Amanda Shimota

Amanda A. Shimota, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Amanda was born on April 20, 1934, in New Prague, to Sigmund and Anna (Schommer) Schmitz. She attended elementary school in St. Benedict and graduated from New Prague High School. She met her future husband at a dance in Jordan and married Charles J. Shimota on October 20, 1951, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. She enthusiastically embraced her life as a farm wife, enjoying all aspects of farming and raising her four children in that environment. After retiring from the farm and moving into town, she and Charles enjoyed working at Mystic Lake. Her love of people made her a perfect fit as a coat check, greeting and making visitors feel welcome.

Her faith was an integral part of Amanda’s life. She was a dedicated member of the Altar Society at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and modeled her faith for her children by carrying that devotion into her home, posting prayers inside her cupboards, and saying the prayers in her devotional faithfully every morning and evening. She characterized the virtues of faith, hope, and love and for her the greatest of these truly was love. Always patient, always kind, Amanda made her family the center of her life. She enjoyed a good time and was always up for a good game of cards, whether it be Euchre, Sheephead, or 31. She was a member of card clubs for close to 60 years! In the quiet times of solitude, she thoroughly enjoyed crocheting, gifting her family with many afghans. Her gentle smile, the light that lit up her eyes, and her positive outlook on life left a lasting legacy with her family.

Amanda is survived by her children, Mary Jo (Gary “Toby”) Turek of Veseli, Charles F. (Eileen) Shimota of Veseli, Gary A. (Donna) Shimota of Veseli; son-in-law, Bob Trnka of Montgomery; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles on December 17, 1994; daughter, Sandy Trnka; brothers, Clarence, Jerome, Erwin, LeRoy, Ralph, & Milo; sister, Lavina Dohmen Svihel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli with Father John Lapensky officiating. Visitation will take place Monday, the 16th, from 4-7 PM and Tuesday morning from 7:30 – 10:15 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. John’s Cemetery in Veseli followed by lunch at the KC Hall in New Prague.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to the staff at Mala Strana and St. Croix Hospice for their dedicated service.