The Patek Family Story:

The Patek family made the voyage from Netolice, Czechoslovakia and our Great-Grandpa John Patek, Sr. landed in Galveston in 1889.  His future wife, Veronika Mauric, was in America before John, arriving in 1888.  They married on October 24th, 1893 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, TX and settled on a farm to raise 6 sons: John Jr, Jim J., Charles, Laddie, Jerome and Joseph Thomas.  The brothers told stories of walking to school at St. Ludmila’s Academy and working the land to raise cotton, corn, and other crops that supported the family. 

Later, when the farm was given to 4 of the sons, Joseph did not receive any acreage.  So he moved to town as did his parents. In September of 1937, our grandpa, Joseph became the owner of the South End Filling Station in which he added a full line of groceries.  Then in May of 1939, he bought property across the street and moved his business to this location.  After a fire in 1947 a new larger building was built and named Patek’s Grocery, Market & Café. 

Joseph, married our grandma, Emily Lillian Novosad on May 21st, 1934 at Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.  They raised 7 children: 2 daughters and 5 sons.  All of the children worked at the store, from sweeping, checking out customers, offering well-stocked shelves of groceries, a large meat counter with Patek's Sausage, Weiners, etc. and customizing and processing half and whole calves cut for their customers’ freezers. After his wife passed, Great-Grandpa John lived with Joseph and Emily, and lived to be 83 years old.  

The Patek Brothers were also musically inclined and formed a band by bringing the Czech Polkas and Waltzs to America.  When Great-Grandpa John could no longer travel, he asked Joseph if he would continue with the band. Our grandpa Joseph kept his promise, traveling the state of Texas and playing at weddings and other special occasions, picnics, and week-end dances, until December 31, 1982.  At the Firemen’s Annual New Year’s Eve dance, the Joe Patek Orchestra played for the last time.  It was a night of cold and wet weather, yet hundreds of people filled the hall to witness the final dance played by the band.  There was hardly a dry eye in the dance hall as Joe Patek and his orchestra played their final number, “The Shiner Song”.  This musical heritage lives on through recordings of the music of the Joe Patek Orchestra.

Through the 40 years of his business career, Grandpa Joe worked diligently to continue the tradition of the band as well as building his business and raising his family.  Through his determination and hard work, he became a very successful businessman.  Grandma Emily was his always-loving wife, whose constant support and love provided such strength to her family.  Grandpa and Grandma passed on, but left an indelible mark on their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Family was so special and important to them.  They instilled in their family, the importance of their faith, of being kind to people, a good work ethic, of doing their best and being rewarded for their efforts. 

Several generations of the family have proudly served our customers over the years.  In the last several years, the tradition had been carried on by two of Joe and Emily’s sons, Bob Sr., and Paul Sr.  After the passing of Bob Sr., the store is now operated by Paul Sr. and Bob Jr. (a.k.a., “Little Bob”).  The family continues the tradition of friendly and helpful service to this day as grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Grandpa Joe and Grandma Emily continue to work at Patek’s Grocery and Market and Patek’s Shiner Smokehouse. 

Our family takes great pride in providing a quality product that is rich in tradition for you and your family.  We appreciate your business and if you are ever in the great town of Shiner, TX be sure to stop by and visit us. 

Click here to hear and purchase music from the Joe Patek Orchestra.