Gretchen Helen Zapalac Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gretchen Helen Zapalac of Flatonia, Texas, who passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Arthur Krause and Annie Dostalik Krause; her husband Edwin E. Zapalac; her sister Mary Ann Rainwater (Rusty); her in-laws, R. D. and Anne Zapalac; her children-in-law, Paul Lippe and Rowena Wilkinson Zapalac; her grandson David M. Zapalac; her brothers-in-law, Victor Tichacek and Ervan Zouzalik; and her pet Charcoal.
She is survived by: her sister Alice Anderson; her children, Renee Pavlica (Kenny), Beverly Ponder (Kenneth), Thomas (Melodye), David and James (Melissa); her granddaughter Coleen Barnett Carl (Daniel); her great grandchild Brandon Zapalac (Melissa); Daniel James Zapalac (DJ), Dallas Ponder (Elisabeth), Anne Rey (Carlos), Karoline Flores (Daniel), Luke Zapalac (Jadir Halty), Zane Ponder (Alyssa), Meredith Lippe Bean (Lawton), Ty Ponder (Emily), Megan Zapalac and Lilly Zapalac (Ryker Whitstine).
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gretchen's name at the Flatonia American Legion Post 94 and Auxiliary, Flatonia Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the E.A. Arnim Museum.
