Arthur F. Zepnak

Arthur Francis Zepnak was born in his family home, the 2nd son of Leo and Mary Zepnak.

As a boy he played the violin and baseball. He also served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s Church in Akron, Ohio. He went to South High. At 13, Mary Lamberth caught his eye, the beginning of a lifelong relationship. At 16, his father died and he joined the military to help his family. Art and Mary’s relationship continued through letters until their wedding 3 years later.

They spent the next 20 years as military family traveling and raising their family 3 daughters, Pam, Sandy and Kathy and their 2 sons Greg and Art aka Tiger! During his career he served in WWII, Germany and Vietnam. Art retired in 1969 after 21 years of service.

Art was transferred to Omaha, NE in 1965. Art and Mary bought a home in LaVista, NE. They spent the next 45 years in this home, just recently purchasing a new villa in Papillion. A big part of family life centered on the annual trip to Akron, Ohio maintaining close family ties. They celebrated graduations, weddings and the births of 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Art’s degree in Culinary Arts was put to good use at these many events. His prime rib and cheesecake were favorites of all.

He loved to attend the events of his grandchildren and many weekends found him out of doors in all kinds of weather. His pride in their accomplishments was evident in his frequent calls to his family to share the news!

Art loved to buy gifts for all of his family, this was apparent at Christmas when the packages under the tree sometimes encompassed half the room. Christmas wasn’t complete until of socks, coin sets and a gag gift were distributed! One Christmas the socks were forgotten and boy, did he hear about it!

Art’s health began to fail in the last 5 years as diabetes began to take its toll. He continued to take one day at a time meeting each new setback with a positive attitude.

He spent his life modeling devotion to family. At this final celebration we thank him for his life lessons and hope we can serve as models for the next generation.