ALBERT HENRY KORENEK

1930-2021

Albert Henry Korenek “The Tree Man”, went peacefully to the Lord on April 14, 2021. He was at home surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and grandson. He was 91. Albert was born on a farm in Danbury, TX, April 9, 1930. After losing both parents at a young age, he was raised by his eldest brother, Antone, and sister-in-law, Edith. He was a 1948 graduate of Angleton High School where he played football and was a member of the Yearbook Editorial Staff. A football scholarship allowed him to play proudly for the University of Houston Cougars. He graduated with a bachelors’ degree in business administration in 1952. Following graduation, he was called from the Naval Reserves to active duty during the Korean War. He was stationed in Washington D.C. He played on the Navy football team before being honorably discharged. Upon returning to Houston, he began his career at Transcontinental Gas, but his entrepreneurial spirit was calling him to greater heights. He left Transco to join the USPS as a rural mail carrier in Brazoria County. It was during that time he was able to pursue two of his passions – large machinery and tree preservation. Combining those two led to the development of the “Texas Tree Shovel”, a large piece of hydraulic equipment used to safely transplant trees. All hydraulic tree spades manufactured today derive their basic concept from his original patent which contributed to the creation of a new industry. He was the Founder and President of Instant Shade Trees, Inc. and Mobile Trees, Inc. His passion for work was surpassed only by his love of family. He married his one and only sweetheart, Doris Mae Kunetka in 1953. In 1955, they welcomed their only son, Mark Edward. In 1966 and 1968, they adopted Carmell and Stephanie. Al contributed his successes to his strong Catholic faith. He was a member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Missouri City, TX, and had been a long-time member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Manvel, TX. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Mark, his parents, Emil Robert and Mary Kallus Korenek, siblings Antone Korenek, Josephine Siegel, Anna Klevar, John Korenek, Frank Korenek, Laddie Korenek, Fred Korenek and nephew Leonard Korenek. He is survived by his adoring wife of over 67 years, Doris, daughter Carmell Zvonek and husband Thomas, grandchildren Harrison and his fiancé, Sierra Shrode, Katie, and Colton, all of Missouri City, TX, daughter Stephanie Korenek Wolford and husband Carl of Beaumont, TX, his children Stuart Wolford and wife Melinda, Julie Smith, Abby Wolford, their grandchildren Keegan, Kiralee and Keely Wolford and Dallas Smith. He is also survived by numerous extended family including nephews, Arnold Korenek and Ken Korenek, and niece Alice Malek. Visitation, Reception, and Rosary service will be held on April 22, 2021, 4:00pm-7:00pm at The Settegast-Kopf Company @ Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX. Funeral Service will be held on April 23, 2021 at 11:30 am at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 9009 Sienna Ranch Road, Missouri City, TX. Committal Service will be held on April 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, 10th Street and Avenue F, Danbury, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree, anywhere. Nothing would honor him more than continuing a cause he was so passionate about. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Francis Fakolade of Vitas Healthcare. He came into our lives ever so briefly but made a huge impact. God truly hand picks hospice nurses.