John Foster Ondrusek

July 16,1951 - June 17,2025

John was born to John Ondrusek and Mildred (Foster) Ondrusek-Livingston in Rosenberg, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Michael Ondrusek, Aunt Josephine Murray and granddaughter Emmy Groce.

John is survived by his loving wife (Mary) Anne Vickers Ondrusek, daughter Heather Ondrusek Tavary and son-in-law Tony Tavary; stepsons Jason Groce, Travis Locke and stepdaughter Tamara Fleckenstine. He was blessed with nine grandchildren to include Alexandria Groce, Morgan Fleckenstine, Jordan Albers Chapman (husband –James), Taylor Fleckenstine, Joseph Foster Tavary, Patrick Tavary and Andy Tavary. He cherished his great-granddaughters Coraline Chapman, and Marceline Chapman. He had one nephew Micheal Ondrusek, and cousins Keller and Hollis Murray.

“Between the date when we arrive and the date we go away, there exists a horizontal line – that captures every single day”

John loved his family and friends. His grandchildren referred to his as Poppy and his friends just referred to him as John O. His smile was infectious and his laugh unforgettable.

John achieved the level of Eagle Scout and believed integrity of a man was above all. John graduated in the class of 69’ Lamar Consolidated High School, Rosenberg, TX. He was a friend to all. He attended Southwestern University, Georgetown.

In the words of brother, Eric Harpst; “John was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was initiated into the Iota Chapter in 1970 at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Tx. He was president to one of the most degenerative pledge classes to have ever gone through the Iota Chapter. John was destined to leave a legacy. His gumbo that he and Brother Bill Rives concocted at a fraternity event is remembered by all to be one of the worst gumbos ever produced. EVER. He served as chairman for Iota’s historic Centennial in 1986 and was instrumental in its planning and successful execution, earning him prestigious Centennial Service Award.”

In the words of daughter, Heather Tavary; “Dad always said that I was the best birthday gift he ever received. As hard as Dad worked, he was always home for dinner and tucked me in with bedside story. He loved to play practical jokes and is partly responsible for my sense of humor. I remember the things he participated in like being Santa’s helper at Christmas, Dracula, and for the Halloween fun house at La Petite Academy. He was president of the Carmichael Elementary PTA, and Girl Scout Troop 3232 dad. Dad received many hot glue gun burns by helping with craft projects for the Father Daughter Dances. Daddy coached basketball for the local Special Olympic team. I grew up with his sound advice and his hugs which I will greatly miss.

John married Mary Anne (Vickers) Ondrusek on May 4th, 1995. This was the second marriage for both, and families combined. Within their thirty years of marriage, they experienced life, love and faith together. John was a Believer and Powerful Man of Faith. He never forgot who His Father was. He would pass out coins that stated, “Put on the Armor of God”.

John became ill after his second Moderna vaccine, which started a progression of multiple types of disease states. Over a three-year period, he perplexed the best of physicians in all specialty fields. Through many hospitalizations, procedures and infections he could not bear the thought of leaving his wife and family. As Dr. Kai Dinh (pulmonologist) wrote, “John’s faith is strong and his love for you is timeless. I’ve always admired the way he talks about you, appreciates you, and adores you.”

John filled his DASH with honor, integrity and love for all he touched. Job Well Done My Son

John’s funeral will be July 9, 2025 at 1pm Calvary Episcopal Church                             806 Thompson Rd                               Richmond, TX 77469

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