Zapalac

Edwin John Zapalac, 76, of New Taiton, passed away April 27, 2019.

He was born on Dec. 9, 1942 in Schulenburg to the late Selven and Clare Okhrulik Zapalac. Edwin was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a farmer, rancher and groundskeeper for St. John Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Karen Kahanek Zapalac of New Taiton; sister, Agnes Berckenhoff of St. John; brothers, Julius Zapalac and wife Edith of Muldoon, Herman Zapalac and wife Irene of Marlin, Henry Zapalac and wife Betty of Schulenburg and Mike Zapalac and wife Jennifer of Schulenburg; brothersin-law, Clarence Kahanek and wife Pam of Spring and Glenn “Chopper” Kahanek of New Taiton; daughters, Joann Schimcek and husband Ronnie of Weimar and Melinda Castilleja and husband Vincent of Pflugerville; three granddaughters; one grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Martha Zapalac; brother-inlaw, Albert Berckenhoff; infant niece, Jean Zapalac; father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Joyce Kahanek.

Visitation was held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Triska Funeral Home and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church in New Taiton with a Schulenburg Knights of Columbus Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will begin 10 a.m. Thursday, May 2 at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Gabriel Oduro Tawiah officiating. Burial with military honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post 251 followed at St. John Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dakota Zapalac, Kaylie Zapalac, Paul Zapalac, Charles Zapalac, David Berckenhoff and Ronald Johnston. Honorary pallbearers were his nieces and nephews, Dr. Marc Fitzpatrick, Dr. Mike Fitzpatrick, David Fucik, Kenny Mrnustik, Mark Supak and Derek Treybig.

Memorial donations in memory of Edwin may be made to St. John Catholic Church.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.triskafuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Triska Funeral Home in El Campo.