Communities mourn the loss of Michael Zapletal
10:01 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2007
Topeka — Hundreds of people attended the Requiem Mass for Michael Zapletal at the Saint John Vianney Church in Maple Hill Saturday. And though his body hasn't been found, mourners are glad to know that Michael is in a better place.
There were songs of grief - and words of distress...
“We cannot say that there is no sorrow in the death of Michael, there is sorrow indeed. There is a great sorrow. There's a great loss,” said Father Angelo VanderPutten during the service.
Extended Video
Friends, family, and community came together Saturday to mourn the loss of Michael Zapletal. See the entire service here.
But through all the sad eyes and heavy hearts came an uplifting message of joy and eternal life.
“There's no triumph in the world except when a soul dies and goes to heaven, and that's what it was about here today,” said Michael’s dad, John Zapletal.
John says that message is what kept him strong during his son's memorial service. Those presiding over the ceremony echoed that same emotion as they honored the life of 9-year-old Michael.
“It was a life of goodness - a life of friendship - a life that will certainly be missed,” said VanderPutten.
Memorial Fund
A memorial fund has been set up for Michael Zapletal at the Stockgrowers Bank in Maple Hill. Anyone wanting to make a contribution can drop it by or mail it to PO Box 8, Maple Hill, Kansas 66507, or call the Stockgrowers Bank at 785-256-4241.
Services were held in the traditional Latin language, and because Michael's body hasn't been found, mourners blessed his soul using an empty catafalque, which is similar to a coffin.
“We can't understand the death of Michael nor why God is not allowing us to find the body, but we have accepted it as the will of God,” VanderPutten said.
And as that will of God tests the grieving family and community, John says it's his will to find closure and keep Michael's memory alive.
“Just as he was before he's with us now," said John. "And if we remember that we'll be able to carry on very easily."
Though the official search for Michael's body is over, the Zapletal's continue to comb the Kansas River with the help of volunteers.
Timeline of search for Michael Zapletal
- Aug. 15, 2007: Zapletal gets swept away
- Aug. 16, 2007: Water search moves west to Willard
- Aug. 16, 2007: Search crews and family fear the worse
- Aug. 17, 2007: Rescue dog called in
- Aug. 21, 2007: Corps of Engineers lowers water level
- Aug. 23, 2007: School begins without Zapletal
- Aug. 27, 2007: Anguished father asks for community support in search for son
- Aug. 28, 2007: Underwater sand wall search turns up nothing
- Aug. 31, 2007: The official search comes to an end
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