SHINER: Michael Charles Miculka passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born November 17, 1947, in Shiner to the late Eugene and Rubye (Pulkrabek) Miculka.
Michael graduated from St. Paul High School and attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Michael married Betty Jean Kocian on December 28, 1968, in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner and they began their life journey together for the next 55 years until her passing on October 11, 2024. They lived in San Antonio for a short while, but later moved to Houston, where they raised their three children. Michael worked in the specialty gas industry for many years until he and Betty Jean retired to their beloved Shiner in 2014. After retiring, Michael worked part time at the Spoetzl Brewery as a tour guide which he enjoyed very much.
Michael’s father died when he was only 10 years old, but his grandfather, Pop Frank, took him under his wing and the two became very close. He grew up at Pop Frank’s café in Yoakum where he learned to become a pretty darn good cook. He was not one to talk about his faith much, but up until recently, as long as he was able, he knelt down each night in prayer. His children remember him teaching them the Now I Lay Me and Angel of God prayers at bedtime.
His grandchildren remember his sense of humor, his laugh, his perfectly manicured lawn, and how much he loved to read. The last book he read was Imagine Heaven by John Burke. He loved his family, children and grandchildren very much, but a close second was his faithful canine companion, Kitty, who was always by his side.
Survivors are his daughter, Stephanie Nevlud (Quentin) of Shiner; two sons, Sean Miculka (Missy) of Missoula, Montana and Joel Miculka (Donna) of Pasadena; eight grandchildren, Hannah, Lane, and Noah Nevlud, Rowan, Piper, Cayla and Morgan Miculka and bonus granddaughter, Alexis Ables; two sisters, Jeannie Hermes (Robert) of Yoakum and Mary Jo Renken of Victoria; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cynthia Kocian, Patrick Kocian (Debbie), Marilyn Jahn (Daniel), Carolyn Hewig, Rose Ann Raab (Allen), Pam O’Connor (Scott), Bobby Kocian and Evelyn Miculka, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene Miculka and Rubye Miculka Cimrhanzel; wife, Betty Jean (Kocian) Miculka; brother, Jimmy Miculka; mother and father-in-law, Ben G. and Betty Kocian; brother-in-law, Ben Kocian and nephew, Dale Kocian.
Rosary at 11:00 a.m. with Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m., September 5, 2025, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with Rev. Jacob Mendoza officiating. Burial to follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.