Steve Zaputil

1925 - 2015

Steve William Zaputil
Sept, 6, 1925 - May 7, 2015
 
 
Steve William Zaputil was born on September 6, 1925, in Centerville, Iowa - the oldest son of Croatian emigrants Daniel and Draga Zaputil.  He passed away on May 7, 2015, in Merced, CA, at the age of 89.
With World War II in progress, Steve felt strongly compelled to join the war effort.  Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army-Air Corps.  Steve completed basic training and was sent to RAF Great Ashfield in Suffolk, England.  There he served in the 551st Bombardment Squadron of the 385th Bombardment Group - a division of the "Mighty Eighth" Air Force.  He flew 32 missions over France and Germany as a tail gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress.  Following World War II, Steve proudly served his country for the next 21 years in the U.S. Air Force.  After retiring from the military, Steve worked another 20 years as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Citrus Heights, CA.
Steve's faith in God, his love and devotion to family, his honesty and discipline were an inspiration to our entire family. Steve shared his passion for the outdoors with his children and grandchildren by introducing us to fishing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and gardening -- his roses were the best in the neighborhood!
Steve met Mary Anne Stelpflug in Long Beach, CA.  They were soon married and blessed with three children.  Being a military family, we lived in a variety of places, including: Scott AFB, IL; Mather AFB, Sacramento; Clark AFB, Philippines; Kirtland AFB, NM; Keesler AFB, MS; Castle AFB, Merced; Thule AFB, Greenland and lastly Travis AFB, Fairfield. Though our moves were frequent, all of the traveling enabled us to grow stronger as a family.
After Mary Anne's passing in 2001, Steve moved from Citrus Heights back to the Merced area. There he met Karen Kale, to whom he was married for nearly eleven years. Those years were spent enjoying time together and traveling within the U.S.  After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Karen lovingly provided Steve with care and comfort.  Having Karen by his side gave Steve great happiness and lightened his spirit in his later years. 
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Draga Zaputil, his brothers Anthony and Daniel, and his first wife Mary Anne.  He is survived by his wife Karen and his three children: Michelle Butticci (Mario); Anne Johnson (Peter); and Steven Zaputil (Michele).  Nine grandchildren will dearly miss their grandpa: Stephanie, Amy, Suzanne, Joseph, and Elizabeth Butticci; Christiaan Johnson; and Molly, Noah, and Spencer Zaputil. Thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild will also appreciate his legacy.
The family would like to express gratitude to PA Ken Miller and to the extraordinary caregivers at Pacifica (Emeritus) Memory Care who, for the past 10 months,  provided Steve with wonderful care and compassion.
Services for Steve will be Thursday, May 14, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Atwater, CA.
 A rosary will begin at 11 a.m. with the funeral mass following at 11:30 a.m.  Steve will be interred on Friday, May 15, 2:30 p.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA, with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home.
 
 
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