Message from
Stevan Kukic
Sat, 07/31/2021
My uncle was a wise, good man who contributed much to humankind. He was a true scientist with a large heart.
In Memory of
David Trkula
Dragon “David” Trkula, 93, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on July 25, 2021, in Houston, Texas. He was at home with his family and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Also known as “Zach” he was born on August 19, 1927 in Patton Township “Adderly”, Pennsylvania to Milos “Mike” of Brezova Glava, Croatia (Austria) and Draginja “Dorothy” (Macut) Trkulja of Cerovac, Croatia (Austria).
David graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1944. He was president of his class, editor of the yearbook, in the senior class play, and “handsome.” “Our President, Dave, would always fight, sticking up for a student’s right.” He continued his studies at the University of Pittsburgh earning a Bachelor of Science in 1949, a Master of Science in 1955 and a PHD in Biochemical Virology in 1959. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army at Fort George G Meade, Maryland. David was an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, 1957-1959. He was an assistant biophysicist at MD Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas, 1959-1961. David returned to Maryland and was a Physicist in the US ArmyBiological Laboratories at Fort Detrick, 1961-1968. He continued research as an Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, 1968-1985. He was a Grantee of the Welch Foundation, 1974-1977 and the National Institutes of Health, 1982-1985.
Those who knew David remember him faithfully taking care of and repairing his 1980 Chevy Citation until it met its demise one day when the engine caught fire in the garage. He loved animals. His first pet was “Gil” when David was five years old. He was known to his beloved dachshunds as the one who gave the best belly-rubs. He enjoyed studying and reading outside while his dachshunds lolled under his chair. He kept his mind sharp solving crossword puzzles and listening to classical music. David “got it right” the first time when he married Eleanor June Uhrrecht on November 20, 1954 at St. Nicholas Church in Wilmerding, PA. They were married 67 years and had three children. David took great care of everything and everybody in his life, always asking, “What can I do for you?” He would say “Hugs and Kisses” instead of goodbye. He is now taking care of all his loved ones in Heaven, and who knows, maybe even that Chevy Citation! David was a treasured friend and family member as his nephew Stevan Kukic, exclaimed, “What a life!”
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helena T. Kukic, and one son David Allen Trkula and many other family members and friends.
Forever loving him in this life are his wife Eleanor Trkula, son Todd Max Trkula, and daughter Carol Lynn Clayton (Trkula).
A private service is scheduled at Houston National Cemetery.
Many of you have reached out asking what you can do for the family during this time. Dave loved animals. You may feel you want to donate to Special Pals or the SPCA in memory of Dave. Written memories, cards, flowers, donations to funeral funds can be mailed to:
Carol Clayton
2601 Bellefontaine C314
Houston, Texas 77025
Anything you would like to give in memory of Dave is appreciated.
Hugs and Kisses!
Services
In Memory of
David Trkula
Dragon “David” Trkula, 93, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on July 25, 2021, in Houston, Texas. He was at home with his family and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Also known as “Zach” he was born on August 19, 1927 in Patton Township “Adderly”, Pennsylvania to Milos “Mike” of Brezova Glava, Croatia (Austria) and Draginja “Dorothy” (Macut) Trkulja of Cerovac, Croatia (Austria).
David graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1944. He was president of his class, editor of the yearbook, in the senior class play, and “handsome.” “Our President, Dave, would always fight, sticking up for a student’s right.” He continued his studies at the University of Pittsburgh earning a Bachelor of Science in 1949, a Master of Science in 1955 and a PHD in Biochemical Virology in 1959. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army at Fort George G Meade, Maryland. David was an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, 1957-1959. He was an assistant biophysicist at MD Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas, 1959-1961. David returned to Maryland and was a Physicist in the US ArmyBiological Laboratories at Fort Detrick, 1961-1968. He continued research as an Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, 1968-1985. He was a Grantee of the Welch Foundation, 1974-1977 and the National Institutes of Health, 1982-1985.
Those who knew David remember him faithfully taking care of and repairing his 1980 Chevy Citation until it met its demise one day when the engine caught fire in the garage. He loved animals. His first pet was “Gil” when David was five years old. He was known to his beloved dachshunds as the one who gave the best belly-rubs. He enjoyed studying and reading outside while his dachshunds lolled under his chair. He kept his mind sharp solving crossword puzzles and listening to classical music. David “got it right” the first time when he married Eleanor June Uhrrecht on November 20, 1954 at St. Nicholas Church in Wilmerding, PA. They were married 67 years and had three children. David took great care of everything and everybody in his life, always asking, “What can I do for you?” He would say “Hugs and Kisses” instead of goodbye. He is now taking care of all his loved ones in Heaven, and who knows, maybe even that Chevy Citation! David was a treasured friend and family member as his nephew Stevan Kukic, exclaimed, “What a life!”
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helena T. Kukic, and one son David Allen Trkula and many other family members and friends.
Forever loving him in this life are his wife Eleanor Trkula, son Todd Max Trkula, and daughter Carol Lynn Clayton (Trkula).
A private service is scheduled at Houston National Cemetery.
Many of you have reached out asking what you can do for the family during this time. Dave loved animals. You may feel you want to donate to Special Pals or the SPCA in memory of Dave. Written memories, cards, flowers, donations to funeral funds can be mailed to:
Carol Clayton
2601 Bellefontaine C314
Houston, Texas 77025
Anything you would like to give in memory of Dave is appreciated.
Hugs and Kisses!
Charitable Donations may be made to:
Houston SPCA
900 Portway Drive,Houston,TX77024-8022. Website Link
Special Pals
3830 Greenhouse Road,Houston,77084. Website Link
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