Leroy Alfred Etzler Sr., 77, of Hallettsville, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017. He was born on March 8, 1940 to Joseph (Joe) and Helen Henke Etzler in Hallettsville. He married Anita Barcak on September 1, 1962 at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia. This past September, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 4 children and their spouses: Gail (David), Leroy Jr. (Diana), Travis (Kari), and Douglas (deceased). His grandchildren Jennifer, Adam, Lindsay, Haley, Madeline, Allison, Bret & Sophia held a special place in his heart and brought him joy.

Leroy and Anita made their home in Hallettsville and enjoyed their children and grandchildren. He and Anita could always be found sitting outside enjoying nature and listing to polka music. He enjoyed frequent visits by his children and grandchildren. Leroy cherished hosting family birthdays and holiday celebrations at his home.He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2433 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

As a plumber and electrician for the family business, started by his dad, Leroy enjoyed working for the Hallettsville community. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand to someone in need. He was willing to go out nights and weekends to help others with their plumbing, electrical and water well problems. Helping others was always a priority for Leroy, even if it meant not completing his own work.

Leroy's passion was the outdoors, from driving around the countryside stopping to visit with friends, to taking his mule down the pasture to check his cattle would provide enjoyment for Leroy. He always looked forward to the opening of deer season. He loved getting away to go deer hunting.

Leroy always enjoyed a good meal prepared by Anita. After the meal, He was known to lie down and take a long nap.

Leroy will be remembered as a kind, caring and loving man. We will all miss seeing him in his signature blue overalls.

Leroy is survived by: his wife Anita; daughter Gail Zambie & husband David of Austin; 2 sons, Leroy Etzler Jr. & wife Diana of Richmond, and Travis Etzler & wife Kari of Hallettsville; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer & Adam Zambie, and Lindsay, Haley, Madeline, Allison, Bret & Sophia Etzler; 4 brothers, Joseph Etzler & wife Dorothy, Anthony Etzler & wife Anna, Leon Etzler & wife Nancy, and Wilbert Etzler & wife Carol; and 4 sisters, Sister Lois Marie Etzler, Irene Willford & husband John, Marilyn Kovalcik & husband John, and Linda Shimek & husband Tim.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents and son Douglas Etzler

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Monday, October 16, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Sunday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rosary starting at 6 pm. Pallbearers: Joe Etzler, Aaron Etzler, Chad Barack, Bret Etzler, Adam Zambie and Tad Jansky. Honorary Pallbearers: Madeline Etzler, Jennifer Zambie, Lindsay Etzler, Allison Etzler, Haley Etzler, Sophia Etzler, Robert Haas and Andy Chapman. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church or CCD classes, Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church or Charity of Your Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.