Zapalac

Bernice Carrie (Schmidt) Zapalac, 92, of La Grange, died Thursday, June 1, 2017. Bernice Carrie (Schmidt) Zapalac was born on Dec. 17, 1924, in Fayetteville to Walter and Blanche (Tiemann) Schmidt. As a young child, Bernice attended Fayetteville schools and helped on the family farm just north of the community of Fayetteville. On Oct. 3, 1950, she married Alfred (Buster) Zapalac, just two days before Alfred started his second tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force. On May 26, 1951, when Alfred was honorably discharged from the Air Force, Bernice officially began her 58 years of married life just west of Ellinger on the Zapalac family farm. Her journey through life saw her as a loving house wife supporting the many trials and tribulations of rural farm life. It also saw her become a loving and caring mom, grandmother and eventually great grandmother. In her later years, it also saw her in the roll of a caretaker for Alfred when his health began to decline. Bernice loved to cook and she always had some fresh baked goods on hand for her family or anyone that would happen to stop by the house. All were good, but some of her specialties were molasses cookies, pies (especially apple), cinnamon rolls and kolaches. When it came to cooking, her sweet rice, chicken fried steak and fried chicken were second to none. She also loved to garden, resulting in cabinets of canned goods and homemade preserves. Sewing her clothes and many times sewing for the family was also a passion. But if Bernice had a hobby, it was cleaning -- cleanliness was always on the top of her list – everything was meant to be clean and in its place. Of all of her loves, none were greater than that love she had for Alfred. He often said that he did not know how he would have survived without the endless help and support throughout the many celebrations and challenges that life embraces. Bernice was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger, where she was also a member of the St. Mary’s altar society. Her children, their spouses, and later her grandchildren and ultimately great grandchildren always played a significant role in her life. There are so many memories and so many good times. We are blessed to have been touched by her love and be a close part of her life. She is survived by one daughter, Delores Kasper and husband, Mike, of College Station; one son, David Zapalac and wife, Arlene, of La Grange; four grandchildren: Cody Kasper and wife, Tori; Katie Kasper; Holly Zapalac and Collen Zapalac and wife, Megan; three great grandchildren: Levi Kasper, Luke Zapalac and Zachary Zapalac; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred Zapalac; three brothers: Leon, Harold, and Horace Schmidt; and one sister, Vernita Loesch. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Services were held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 815 St. Mary’s Church Rd. in Ellinger, at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017 with Rev. Fr. Nock Russell officiating. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. Mary Catholic Church or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.  Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.