Viola "Ollie" Haikenwaelder

Viola "Ollie" Haikenwaelder, a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished member of the Moulton community, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on June 7, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on October 27, 1935, Ollie was the beloved daughter of Emil and Carrie Provazek Kresta.

Ollie's life was marked by dedication both in her personal and professional pursuits. Over the years, she held several jobs, notably contributing her skills in making electrical panels at General Electric. For a period, she also ran Gus’s Place, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and connection to the community.

Known for her generous and nurturing nature, Ollie was a passionate quilter and baker. Her quilts, created with love and care, were treasured gifts to her family and symbols of her devotion. She also generously donated quilts each year to the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church picnic and the Kresta reunion, reflecting her commitment to family traditions and community events. Beyond quilting, Ollie was an exceptional baker, delighting family and friends with kolaches, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies, and pies. Her hospitality was legendary; visitors were always welcomed with a loaf of homemade bread and a comforting pot of chicken noodle soup.

In her personal life, Ollie married Alfred Haikenwaelder on October 15, 1953. Together they raised two sons: Kenneth Haikenwaelder, who preceded her in death, wife Kathy, and Donald Haikenwaelder ,wife Dawne. Ollie was blessed with three grandchildren: Jason Haikenwaelder, married to Amy; Renee Haikenwaelder Garza, married to John; and Cliff Haikenwaelder, married to Amber. Her legacy extends to six great-grandchildren: Abigail, Stephen and Joseph Haikenwaelder; Joshua and Jonah Garza; and Travis Haikenwaelder, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Ollie was also preceded in death by her parents Emil and Carrie Kresta, her husband Alfred, her son Kenneth, and her siblings Victor Kresta, Lillian Hartman, Leonita Sovadina, and Johnny Kresta.

The family will honor Ollie’s memory with a visitation on June 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home in Moulton, Texas, located at 404 West Bobkat Street. A Mass celebrating her life will be held on June 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 601 N Pecan St, Moulton, Texas.

Viola "Ollie" Haikenwaelder’s life was one of loving service, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and generosity that will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.