Anita Barcak Etzler
Anita Barcak Etzler, 80, of Hallettsville, passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.
She was born in Hallettsville on Feb. 5, 1942 to William and Evelyn Boehm Barcak.
Growing up Anita worked very hard on the family farm and learned at an early age the value of putting in a hard day’s work. She carried this hard work ethic throughout her life and her children respected and learned from her. As a teenager, she sewed her own clothes and later enjoyed sewing her children’s clothes.
Anita married Leroy Etzler on Sept. 1, 1962 at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia. They were blessed with four children and their spouses, Gail Zambie (David); Leroy Jr. Etzler (Diana); Travis Etzler (Kari), and Douglas (deceased).
Her grandchildren brought her great joy. She enjoyed their visits and would spend many hours praying for them. Her grandchildren are Jennifer, Adam, Lindsay, Haley, Allison, Bret, Sophia, Madeline and Justin.
Leroy and Anita made their home in Hallettsville. She was a long time employee of Peoples State Bank and loved interacting with the public and coworkers. She enjoyed collecting coins for family and friends. Her grandchildren knew that they would always have a special coin included in their cards on special occasions.
Anita and Leroy enjoyed sitting on their porch listening to polka music. Anita always had a special fondness for cardinals, as she would call them, her red birds. When she couldn’t watch them outside, she would enjoy her red bird collection in her home. She also enjoyed nature through framed Windberg prints displayed throughout her home. She was proud of the home that she and Leroy built together and would spend time watching her favorite game shows and music programs, especially Big Joe Polka Show and Molly B Polka Party.
She loved to bake and would make sure to bake each grandchild’s favorite dessert for the holidays. She especially enjoyed her 80th birthday celebration where she was able to celebrate with her family and loved her huge 8-0 balloons.
Anita was a strong believer in prayer, praying the rosary frequently. She often sent special prayers to St. Jude and St. Anthony for family intentions.
After retirement, when asked what she was doing at the house, Anita would often reply “I’m retired. I don’t have to work anymore.”
It’s time to rest easy now, Mom. We love you and are so blessed to have you as a special part of our lives.
Anita is survived by her brother, William Barcak, her sister, Mildred Ulbig; her children, and grandchildren.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Sr., and son, Douglas Etzler.
Visitation began at 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. at the Church.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rev. James Dvorak officiated.
Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Chad Barcak, Rodney Barcak, Aaron Etzler, Bret Etzler, Justin Brown, and Chad Fishbeck.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or a charity of donor’s choice.
On-line guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum.