Search by Name

Search by Name

Stephen Zapasnik Obituary

Share your condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman from Dec. 25 to Dec. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Zapasnik

Not sure what to say?





Amanda Salyer

December 20, 2018

I'm a nurse and work for a large hospital network in NE Oklahoma and I was searching for an obituary to put in a patient's record today...first name also Stephen and also from BA. Zap's name appeared half-way down the page and it was like I had been punched in the gut. I wasn't even thinking when I hit "search". It's been almost 10 years to the day that we lost you, Smitty and Okray. Though I am in tears thinking about the gut wrenching memories of that day, I also smile because of the friendship and comradery you shared with my husband. Though I didn't get the chance to know you that well before the deployment, you are never far from my mind. A life that touches others, truly goes on forever.

March 11, 2013

Zap,
Just stopping by to say we all miss you. He doesn't like to come on here and write but he thinks about you all the time, you know he will never forget you and neither will I. He needs an angel now more than ever, please help him out. He needs to stay strong and focused and we need this thing to just go away. Continue on watcing over him, I know that you are his guardian angel.

Peggy Childers

December 25, 2012

December 24, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
Always remembering Stephen. "Some gave all."

Anonymous

December 15, 2012

Today, I placed a wreath at Stephen's final resting place, in honor of his service to our country.

ANNETTE ROSARIO

April 24, 2012

Just wanted to stop by and say, " Happy Belated Birthday in Heaven Stephen ".....

I am so very thankful for your service to our country, so that we can have our freedom...

May God Bless you and your family forever and May The Lord Keep You in his loving arms.

Rest In Peace Stephen....YOU'RE NEVER FORGOTTEN.

LOVING AND THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS FROM YOUR EXTENDED MILITARY FAMILY!!!

ANNETTE ROSARIO

December 31, 2011

To My Extended Army Family ( CHIRS ZAPASNIK).

Sending you all my love and belated remembrance of your beloved Stephen on the anniversary Stephen returned to the Lord.

May God Bless you and Stephen and keep you all in his prayers and his loving arms.

Miss you Stephen....REST IN PEACE SWEETHEART.

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED.

FROM YOUR EXTENDED MILITARY FAMILY!!!

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
Please accept my remembrance of Stephen on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

ANNETTE ROSARIO

November 9, 2011

Just wanted to Thank You for all you have done for us here in the US....You are always missed in my heart as well as my family.

Rest In Peace Stephen (My Guardian Angel)....

Sending Love to you and your family this Veteran's Day Weekend coming up.

God Bless You....

From Your extended military family...." WE LOVE YOU ".

richard sexton

November 2, 2011

hey zap,
miss ya man. thank god all the time i got to meet you. you still are like a little brother to me.

sgt. sexton

Ginny

October 2, 2011

May God Bless you in his Love. Thank You to SPC Stephen Zapasnik and his Family for his Service to our Country.

FROM AN ARMY MOM

ANNETTE ROSARIO

October 2, 2011

ANNETTE ROSARIO

September 25, 2011

Rest in peace Stephen you will always be remembered for your gallant sacrifice. This world will always be a better place with your grace and presence here.

ANNETTE ROSARIO

September 25, 2011

THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO KEEP US SAFE. MY DAUGHTER JUST RETURNED FROM AFGHANISTAN U,S, ARMY AND AS A MOTHER I WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOREVER.

YOU WILL FOREVER BE OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS. REST IN PEACE, YOU ARE NOW IN THE LOVING ARMS OF OUR LORD.

Kim Beebe

September 14, 2011

I would like to express my condolence for the loss of your precious son. Over the years I have delivered your mail periodically and have always wanted to say something but feared coming up with the right words. I can never imagine the pain of your loss but know that you and your family have been in my prayers. Currently, my future son-in-law is on his first tour in Afghanistan. He is somewhere on the border of Pakistan. It is a very dangerous place to be and I now ask for your prayers for these brave US soldiers. God Bless You.

July 28, 2011

Hey Zap -

You know whats going on...please continue to watch over him and keep him safe. He brought your yo-yo with him over there so he always has a piece of you with him. You were one of his best friends and he misses you alot. We will be by to see you again during mid-tour...until then please watch over him and everyone else over there.

RIP to a true hero
-Michele

Shannon Williams-Austill

May 30, 2011

The flag is flying in the sky
A daily reminder of who and why
We sit here remembering them today
These heroes that now lie in their grave.

While here on earth, the bravest ones
A soldier, a mother, a daughter, a son
The father's who went far off to war
To ensure our safety and so much more

To keep our children happy and free,
Someone must do this job, you see
So, today remember the soldiers who served,
Because this is one thing they truly deserve.

The loved one's that they have left behind,
The Gold Star mothers, like your and mine
We honor them proudly, every day
Our American Soldier...Proud and Brave
By Shannon Williams-Austill

I want to thank this soldier for their sacrifice.
And, I wish to extend my deepest regards to the loved ones they have left behind. Their service to our nation, has not gone unnoticed. They are our heroes, who paid the ultimate price for us, and that is something that every American needs to be reminded of and remember everyday.
The freedom we all have, we have because of brave young men and women who made a choice to defend and serve.
Today, let me remember your loved one with you.

John & Kathy Perkins Summer 2010

Kathy Perkins

March 9, 2011

Dear Gary, Chris and family,
Sending our deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your loved one. We remember babysitting Stephen (Buddy) one weekend when you went to Las Vegas. I'm sure you have many fond memories. John & Kathy Perkins

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
Remembering Stephen on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

shaun phillips

December 2, 2010

dear zapasnik family,
i was in basic training with stephen. i will always remember him for his good spirit and the way he was always able to make us smile during those hard times in basic. he slept directly across from me and we would always exchange stories of our families. he loved you all very much. he was also so proud of what he was doing for his country. as a medic on my second tour i feel like i have lost more than a fellow soldier i have lost a brother. he will always be remembered and honored in my heart. i have a newpaper clipping in my pocket that i keep with me at all times. it has his picture along with others i knew that paid the ultimate price. whenever i am asked about it i gladly tell his story in hopes to let his honor live on.

always honoring a fallen brother,
spc shaun phillips

August 29, 2010

To the Zapasnik family:
May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

Amy Whitaker

May 31, 2010

To the family of Stephen Zapasnik:

I am very sorry for your loss. I began my Works of Heart project for families like yours. I offer a free pencil portrait to Oklahoma military families who have lost someone in this war. It is just a small way I can say “Thank you” and “I’m sorry.” Master’s House Framing in Moore, Oklahoma, is generously providing their framing services for this project.

I would very much like to draw David for you if you are interested. Just contact me at [email protected]. My website shows my "Works of Heart" soldiers I have drawn www.amycwhitaker.com.

Peace and God Bless -
Amy Whitaker
(Tulsa artist)

Kenna Larra

March 16, 2010

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2009

To the parents of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
I know your pain
I know your sorrow
It feels as though there's no tomorrow
It's Christmastime
Your child is gone
But know that from the great beyond
He's watching you
And is so proud
Wanting you to sing strong and loud
Allow this Christmas season in
So loving life can begin again.

Donna Gillette

December 13, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

November 30, 2009

Zap - happy belated thanksgiving, i hope you were watching over your family. As your one year draws closer, you know everyone is going to have a hard time getting thru the holidays because all the memories of you are going to come back. Please do me a favor and keep watching over him for me, your doing a great job, he misses you so much - you were one of his best friends. Rest Easy Zap - a hero never to be forgotten.

wolvesbane

August 8, 2009

A fallen friend and fellow gamer! The AA world sends our gratitude for his service to this great country he served. You are in my prayers.

1LT Michael Johnson (U.S. Army)

August 8, 2009

I also met him while playing online. He was a great player and I considered him a friend. I am very sorry for your loss.

David Hanson

July 3, 2009

I just heard of this. I am very sorry for your loss.

Monty Wonnacott

July 1, 2009

wow i am heart broke by this news, i am like others here i played online games with your son and enjoyed him very much!! he is missed and loved by all here at new reaction project

Keith Turner sr

July 1, 2009

I Knew your son not in person but i spent many hours playing online with him.I considered him a friend even though we never actually met. He was very competitive and also a great sense of humor.I knew he went into the service and have not heard from him forever.So i asked some other friends and they made me aware of what happened.I am deeply sorry for your loss and you and your families will be in my prayers.As i did not know him in person i did know his persona and i enjoyed the many many hours of talking to him.Be proud of what he stood for because all of his friends are.God Bless.


[email protected]

Cindy McClure

June 5, 2009

Dear Mom Chris and Family, I met you at the airport on the way to Arlington. You may remember we were delayed in Tulsa and we were both bound on sad trips. As promised, I went to Arlington and paid my respects to your son, brother, cousin, and who means much more to many people. I took many photos on my I-Phone. As I write this I am in tears for you. I will never forget what you and your son gave for our country. I hope his dad is doing better. The offer still stands to walk the Arkansas when you think you can't take it and we will cry for Stephen and all our soldiers who make our country what it is. I lost my Navy Submariner Dad on April 10, 2009, Good Friday. What a beautiful service the Navy and the American Legion did in honor of one of their fallen. Stephen is never out of my thoughts.

Shannon Williams-Austill

May 25, 2009

On this Memorial Day, I've set aside time to reflect on the past and remember that your family is now a Gold Star Family, too. Spc. Zapasnik, thank you for you service and duty. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice...to protect our country and our freedom.
Sister of Spc. Jeffrey S. Henthorn (Balad, Iraq Feb. 8, 2005)

God bless this special soldier and his grieving loved ones. Be by their side in their time of need.

[email protected]

April 20, 2009

Happy Belated Birthday Zap. Anthony sent us a video of you that one of the Sgt.'s made for him. I now see why you and my brother were such great friends, the 2 of you were the same person. You were so funny like him and found crazy things to do to entertain yourself. We're going to make a copy and send it to your mom, so Kris if your reading this, we will be mailing you a copy soon.

You are always going to be missed and you will never be forgotten. Please continue to watch over those guys out there...they need it. Always in my heart.

Michele

Hattie West

April 19, 2009

Dear Zapasnik family,
This past weekend when you were at Arlington National visiting your dear Stephen my husband John and my sweet Niece were out there visiting our dear sweet son Cpl Christopher J. West(CJ) who was KIA 2-4-08 in IRAQ. They gave you the stones to put on his grave. Our prayers go out to you and all that knew your dear son. I know that this journey is very difficult for you and will always be. There is light at the end of the tunnel that you spoke of it will just be awhile until you see it. With your continued faith, family and friends and even strangers this will help you.
Your son was is an American Hero and he will always be remembered and never forgotten. He will go down in History that he fought for our Freedom. This is something to be so proud of. Which I know you are by reading all about your son and family. Our continued prayers are with you all. My husband John visits our son often and told me that when I write you that he will add him to the Team as he calls the men next to CJ he takes flowers often and prayers and visits. I hope to hear from you I live in Texas.
God Bless,Hattie West
Gold Star Mom
Cpl Christopher J. West
KIA-2-4-08/Iraq/82nd Airborne

Cherie Casari

April 5, 2009

Dear Chris and Gary,
My nephew, Steve Okray, was one of the two men who died in that HumVee with your son on that tragic day.

I tried to send this message to your email address but it came back.

I hope you and your family are coping as best you can with the loss of your Steve. I know how hard it is for all of us here and can only imagine what it must be like for you, too. I also hope your husband is recovering from his illness. Your son's photograph shows a nice looking, friendly young man, and I imagine that he and our Steve were good buddies.

I wanted to tell you that I went to Arlington Cemetery yesterday and placed flowers on your Stephen's grave. April 1st was our Steve's birthday and I wanted to do something to honor him and his memory, and thought that he would like to know that we did some small thing for one of the men that he died with. As you probably know, the headstone is up, and I took some pictures in order to send them to you if you would like. I didn't just want to send them to you without warning about what they are, and so if you would like to have them, please send your email address to my sister, Mary Beth Okray, and I'll send them on to you.

I wish I had known at the time that Stephen was being buried in Arlington so that I could have come to the ceremony to grieve with you and your family. I live about an hour away from Arlington but didn't know until it was too late and felt very sorry that I could not have been there with you to offer some small comfort in such a tragically sad situation.

I pray for the three men in that HumVee and for their families every day and every night.

Sincerely,

Cherie Casari
Steve Okray's Aunt
(Mary Beth Okray's sister)

Chris, Donna & Mary Beth

Donna Smith

March 9, 2009

Chris & Gary,
I am Donna Smith (mother of SSG Chris Smith) We are forever a part of each other now. As I have just finished reading Steve's guest book, I am so grateful for the outpouring of love for your son. He truly was a great young man. As we have just past the 2 month mark of laying our boys to rest; I know you are trying to find a new "normal". Pretty tough but it is possible. I just want you both to know, we are grateful that Zap, Stephen & Chris were united in what they gave their lives for. A better peace & place for the Iraqi people. One day we will join our boys in heaven but until then, it gives me cofort that they are battle-buddies with not only each other but our Lord Jesus.
Bless you as each day passes.
Donna & Glenn Smth

February 16, 2009

I knew Stephen personally through a video game that we both used to play, called Red Orchestra, he was my good friend and I loved him dearly, I spoke to him on the 20th and he said to me you can't stay mad at me forever I'm too irresistible. I wish that I was there so I could have responded...

I still write him on msn messenger since I found out and it makes me so angry to think that he will never get them and a part of me doesn't want to believe it's true/

Jarrod Strickland

January 25, 2009

My very deepest condolences, I was stationed with your son in Ft Carson and had the opportunity to spend a lot of one on one training him. He was a great soldier with an even greater heart.

SGT Jarrod Strickland

Phil Gleason

January 20, 2009

Chris,
I read your son's obituary in the Washington Post. Although I did not know your son, the write up about Spec Stephen Zapasnik's life touched me, and so I wanted to foward my respectful condolences to you and your family. His thoughts, and also your moving words as a mother, will live on to provide inspiration for all who carry on. I have saved the article as a reminder of someone who made a difference. God Bless you, mom!
-Phil Gleason, a grateful fellow Veteran -Alexandria, VA

Kenna Larra

January 20, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Lee Ann Wood

January 11, 2009

To the family and friends of Stephen Zapasnik -

I know that your hearts are breaking. Please know that Stephen is a hero and his sacrafice as well as your sacrafice will never be forgotten.

May God's love surround you and lift you up during your grief. May your memories of love and laughter sustain you during this most difficult time.

There is another angel guarding the gates of heaven, what a blessing your reunion will be!

Aunt of Sgt Ryan M. Wood
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Killed in Action, June 21, 2007

Stephanie Rafoss

January 9, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Nicholas Smith

January 7, 2009

I wanna share my condolences with the Zapasnik family. I was in basic training and ait with your son. He was a jokester and had a really good heart. He made me laugh quite a few times. I just want you to know he will always be in my heart and you will be in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Spc. Nicholas K. Smith
U.S. Army

Mary

January 7, 2009

My sincere condolences in the passing of your son. He is now in heaven with Jesus and resting safely in His arms. I am keeping you in my prayers that you will find peace.

Blessings,
Mary

Jamie Graves

January 7, 2009

God Bless your family. I am so sorry for your loss and Americas loss.
Jamie(Navy wife)
marinecomfortquilts.us

Lynette Czarkowski

January 7, 2009

Dear Mrs. Zapasnik,

I read an article about the burial of your son in the Washington Post today. Your faith in God, and the faith of young Stephen, is a blessing and an inspiration. It is an honor for our country that your son is at rest at Arlington National Cemetery. God bless you and your family.

Theresa

January 7, 2009

May Almighty God Bless this hero and bring comfort to his family.

MacDaniel

January 7, 2009

To the Zapasnik family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Stephens' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Rich & Regina Erickson

January 7, 2009

Even in your sadness, we hope you can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. Proud parents of SPC Amanda (Erickson) Brillhart currently serving in Afghanistan

Sherry L. Farley

January 6, 2009

My heart knows your pain, because I also lost a beloved son Sept. 18, in Afghanistan. Brandon held a special place in my heart, for he was the son that dedicated his life to the military,and I seldom had the honour of seeing him. Know that you are not alone in this difficult hour of trial, and that there are many, many others....standing with you in prayer. My deepest felt sympathies.....sincerely, Sherry L. Farkey (Brandon Farley's mom)

Kory Thompson

January 4, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this fine young Soldier and Man. My family will be forever grateful for young men like Stephen who risk themselves to provide protection and security to this great country of ours. As the father of another young man who recently made the same sacrifice, I know how you are feeling right now. Please know there are millions who mourn this time with you. May this young man, forever young, rest in the arms of the Lord.
from another Gold Star Father.

