SHINER—Otto Robert Koliba Jr., 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Born in Yoakum on December 10, 1955, he was the only son of Otto Robert Koliba Sr. and Marie (Malinovsky) Koliba.
Otto was raised on the Koliba family homestead, where he learned the value of hard work and the joy of the outdoors—hunting and fishing alongside his father. The family cultivated corn, milo, and cotton, and Otto’s early years were shaped by faith, service, and community. He served as an altar boy at St. Ann Catholic Church and attended St. Joe’s Catholic School through eighth grade.
As a teenager, Otto helped run Koliba Grocery in Petersville after his parents purchased the store. Following the early passing of his father, Otto left Yoakum High School to support his family, beginning a lifelong career marked by grit and versatility. He drilled water wells for Friedel Drilling, worked offshore in the oil fields, and later served with Welltec, Schaefer Well Service, and Shell. He operated heavy equipment with skill and pride and found joy in clearing land and tending to the earth.
Otto married the love of his life, Barbara Berckenhoff, and together they built a life of devotion and shared dreams over 42 years. His work included roles as an electrician at Kaspar Wireworks and K. Spoetzl Brewery, and later with DeWitt County building roads until his retirement.
Otto was known for his gentle spirit, quick wit, and ability to make anyone feel like a friend. He found peace fishing at his Rivercrest place on the Guadalupe—where he once reeled in an 81-pound catch—and treasured hunting trips to Colorado and beach vacations with family. He raised cattle, rode his mule, and loved cooking stews and barbecue surrounded by loved ones. Above all, he cherished his grandson, Rylan Brown, who brought him immeasurable joy.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Koliba of Shiner; daughter, Sara Brown (Dustin) of Dripping Springs; son, Otto Koliba II (Caitlin) of Hope; grandson, Rylan Brown; sisters Bonnie Moeller (John) of Shiner, Willa Mae Zimmerman (Harry) of Cuero, and Lana Fellers (Clint) of Cuero; and his in-laws, Annie Mae and Robert Berckenhoff of Moulton. He also leaves behind a large circle of extended family and friends who will miss his laughter and kindness.
Otto was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eva Jo Aschen; grandparents George and Anna Koliba, and Paul and Beatrice Malinovsky; and nephew, Trent Roznovsky.
Pallbearers: Mike Chilek, Mark Drozd, R. Greyson Aschen, Russell Molinovsky, Dillion Berckenhoff, Dennis Rodriguez, Ronald Berckenhoff
Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Lee Berckenhoff, Ronnie Roznovsky, Phillip Gardovsky, Johnny Moeller
Visitation will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Jacob Mendoza. Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery in Petersville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church or Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.