Anthony "Tony" Zaputil's Obituary
Tony Zaputil, 89, of rural Mystic, Iowa, died peacefully at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. He was born in Diamond, Iowa, to Slavo and Filipina Zaputil, one of eleven children. He attended country schools until 9th grade and graduated as valedictorian of his Mystic High School class in 1945. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a 19 year old staff sergeant at the end of WWII. After serving his country, he attended Drake University on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1952. At this time, he began dating his former high school classmate, Wilma Jean McGrann, and they were married on August 30, 1952 in Mystic. Tony worked briefly in Oskaloosa before accepting a position at the Gilfillan Clinic in Bloomfield, Iowa. He served as chief pharmacist for the next 38 years, retiring in 1990. As a family, they enjoyed camping trips all over the U.S. Tony especially loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He greatly enjoyed coon hunting and had many beloved dogs over the years. He was also proud to be an active member of his American Legion Post for as long as he could. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. He was a devoted son, brother, husband and father. Always joking and laughing, he was liked by all that knew him. He had a very special passion for life, many friends, and loved music and big family celebrations and picnics. After the sudden death of his beloved wife, Wilma, 20 years ago, he moved back to his birth place and built the house they had planned. It was his joy to be there, clearing the land, working on his home, and enjoying the surrounding woods and wildlife. He had many happy years there. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma Jean Zaputil in 1996; one sister, Mary Zaputil; seven brothers - Mike, Joe, Frank, Willie, John, Tom and Ivan, twin brothers who died in infancy. Tony survived by his son and daughter, Dr. John Zaputil of rural Mystic, Iowa and Jean Zaputil of Davenport, Iowa, one brother, George Zaputil of Centerville, Iowa, and one sister, Annie Cerniglia, of San Diego, California. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and will never be forgotten.A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am, Monday, February 8, 2016 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Fr. Bill Hubmann officiating. Burial with full military honors by the American Legion Post of Mystic will follow at the Highland Cemetery near Mystic. Visitation with the family present will be held on Monday, from 9:30 till the time of services at the funeral home.Memorials may be made in his name to the Mystic American Legion Post #340 and left or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Anthony "Tony" Zaputil please visit our Sympathy Store.
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