Becky

January 3, 2009

To the family of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
Stephen gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all." I lost my hero in Irag Staff Sgt William (Daniel) Scates in Aug of 2007. Steven will also be in our thoughts and prayer "God Bless you and your family"

Glenda Hamilton

January 3, 2009

To the family of Spc. Stephen Zapasnik, You are not alone in this unspeakable sadness. We are Gold Star Parents. Our only son was killed in Iraq, when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter went down, on 9-18-08, all seven aboard parished. so I know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. There is no right or wrong way to grieve . Sometimes it just can't be faced and that's ok, you will know when it is right for you. Your son is in good hands, my son CWO2 Corry Ardel Edwards is there with him.
I am sure he gave Stephen the grand tour, and he will stay with him untill he gets his wings.
Sincerely; [email protected]

Leonard and Jeanne

January 1, 2009

Chris, Gary and Ashley, we are so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Stephen's death is the ultimate sacrifice and our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel this journey of grief and reconciliation. May all of the good memories and pride in your young soldier fill your hearts and lessen your burden. Thanks to Stephen and his family for his service, and may God bless all of those who defend and protect our freedom.

Angela Taylor

December 31, 2008

I am truly sadden by your loss. I have had the pleasure of meeting your son when I was in colorado seeing my husband off to Iraq. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
The Taylor's

Zapasnik

December 30, 2008

James George 1SG USA (ret)

December 30, 2008

God bless the family and friends at this most difficult time. God bless the soldiers. What a tragedy, please accept our sincere condolences.

Monica McConnell

December 30, 2008

Chris - I was so sorry to hear that you lost your son. I hope that you know that my family is very grateful for his service. You should be very proud to have raised such a brave and giving son!!

Monica McConnell (IPS)

SHIRLEY DONEY

December 28, 2008

REST IN PEACE SPC. ZAPASNIK, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Jackie Martin

December 28, 2008

My deepest sympathy is for you and your family. My son was stationed in Fort Carson and Scania with your son. He is very sad for your loss. I pray that God be with you and hold you in his arms as you go through this difficult time.

Lauren Casamassimo

December 28, 2008

To our dear cousin Chris,
All of us Peddicord's are so saddened by the loss of your Heroic son Stephen. His strentgh and courage will live on in our memories for eternity. I am Vicki's daughter Lauren and although I do not remember your son I know that he is a honorable young man and will be truly missed by all. It is unfortunate that that we can not be with you and the rest of your family through this difficult time but our thoughts and especially our prayers our with all of you! With love,
Vicki, Lauren and the rest of the Peddicord Family...

Peggy Childers

December 28, 2008

To the family of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik:
Stephen gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Sandy Bonesteel

December 28, 2008

My condolences to the family of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik. May they know that there are many, many people who are grieving with them; and that care very deeply about them.

An Army Mom

December 27, 2008

Rest now you soldier...in God's Hands

Sgt Jones and Angela Jones

December 27, 2008

To the zapasiik family i am sorry for your loss and hope that theres some since of peace that you can get out of this tragedy. Zap was one of my husbands soldiers and friends. Zap left an impression on our lives that we will never forget. He would come to my house and have the best manners and be so respectful. The best memory I have of Zap was when he came to our house for thanksgiving dinner last year, he sat down and during dinner he was telling us how he used to be overweight and of course i was trying to steal his secret of how he lost it and then i watched him go back for seconds on his plate and eat three peices of pie .. we laughed so hard when i teased him that he was gonna weight 300lbs again if he stayed at my house anylonger..from that day on that was our inside joke. Zap always cared about others before himself even offering to babysit my three kids so that me and my husband could have a date night before he deployed. He left an impression on our lives that will never be forgotten and most of all my son loved him dearly.. Zap sat down in the floor one day and taught my 5yr old son how to count money and zap would always give him a handful of change everytime he saw him. he was a hero in so many ways and he was a respected soldier always giving 100%. To his mother and father i want to say that we all lost an awesome friend and we will hold you in our hearts and prayers and i hope that you find peace through all this. god bless

Shelley H - Blue Star Mom

December 27, 2008

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SPC Stephen Zapasnik for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Garnet Jenkins

December 27, 2008

My Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the family of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik, with Profound Gratitude for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

