Thomas Edward Zaputil's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Edward Zaputil, age 78, of Mystic, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 at MercyOne Medical Center, Long Term Care in Centerville, Iowa, with family at his side.
Tom was born on April 14, 1946 (Palm Sunday), in Centerville, Iowa to Joseph John Zaputil and Dorothy Jean (Best) Zaputil. He attended Mystic elementary schools and graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1964. After graduation, he worked at a Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Illinois until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. He served two years in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart.
Upon his return in 1967, he worked in his family's lumberyards. On weekends, he learned how to drive semi-trucks from Jack Hindman of Albia. On May 4, 1968, he married Mary Sue Moffitt. To this union, Amy Jo, and Scott Edward were born.Tom also worked at Young Radiator, Gold Circle Manufacturing, Moorman Feeds, Appanoose County Secondary Roads, and for trucking company The Mickow Corporation (TMC) in Des Moines, as well as other local trucking companies. Later, he engaged in full time farming and trucking, retiring in 2015.
Tom was active in the Mystic American Legion Paul Dixon Post 340, as a 50 year member, and participated in Honor Guard for military funerals. Other community organizations included Boy Scout leader, Appanoose County Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus, Mahaska Farm Service (now Agriland FS), and Appanoose/Monroe County FSA board. He enjoyed go-karting, drag races, participating in antique car shows, motorcycle trips across the nation with family and friends, tractor pulls, restoring used cars, and spending time with his family who loved him very much.
Left to honor Tom's memory are his wife, Mary Sue, of 56 years; daughter, Amy (Lawrence "Lance") Hemphill; son, Scott (Erin) Zaputil; seven grandchildren, Grant (Camryn) Hemphill, Josie Hemphill; Bailey Zaputil, Olivia (Andrew) Thiel, Dylan Zaputil, Tommy Zaputil (Lexi Rozen), and Madelyn Zaputil; siblings Joe (Diane) Zaputil, Steve (Deb) Zaputil, James (Dorothy) Zaputil, and Rick (Donna) Zaputil; as well as many extended nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters Jeanine Bankson, and Patricia "Patty" (Frank) Ballanger.
Visitation will take place Friday, January 3, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 4:00-7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville, with Fr. Ron Will officiating. Burial will follow the service at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, Iowa. Memorials may be made to eitherWelcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia, or MercyOne Long Term Care in Centerville. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com.
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