OBITUARY
Louis W. "Lou" Zaeske Jr.
December 17, 1941 – August 30, 2011
Louis W. "Lou" Zaeske, Jr., 69, of Bryan, went to be with our Lord Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Health Center.
Mr. Zaeske's Funeral Mass is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, September 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan and will be officiated by Monsignor John McCaffrey. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary on Thursday, September 1, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Mr. Zaeske will have a Christian burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan, following the funeral.
Lou was born December 17, 1941 at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of Louis W. Zaeske, Sr., and Agnes (Prihoda) Zaeske. Lou traveled throughout the United States as his Dad served in the Air Force. Class of 1964, Lou graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and served as 1st Sergeant and Commanding Officer of Squadron 13, and was a member of the esteemed Ross Volunteers. After graduating from A&M, he pursued advanced studies at Purdue University.
Lou married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Maha (Macha), in 1964. They moved to Bryan, Texas, where Lou founded and operated Zaeske Engineering Company for 35 plus years. Lou often proudly said, "I'm a Professional Engineer by vocation but an historian by avocation." Lou and family's road trips always consisted of stopping to read all historical markers and visiting points of historical interest. Later, he would love to share these historical facts with his five grandchildren.
Lou was proud of his Czech and German heritage. He made many presentations on the immigration of the Czech people from the Czech lands. He was President of the Brazos Valley Czech Heritage Society for many years, and he was a member of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas, the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum, the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and others.
Love of country was very important to Lou. In 1989/90 he ran for the Texas Senate, and in 1993, he ran for the US Senate. He worked on and contributed to many candidates' campaigns. Lou was always very open, direct, and honest in his political, business and personal affairs.
More than all else, Lou was a devoted family man. He cherished his 47 years of marriage to his wife, Jo Ann, and often referred to her as his "rock". He dearly loved his daughters Jeannine and Cheryl and was so very proud of his five grandchildren. He forever talked Czech with them and encouraged them to form the Texas Czech Mates with his granddaughters, singing Czech songs with his grandson accompanying on accordion. He loved hearing of their activities and accomplishments. He was so looking forward to his oldest granddaughter Jennifer, a third generation Aggie, starting her freshman year at A&M this August.
Lou is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, of 47 years; his two daughters, Jeannine Koll and husband, Chris Koll, of Lewisville and Cheryl Wenck and husband, Fred Wenck, of College Station; and his grandchildren, Jennifer Koll, Lauren Koll, Adam Wenck, Fallon Wenck and Faith Wenck.
The family extends special thanks to St. Joseph Regional Health Center's emergency room doctor, Dr. Buzzard and pulmonary doctor, Dr. Spencer and their caring staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Heart Association , P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284. 1-800-242-8721.
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, September 1, 2011
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Rosary
Thursday, September 1, 2011
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Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, September 2, 2011
Memories
Louis W. "Lou" Zaeske Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDennis and Darby Macha
September 21, 2011
Mrs. Zaeske, Cheryl, Fred, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We send prayers for Christ's peace in your whole Family, as well as the repose of the soul of Mr. Zaeske. Lou was a dear man whom we admired for his love of his Catholic Faith, country, heritage, and his beautiful Family. He will be missed and thought of often when we hear of any Czech events going on in our community. May our Lord bless you and keep you all during your time of sorrow.
Love,
Dennis and Darby Macha
Anthony, Amber, Andrew, Allison, Anne, and Autumn
Tommy Ryan
September 3, 2011
Joann and family,
We send our condolences to you. It seems as though Lou and I always ran in the same circles throughout the years. The Jaycees, A&M functions, Kolache Festival, etc. He was never at a loss for words. He loved life and especially his family and heritage.
He will be missed by many.
Tommy and Darlene Ryan
Kim Fox
September 2, 2011
I just read about the loss of Lou Zaeske. I have worked with him for years promoting Czech heritage events and other cultural events in the community. It would be hard to find a more committed man. Although I never had the opportunity to meet his family, I would like to express my condolences on his passing. He will be missed.
John Bonner
September 2, 2011
In Sept of 1963, I was to report to Dorm 12, Squadron 13, to begin freshman Aerospace Engineering. I had never been on the campus, but my Dad, Class of 43, knew right where to go, pulling up on the Quad to end door of Form 12. As I opened the car door, the Dorm Door flew open, and something in gleaming senior boots stormed up. “Hi,” I said hesitantly. “Hi, hell! It’s ‘Howdy!!’ I am Lou Zaeske, your commanding officer. You will call me ‘Mr. Zaeske!’ Try it again.” I did. Lou says, “Better, but put a sir on the beginning and end of everything you say to me. Got it?”… So it began. In my twenty-five years of The Corps and military service that followed, Lou was a rare, gifted, overwhelmingly commanding presence. He was intimidating, demanding, motivating, always in charge. . . and ultimately, we loved him.
Jack and Betty Rutkowski
September 2, 2011
To the Zaeske Family: Lou and I enjoyed many hours together playing tennis. We use to talk about our Fathers and who was the toughest.We will miss Lou. Our sympathy to Jo Ann and family.
Myra Whitlock
September 2, 2011
Dear JoAnn, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad we got to see both of you at the Stevens reunion. God bless you and your family and help you through this difficult time.
Myra Whitlock
Myra Whitlock
September 2, 2011
Dear JoAnn, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad we got to see both of you at the Stevens reunion. God bless you and your family and help you through this difficult time.
Abe Messarra
September 2, 2011
Jo Ann You and Your Family are and will be in my Prayers.
Vernell Oehlke
September 2, 2011
Jo Ann , we are so sorry may God comfort you and your family . Ruben and Vernell Oehlke
September 1, 2011
Dear Zaeske family,
We just learned of Lou's passing and felt an immediate sense of loss and an outpouring of love to your family. Lou was a man of real substance, not afraid to take a stand. Although your loss is immeasurable, your memories will be a great sense of comfort to you, and will bring you peace. E.J. & LInda Norton
George Thomas
September 1, 2011
I am so sorry hear about Lou's passing. He'll never know what an impact and influence he had on a bunch of wide-eyed 18 year-olds in the fall of 1963. I was one of Lou's fish in Squadron 13.
Lou, we'll march in behind the band...left foot on the big drum.
George Thomas '67
September 1, 2011
JoAnn, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and the loss of your "Lou".
Emrick and Elaine Opiela
Roy & Theresa Haag
September 1, 2011
Jo Ann, So sorry to hear of Lou's passing. We knew you two for such a short time, but there are many fond memories of our activities and conversations. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this stressfull time.
God Bless,
Milton Lowak
September 1, 2011
Joann and family,
We send you our sincere condolences on the loss of Louis. We wish we could be there with you. Love, Milton and Theresa Lowak
Stan Vitha
September 1, 2011
Lou, we will remember you, your energy, enthusiasm and dedication.
We will miss you!
Stan Vitha, Tanya Wagner and family
American Heart Association
September 1, 2011
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.