Leo Mikeska

Leo George Mikeska 88, of Damon went to be with his Lord on September 14, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 3, 1928 in Seaton, TX to parents, J.J. Mikeska and Olga Motl Mikeska. Leo is one of 12 children born to J.J. and Olga, 6 boys and 6 girls

He attended Seaton School 1st-10th grade and graduated from Temple High School in 1945; Leo immediately joined the Army after high school where he served in WWII for two years; he then attended Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Agronomy Society and Crop Judging Team; he was awarded a National Individual Ranking in two different categories. Leo graduated from Texas A&M in 1951 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy and is still a member of Texas A&M Century Club. Once Leo graduated he started working for the Soil Conservation Service of the USDA in Abilene, Texas. He married Helen Bigon on August 25, 1951 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Temple, Texas then moved to Rosenberg, Texas in 1957. Once they relocated to this area, they purchased a 300 acre farm on the outskirts of Damon, Texas. After five years Leo and Helen fulfilled their dream to own an agricultural related business and purchased Damon Farm and Ranch in 1963.After purchasing "The Store" he decided to turn the business more towards farming and ranching rather than a lumber yard.

Leo was always driven by challenges and after pursuing multiple ideas in more diversified areas, he began farming cotton and ranching cattle which eventually led to raising and selling pigs for market. When Leo began contemplating retirement, he welcomed two sons-in-laws, a daughter and since 3 grandsons into the business. His two greatest achievements, in his eyes, was being one of the first to introduce Gulf Rye Grass and liquid fertilizer to the Gulf Coast Area. Leo has received awards from Nutrena, Purina Feeds, Pioneer Seed and VPG Chemicals. He has been a recipient of awards from Needville Youth Fair Annual Honoree, Fort Bend County 4H Hall of Fame and Needville FFA Honorary Member. He has volunteered for his local church, a member of the local water department board, member of the fire department, Lions Club, as well as a faithful supporter of the Fort Bend, Needville and Brazoria County Fair Auctions. He was instrumental in helping young farmers and ranchers in the area get established. Leo's words of wisdom for the younger generation is, short and simple: "Hard work + Long Hours+ Dedication= Success".

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Rhonda Bienek of Needville, Janice Teykl & husband, Kim of Needville & Jennifer Wieghat & husband, Tim of Damon; grandchildren: Chris & Marisa Bienek, Rian & Russell Vaughan, Kyle & Ashlie Bienek, Kristi & Chantz Klemstein, Klayton Teykl, Chance, Cierra Wieghat and Fiance Tony Rothman, and Cord Wieghat; great grandchildren, Kelsie Zwahr, Hunter Bienek, Rylie Bienek, Colt Klemstein, Hallie Bienek, & Marley Vaughan, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of many friends and one more due in February 2017.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Helen Ann Mikeska, siblings, Edward, Joe, Adela, Raymond, Annie, Frances, Teresa, Albert, Judy, Reuben and Betty.

Funeral services will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Damon. Burial will follow at Damon Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday evening September 16, 2016 at the Church from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Chris Bienek, Kyle Bienek, Klayton Teykl, Chance Wieghat, Cord Wieghat, Chantz Klemstein, Russell Vaughn and Tony Rothman.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the A&M Century Club, The Association of Former Students, 505 George Bush Dr. College Station, TX 77840-2918 or Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, P.O. Box 309, Damon, Texas 77430

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