Johnny Fred Zapalac passed away March 24, 2023, in Austin, at the age of 89 after complications from a stroke. Johnny was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Friendship, to Alfred and Martha (Roepke) Zapalac.
He played football throughout his years at Granger High School, where he graduated in 1952. Johnny joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served four years with the SeaBee’s (MCB-5) during the Korean War.
He helped build many U.S. bases that are still used today.
Johnny retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 35 years of service. He was a long-time resident of Austin, and enjoyed many days fishing and enjoying family time with his children and then grandchildren at Lake Travis. After retiring, Johnny enjoyed spending summers with his family at the cabin he and his wife built in the mountains of Colorado. He made life long memories taking his grandkids trout fishing and on long drives in the mountains of Conejos county Colorado.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Cpl Wallace Zapalac, WWII.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Irlene (Finn) Zapalac; daughters, Brenda (J) Bouldin and Diana (Ricky) Janecka; grandchildren, Trey (Lacie) Bouldin, Tonya (Daryn) Burleigh, Candice Zapalac-Janecka and Johnette Janecka; great grandchildren, James, Jacob and Claire Bouldin, Easton and Casen Burleigh. He is also survived by his brother, Glen (Peggy) Zapalac, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as Pallbearers are Trey Bouldin, Daryn Burleigh, Dwayne Finn, Wade Finn, Russell Zapalac and Phillip Wagner.
Honary Pallbearers are Norman Miksch, Gene Finn, Tex Finn, John Simcik, Mike Givens, Dan Respondek and the Granger High School class of 1952. Visitation will be Wednesday March 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral, 4435 Frontier Trail in Austin.
A funeral will be held Saturday, April 1, at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd. NW in Taylor.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by the service starting at 11 a.m.
Burial to follow at Taylor City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Granger American Legion Post 0282 or Capitol Rod & Gun Club scholarship fund; Capitol Rod & Gun Club Inc. 20325 Rod & Gun Club Road, Spicewood TX 78669-6570
