Henry Joseph Zapalac Sr. passed away on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at 12:10 a.m. at his home near Schulenburg after a battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill, followed by interment in the church cemetery. Officiating were Fr. Felix Twumasi and Msgr. Tim Kosler. Pallbearers were David Berckenhoff, Harvey Berckenhoff, Mason Florus and Charles Zapalac, nephews; and Marshall Herzik and Rodney Kalich, friends. Named as honorary pallbearers were his 10 grandchildren – Kylee Zapalac of Jourdanton; Kelli Zapalac of Canyon; Harly and Riley Zapalac of La Grange; Blaine, Landry, Kaleb, Kynslee and Reid Zapalac of Schulenburg; and Taylor Self of Moulton.
Lector was Ann Florus, and musicians were Dennis Stryk and Byron Wren. Altar servers were Mikayla Stang and Jamison Bennett.
Parish and Knights of Columbus rosary was said on Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the church, led by Ed Kusy.
Henry Joseph Zapalac Sr. was born on April 10, 1947 to Selven and Clara (Okruhlik) Zapalac. He attended St. Rose Catholic School. On Nov. 30, 1968, he married Betty Jean Raabe at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton. Henry and Betty started Grade B dairy farming in Freyburg, moved for a short time to La Grange, and returned to a newly built Grade A barn in Freyburg in November 1980. They raised dairy and beef cattle and also raised hay. He was a member of the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 2902 and Dairy Farmers of America (37 years). Henry enjoyed everything that had to do with and for his kids and grandkids; and he always had a smile.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Betty; children and grandchildren – Kimberly Zapalac of La Grange; Henry Zapalac Jr. and wife Megan and son Reid Zapalac of Schulenburg; Donald Zapalac and wife Melissa and children Blaine and Landry Zapalac of Schulenburg; Patrick Zapalac and wife Callene and children Kylee, Kelli, Harly and Riley of La Grange; Paul Zapalac and wife Amber and children Kaleb and Kynslee Zapalac of Schulenburg; and Paula Self and husband Scott and daughter Taylor Self of Moulton. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Agnes and Eddie Kosh of Moravia; brothers and sisters-in-law, Julius and Edith Zapalac of Muldoon, Herman and Irene Zapalac of Marlin, and Michael and Jennifer Zapalac of La Grange; sister-in-law, Karen Zapalac of New Taiton; sister-in-law, Janet Koncaba of Moulton; sister-in-law and spouse, Eileen and George Berckenhoff of Engle; brothers-in-law and spouses, Walter Jr. and Jeanette Raabe of Muldoon, Jerry and Charlene Raabe of Moulton, and Daniel and Anne Raabe of Moulton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Walter Sr. and Elda (Bauer) Raabe; infant daughter, Jean; brother, Edwin Zapalac; sisters-in-law and spouses, Martha and Johnnie Koncaba, and Shirley and Emil Schoenweitz; and brothers-in-law, Emil Koncaba and Albert Berckenhoff.
The family requests donations be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, American Cancer Society, High Hill Restoration Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.