Rev. Msgr. Isidore Rozycki

Reverend Monsignor Isidore Rozycki, age 82, of Axtell, Texas, passed away May 16, 2025, in West, Texas.

A Rosary, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, with Reverend Ed Karasek presiding. A meal will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West. Private burial will be held later at St. Martin's Cemetery.

Isidore Emil Rozycki was born July 25, 1942, in Bremond, Texas, to Emil Anton and Emily (Bartula) Rozycki. He attended elementary school at St. Mary's Catholic School and Bremond High School, where he played football and ran track. After graduation, he entered St. Mary's Seminary in Houston and was ordained a Catholic priest on May 18, 1968. Fr. Isidore faithfully served in the Diocese of Austin for 57 years, serving as parochial vicar at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Granger and St. Mary's in Waco. In 1976 he was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Dime Box and Holy Rosary Mission in Frenstat where he served for eleven years. In 1987 he became pastor of St. Martin Parish in Tours and St. Joseph Mission in Elk, where he served for 25 years until his retirement in 2012. He was named a "Chaplain to His Holiness," an honor that carries with it the title of monsignor, by Pope John Paul II in 2005; yet, he always preferred simply being called "Father Isidore." Father Isidore was outgoing and never met a stranger. He was a dedicated servant of God through his priesthood and brought countless people into the faith through his witness and own love of the Catholic Church. He was also active in the communities where he served and built relationships and friendships, including those of other faiths. Upon retirement he built a home in Axtell where he lived until his recent move to West Rest Haven. He continued his priestly ministry in his senior years, including ministering at St. Catherine Center Chapel, part of Ascension Providence until his health failed him.

Father Isidore was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ann Champion; and brother, Emil Alex "Jake" Rozycki.

He is survived by brother-in-law, Fred Champion of Broussard, LA; a sister-in-law, Deborah Trent Rozycki of Gordonville, TX; and nephews, Michael Champion and family of Carrollton, TX, Kristopher Champion and family of Duson, LA, and Nathan Champion of Waterloo, IA. He is also survived by many he considered family and countless friends, including parishioners and community members. We acknowledge and express gratitude to Randy White, his long-time friend and caregiver, especially her accompaniment in his senior years and declining health.

On behalf of Fr. Isidore, we express gratitude to the caregivers and staff at West Rest Haven for their care and companionship to Father Isidore, those who sent him cards, visited, and prayed for him in these last months, and the owners and staff of Aderhold Funeral Home who graciously spent time assisting him in planning for his funeral and for supporting him in his priestly ministry throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving a memorial donation to one of the following organizations that were special to Fr. Rozycki: St. Martin Cemetery Association, Leroy/Axtell Volunteer Fire Department, Pet Circle Regional Animal Center, or the charity of your choice.