Obituaries for Austin County, Texas
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Zapalac, Frank W. (1927-2014)
Bellville Times
Frank W. Zapalac, age 86, passed away on Jan. 28, 2014.
He was born in Bellville on March 27, 1927 to his parents, V. R. and Louise Zapalac. He was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He graduated from Bellville High School in 1944, where he played football and other athletics. He attended S. H. S. U., but then returned to Bellville to join his father in business, Zapalac’s Market and Lockers. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeniva Schneider.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Willie and sister, Clara.
He is survived by his wife, Jeniva; sons, Frank Zapalac, Jr. and wife, Gloria, Greg Zapalac and wife, Gwen, Rodney Zapalac and wife, Gwen; grandchildren, Brian Zapalac and wife, Kathy, Kristin Erwin and husband, Hunter, Mark Zapalac and wife, Sarah, Justin Zapalac, Amanda Zapalac and fiancé, Chad Luedke; great-grandchildren, Eldon Zapalac, Finn Erwin and Scout Erwin. He is also survived by sister, Lillie Patton, sister-in-law, Dorothy Zapalac, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation was 10 a.m. until service time on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel, 842 E. Main St., Bellville.
Funeral Service was at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel, 842, E. Main St., Bellville.
Fr. Tom Wallace officiatied.
Interment was at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Bellville.
Memorial gifts may be made to: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 N. Masonic, Bellville, TX 77418; Animal Friends Shelter, P.O. Box 615, Bellville, TX 77418.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel – Bellville. www.knesekfuneralhome.com
Posted by Joy Neely
Zapalac, Louis Joseph, Jr. (1930-2024)
Louis Zapalac died peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 94, in Sealy, Texas. He was born on March 7, 1930, the son of longtime Sealy residents Louis and Julia Zapalac.
As a young child, Louis spoke Czech at home. He began learning English when he started Catholic school at five. Remarkably, he entered Sealy High School at the age of twelve. Louis excelled in academics, football, basketball, and tennis. When not in school, he worked long hours at his grandfather’s cotton gin and went duck hunting whenever possible. Upon graduation in 1946, he attended Tarleton State Junior College in Stephenville, Texas, where he initially studied petroleum engineering and played collegiate football.
In 1948, Louis enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served four years on active duty, primarily at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, first as a radio operator, then as a draftsman, and finally as the ammunition depot manager. He separated from the service in 1952 with the rank of Sergeant.
After returning to Sealy in 1952, Louis worked with his father in the family five-and-dime business. He eventually took over the store and ran it successfully until his retirement. Louis continued his love of hunting throughout his working years, sharing many fun stories of going to deer camp with friends and family. Upon retirement, Louis became a skilled woodworking craftsman. Most notably, he built birdhouses and replicas of prominent landmarks, such as the dance halls in the area.
Louis was a lifelong member of Sealy’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a follower of Jesus, he loved his neighbor and was known for his exceptional kindness.
In one of his journals, Louis shares the story of running a tennis league in 1952 at the Sealy public courts. There, a young lady caught his eye—Carolyn Krampitz. He eventually gained the courage to ask her out on a date. After a few years of courtship, they were married on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955. They shared a wonderful marriage of sixty-five years until Carolyn’s passing in 2020. They were the proud parents of three children: Brian, Steve, and Beverly (all graduates of the University of Texas).
Louis is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carolyn. Sadly, their son Brian passed away in 2006 from cancer at the age of 49.
He is survived by his brothers, James and Leroy Zapalac; his son, Steve Zapalac, and his wife, Kim; his daughter, Beverly Bell, and her husband, Kirk; and Brian’s wife, Jamie Zapalac. Grandchildren: Stacy Okonski and her husband, Daryl; Leslie Anderson and her husband, Brent; Keith Zapalac and his wife, Dana; Jordan Zapalac; Brady Zapalac and his wife, Sarah; Jeff Bell; Carrie Bell; and Emily Bell. Great-grandchildren: Brandt, Ally, and Tyler (Stacy’s family); Andie, Ford, and Shep (Leslie’s family); Brian, Beau, and Austyn (Keith’s family); and Hudson (Jeff’s son).
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Louis and Carolyn’s caregivers for their exceptional care and support over the past six years.
Papa was a remarkable man whose love for his family knew no bounds. He was a role model, embodying wisdom, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those he cherished. His stories taught valuable lessons about life and the importance of friendship and family. Papa’s sense of humor was a bright light in our lives. His legacy will live on in our hearts, reminding us to honor and cherish one another as he did through his extraordinary life.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 Fourth St., Sealy, TX. The Mass will begin at noon, and interment will follow at the Catholic church cemetery, 811 Main St., Sealy, TX.
Zettel, Willie Eddie (1912-1979)
Herald Coaster, November 8, 1979:
Funeral services for Willie E. Zettel, 67, of Needville, were held at 2 p.m. today at the Pete E. Ettlinger Funeral Home in Bellville. Burial was in the National Cemetery in Nelsonville, with the Rev. Gordon Hejl officiating.
Zettel died at his residence on Nov. 6. A native of Nelsonville, he had lived in Needville a number of years. He was retired in 1973 after 30 years with Mosher Steel Co. in Houston.
Survivors include a sister, Frances Hegemeyer of Bellville, and two brothers, Joseph Zettel of Bellville and Alfred Zettel of Industry.
Page Last Updated: 20 November 2024
