Norman J. Zetka

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Norman James Zetka. Norman, 87, passed away at Silver Pines Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Bastrop, Texas, on August 20, 2024.

 Norman was born July 9, 1937 in Stafford, Texas to the late John Frank and Mary Srubar Zetka. He married Theresa Ann Psencik on August 9, 1958 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Smithville.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey, of 66 years and children, daughter, Sharon and her husband Gene Lightfoot of Katy, and son, Kenneth and his wife Brenda Zetka of Coldspring; grandsons – Nicholas Ryan Zetka of Dallas, James Anthony Zetka of Dallas, and Travis John Zetka and fiancée, Emily Wilburn of Austin. Norman is also survived by his brother, Eugene and his wife Francis Zetka of Montgomery, Texas, and sister-in-law, Yvonne Psencik of Smithville. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Norman was a devout Catholic. He went to Resurrection Catholic School, St. Thomas High School, and graduated from Milby High School in Houston, and attended the University of Houston. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Houston for 40 years. Norman was a veteran serving in the Air Force.

Norman’s professional life was spent in Houston. He was employed by United Gas Corporation and Schlumberger Well Services, retiring from Schlumberger after 35 years of service. Upon retirement he moved to Smithville and built a home on the land that he loved.

Norman loved music, dancing, Texas history, western movies, good wine, a great cigar and anything chocolate. Most of all he enjoyed sitting on his porch enjoying his best life. He believed in the 2nd Amendment, advocated for soil and water conservation, and shared a love of antique clocks. He was a member of the Lazybrook Civic Club, Houston Gun Club, National Clock and Watches Association, San Jacinto Clock & Watch Association, National Rifle Association, Houston Czech Cultural & Community Center, Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center, Inc., Texas Czech Genealogical Society, Pin Oak Creek WMA, SPJST, board member on Bastrop County Soil & Water Conservation District, Bastrop County Field Services, life time member of Coastal Conservation Association, and Knights of Columbus Father O’Gallagher Council 4868. He was a member of St. Paul Church for the past 24 years. He and Tracey were awarded the Lumen Gentium Award from the Diocese of Austin by Bishop Joe Vasquez. He joined the Knights of Columbus after moving to Smithville where he spent many hours working with his fellow knights frying fish and barbecuing. He was also their Treasurer and Grand Knight. He loved being a rancher and working the land. He enjoyed fishing and playing rounds of golf with his grandsons. He enjoyed listening to Sharon play the guitar and Ken the accordion, watching his grandsons play baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and swim. He especially treasured all the moments when his family were all together. 

He will be forevermore missed by those whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Knights of Columbus Father O’Gallagher Council 4868 and online gifts in memory of Norman J. Zetka, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.