The price Stephen and his family have paid, Will Never Be Forgotten. May he Rest Safely, in God's Care and may the Peace of God be with the Zapasnik family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago

"Surely He hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows."
~ Isaiah 53:4 ~

May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times spent with Stephen.
Quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Tina Cortez

December 27, 2008

Zapasnik family, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My husband was Stephen's sergeant and he is deeply hurt and saddened by your loss. May God be with you and your family.
The Cortez Family

December 27, 2008

Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik

December 27, 2008

chris zapasnik

December 26, 2008

This is Chris Zapasnik, Stephen's mom:
I just want to thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words, Stephen would be amazed at the outpouring of love and sympathy we are receiving from everyone, and we are so grateful that so many care and share our grief. My heart is broken into so many pieces at this time, it is hard to imagine ever coming out the other side of this tunnel of grief, but i am at the same time so proud of my son and what he accomplished as a member of the military family, I would not take back the man he had become or the hero he will always be for anything, even if i could have him beside me again. He was an astounding young man and he will live forever in my heart and soul.
Thank you all again, may god be with you all.
Chris. Proud army mom.

Patty Cruciotti

December 26, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Stephen. My son and Stephen were stationed together at Ft. Carson and in Iraq. They were very good friends and my son is so heartbroken to hear what happened to Stephen and the others. My prayers go out to all of you at this time.

Carrie and David Jackson

December 26, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Pat Shuler

December 26, 2008

I am so sorry for the loss of this fine, upstanding American hero. I hope God in his mercy will bring comfort and peace to his family and friends. My prayers are with all of you.

Michele Cruciotti

December 26, 2008

To the Zapasnik family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My brother is in the same unit Stephen was in and the 2 were good friends. They were stationed together in Iraq and also in Carson, where they hung out together a lot. My brother is heartbroken over what happened and just can't believe that these 3 soldiers are gone. As a part of the Army family, I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

CH (MAJ) Bart Horner

December 26, 2008

I pray that God will give you support during this time of grief. May His Spirit provide comfort and strength to you.

Ed Wilkerson

December 26, 2008

May God keep His mighty hand on your family and comfort you in your time of loss. We appreciate your sons service to our country and appreciate your familys sacrifice for freedom. God Bless and Keep You.

Chief Warrant Officer Ed Wilkerson

Allen Bentley

December 26, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Beverly Hill

December 26, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss!
God be with you.

Donna

December 26, 2008

Chris, I was deeply sadden to hear of your son's passing. I can not imagine your pain. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Your friend and co-worker

Derrick Tadlock

December 26, 2008

God bless you and your family.

Ryan Richardson

December 26, 2008

Thank you for serving and my prayers are with your family as they grieve your flight out of here. I would also like to thank the family for raising such a courages son and for you to understand that he did not die in vain and our family will be forever grateful to him and all the others who provide our blanket of freedom.

Joan Brown

December 25, 2008

I am a mother of a 21 year old soldier presently in Iraq. I am praying for peace and comfort for your family and for a supernatural grace to overflow through your lives this next year. Thank you for your support and for raising such an outstanding young man. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude as I write to you today. Please know how much I appreciate your son's dedication to our country. This is his story, and he is living out even more amazing things in the presence of the Father and Jesus, although he will be missed beyond description. May the Lord heal your pain miraculously and turn your sorrow into joy, somehow. Please know that I am thinking of you, and praying everyday.

Jessie Etter

December 25, 2008

May you and your family find comfort in knowing that your son was a brave American who helped protect all of us here at home. Words cannot express our gratitude. God bless all of you.

J & D McMahan

December 25, 2008

May God be with you in this time of grief; and know that these two Americans appreciate the sacrifice your son and your family have made for this country. God Bless You.

Charlie Thurston

December 25, 2008

God be with you.

Nelson Solomon

December 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

M

December 25, 2008

My God's love comfort you in your time of sorrow. We give thanks for this soldier's unselfish service to our Country. God bless.

Coby Moore

December 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...Semper Fi....

N D

December 25, 2008

I pray that the peace of God that passes all understanding would keep your family in this time. My prayers are with you.

December 25, 2008

Thougts and prayers are with this soldiers family!

Showing 1 - 91 of 91 results

Make a Donation
in Stephen Zapasnik's name

Memorial Events
for Stephen Zapasnik

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Stephen Zapasnik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more