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On Dec. 12, 2023, David Lee Zatopek’s soul ascended to the holy embrace of his beloved Jesus. His prayers were answered; he has joined his mother and father and is now cradled in the loving arms of God the Father and the Blessed Virgin Mary. David ‘s work and service to God on Earth is done, and he was prepared and accepted his new role with the Almighty.
Over the past several years, David understood that God wanted him to finish his earthly duties and be prepared to join him soon. David accepted and thanked the Lord for the time that was granted to him. During that time, God tested David’s faith, and despite the severity of the test, David’s love and conviction for the Holy Spirit never faltered. And when the time came and David was called, David willingly took the Lord’s hand.
The death of a loved one or a dear friend may present one of the greatest tests of our faith. While we know that we are at home in our body, we also know that our soul will eventually be in the loving care of the Father and Son. We walk by faith, not by sight. It is only our selfishness that we mourn the loss of David. It is with this understanding and courage that we celebrate David being away from his body and at home with the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for sharing David with us.
David was born on Sept. 22, 1961 to Alfred Henry Zatopek and Norma Lee (Vasut) Zatopek in Columbus, Texas.
David worked as a contractor for many years.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellinger and was in the St. Mary’s prayer group.
David always enjoyed the outdoors and was half of P & Z Fencing with partner Garland Polasek for many years. They did jobs all over the county and in addition did catering jobs anywhere from small family gatherings to large community events, fundraisers and even weddings. David made friends wherever he was. He loved his dogs and has even had many pet “wild” pigs.
As a child, David spent many hours loving and being loved by his grandparents, Joe and Ella Vasut of Fayetteville. They were a big part of his life, and like his grandpa, David learned to take apart, fix and put together almost any type of farm equipment and motor. He was forever working on something.
David was a pitcher at Columbus High School and also played in many alumni games. He enjoyed fishing. It didn’t matter if it was a private fishing place or the river or lake. You would always find him with lots of poles out and then having large fish frys for family, friends and neighbors that were enjoyed by all.
David was also very competitive and would host fishing tournaments at his gravel pit holes as well as having skeet shoots among friends and family. Being a pretty good pool player, he would go to various pool tournaments; pretty often being the winner.
David’s most important love was his devotion to the Blessed Mother shown by being part of the Monday Night Rosary Group. He was one of the original members getting it started at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellinger many years ago.
David is survived by his brothers Ronnie Zatopek and wife Susie and James Zatopek; niece Rhonda Zatopek; nephew Joseph Zatopek and wife Megan; great nephews and nieces Brandon Stancik and wife Kinley, Blake Stancik, Alayne Stancik, Bryce Stancik, Addisyn Stancik, Ryann Zatopek, Del Zatopek, and Charlotte Zatopek; aunt Mary Ann Zatopek; uncle Adolph Zatopek and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Norma Zatopek.
Visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A rosary followed at 6 p.m.
Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellinger, Texas. Fr. Steve Sauser officiated. Visitation at church was from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Burial took place in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Ellinger, Texas.
Pallbearers were Rodney Beseda, Joey Zatopek, Connor Moore, Jerry Zatopek, Mark Beseda and Brandon Stancik.
Memorials may be given to St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 57, Fayetteville, TX 78940 or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.
