Donna Gayle Kadlecek

Donna Gayle Kadlecek, 74, of Smithville, Texas, passed away on September 19, 2025, with the love of her life by her side. She was born on August 10, 1951, in Austin, Texas, to Bernice and Willie Darrell Behrend.

On August 23, 1969, Donna married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Kadlecek, and together, they built a family rooted in love and faith. Donna was a devoted wife, mother, “Mamaw”, and great grandmother whose greatest joy was watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild grow.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Willie Darrell Behrend, and her brother, Dale Behrend. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Daniel Kadlecek; daughter Dana Goertz and husband Pat; son Dusty Kadlecek and wife Codi; six grandchildren, Dylan (Marisa) Goertz, Kylie (Beau) Wood, Kinsey Goertz (Alston), and Stevi, Landri Gayle, and Dani Kadlecek; and one great-grandson, Waylon Daniel Wood. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Billy) Vydrzal, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Faith, family, and friends were the center of Donna's life. A lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church, she especially served on the Altar Guild and Bereavement Committee. She also volunteered with BAE in Smithville and at the Braille Workshop at Immanuel in Giddings, giving generously of her time to help children and families in the community. Always doing for others, she was happiest when she could lend a helping hand.

Donna also dedicated many years to the Smithville Jamboree, where she proudly served on committees and earned the honor of a lifetime Critter Pin—a recognition of her years of commitment and service to the community event she loved so much.

Over the years, Donna worked at Centex Marine, Smith Supply, local banks in town, and various other jobs. However, her greatest joy in life was caring for children and spending quality time with her family. She especially loved holidays, with Thanksgiving being her favorite tradition. Her annual celebration contained a multi-day event full of family, food, and laughter. She was also a proud Dallas Cowboys fan and never missed a chance to cheer them on.

Donna will be remembered as a kind, loving, and passionate woman who loved her family fiercely, welcomed everyone with open arms, and brought joy to every gathering. Her humor and fun-loving spirit will always be cherished by those who were honored to know her.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 in the evening at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, with Pastor David Woelmer officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.