appiasi officiating. The rite of committal and burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Trey Kulak, Tyler Kulak, Walker Leopold, Nathan Binford, Allen Auer, Alvin Bolf, Scott Simpson, and Trinity Kalmus. Honorary Pallbearers are Brandon Bolf, Phil Dellinger, Bruce Krenek, Cohen Kulak, Canton Kulak, Piper Leopold, Hudson Leopold, Braighlynn Jansky, Casey Jansky, and Kaylee Binford.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.