Tony Zabawa, Jr

Tony Zabawa, Jr of Columbus died Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at his home.

Tony Jr. was born in Columbus January 3, 1925 to Tony Sr. and Elizabeth (Jarecki) Zabawa. Tony attended St. Bonaventure grade school and high school, graduating in May of 1942. He served 6:00 AM mass at St. Mary's Hospital from fourth grade until his junior year in high school. In January 1943, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corps, serving as an aerial gunner in World War II.

On May 5, 1945 Tony married Philomae (Phyl) Foltz at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church near Humphrey, NE. They lived in San Diego, CA until November 1945 when Tony received his discharge from the Navy and he and Phyl returned to Columbus to make their home and raise their eight children.

Tony worked for Loup Power District for 41 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church where he was a mass server, lector, usher, trustee and served on the financial and cemetery boards. While chairman of the cemetery board, Tony was instrumental in procuring the Holy Family statue for the new All Saints Cemetery. He was a charter member of Perpetual and Nocturnal Adoration Societies for over 50 years and a volunteer at Simon House. Tony also volunteered at Morys nursing home where he prayed the rosary on Wednesday morning for 24 years and delivered meals on wheels. Tony was a member of the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight for three terms and District Deputy for four years. Tony was a member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus.

Tony was active at (St. Bonaventure), now Scotus High School where he was a charter member of the Scotus Shamrock Club and was inducted into the Scotus Athletic Hall of Fame Booster Club. In 2010, he received the Scotus Alumna of the Year award.

He was a member of the American Legion and VFW clubs. He liked to dance, golf, hunt, fish and play cards.

Tony's greatest gift to humanity was the donation of over 22 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

He is survived by:
Wife Phyl Zabawa of Columbus
Daughter Mary Kay Finnigan (Roger Barnes) of Omaha
Son Dan (Joyce) Zabawa of Omaha
Son Tony (Nancy) Zabawa of Omaha
Son Tim (Joanne) Zabawa of Omaha
Daughter Sue (Tom) Korgie of Omaha
Son Tom (Sue) Zabawa of Columbus
Son Dave (Randi) Zabawa of Omaha
Daughter Lori (Brian) Kuta of Omaha
23 Grandchildren
20 Great Grandchildren
Sister Luella Forrai of California

Tony is preceded in death by:
Parents
Brothers Bob and Myron

In lieu of Flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Bonaventure Church, Scotus Central Catholic High School, or Right to life