SHINER: Alfred “Fred” Alvin Chumchal, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 at his home at the age of 92, due to heart failure. He was born October 21, 1932, in Gonzales to John Anton and Christina (Slovacek) Chumchal. He completed the 8th grade at Kokernot School before returning home to help his aging parents with chores, egg picking, cotton, making molasses and feeding the animals.
Fred married Ida “Puppe” Louise Schierschwitz on June 21, 1955, in the Shiner Lutheran Church, the second marriage to be performed in the then “new” church. Together they were blessed with three daughters, Faith Ann, Hope Diane and Charity JoAnn. Puppe succumbed to colon cancer in 1985. Later, Fred entered into a committed relationship with Virgie (Shulak) Barta on July 24, 1989, and with Virgie came four daughters, Connie, Tammy, Bridgette and Bernadette. Virgie succumbed to cancer in 2024.
Fred’s career began at TexTan in Yoakum, where he worked for about 13 years in various positions. On weekends, he worked maintenance at the Shiner Nursing Home and eventually left TexTan to become the maintenance supervisor at the Nursing Home, where he was known for his many skills, van driver, barbecue master, and fixer of all things broken. Fred’s dedication kept him at the nursing home for 27 years until his retirement in 1992. Even in retirement, Fred remained active, using his commercial driver’s license to continue serving the community by driving the ambulance for Shiner Emergency Services and delivering Meals on Wheels throughout Lavaca County, where he enjoyed meeting and visiting new friends.
Fred’s charm was legendary. Known as a “charmer” by all who met him, especially women, he had an uncanny ability to make others feel special. His quick wit, warm smile, and effortless charisma lit up every room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His playful humor, heartfelt conversations, and knack for remembering the little details about people endeared him to all. Fred’s passions included cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, gardening, and barbecuing, especially his famous chicken, for which he shared his sop recipe with many. He enjoyed country drives to check on oil wells, cattle, and fields. His nightly ritual of half a can of Seagram’s Jamaican Me Happy brought him quiet joy. Fred’s sense of humor remained intact throughout his life, evidenced by his love of lighthearted jokes, including his infamous farting Santa doll.
He is survived by his daughters, Faith Darilek (Ron) of Shiner, Hope Baron (Senen) of Houston, Charity Kneifel (Byron) of Dripping Springs and Virgie’s daughters, Connie Komoll (William) of Gonzales, Tammy Tatum (Heath) of Kyle, Bridgette Heiman (Dave Petteys) of Shiner and Bernadette Hodges of Shiner; grandchildren, Nolan Darilek of Austin, Johanna Darilek of Clear Lake, Sierra Kneifel-Sohutskay (David) of Minnesota, as well as Virgie’s grandchildren, Brittany Tousek, Justin Komoll, Taylor, Tyler and Ryan Tatom, Harley Petteys and Bradon, Clayton and Gracie Baker. He is also survived by cherished friends and neighbors including Debra Calhoun, Lillie Krebs and Joe Mesa.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his two wives, son-in-law, Jeff Hodges; and his siblings: John, Joseph (Christine Rebecek), Genevieve (Elwood Smith), Albert (Mary Picha), William, Louis (Filomena Polasek), Julius (Margaret Zbranek), Bettie (Benny Vavricka), Richard (Evelyn Fehner), Edwin (Gladys Seidenberger), Edna (Robert Peterek), Isabella (Adolph Schaefer), Rosie (Johnnie Hundl), and Felix (Jeanette Boedeker). He was the last surviving child of John and Christina Chumchal’s 15 children.
Burial at Shiner Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ron Darilek, Nolan Darilek, Senen Baron, Byron Kneifel, Kenny Chumchal and John Hundl.
Honorary pallbearers are Victor Chumchal, Joe Mesa, Elvis Brooks, Lillie and Brandy and all the caregivers and Crown Hospice team who cared for him.
Memorials may be given to Crown Hospice or charity of your choice.
Fred will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend who lived life with a kind heart and open hand. His life’s work was centered on making the world a better place, one kind gesture at a time. The family appreciates all the loving care and support offered to Fred on his journey through his life.