Christine Zimmerhanzel

Christine Klanika Zimmerhanzel, age 91, of Leroy, passed away early Sunday morning, September 30, 2007 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Gerald Cemetery near Leroy, with Rev. Stephanie Spitzer officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Christine was born January 31, 1916 in Penelope, the daughter of John and Veronica (Kolacek) Novak. She attended the New Hope school in Penelope. She was united in marriage to Frank Klanika in Penelope. He preceded her in death on March 14, 1976. She then married Leslie (Dutch) Zimmerhanzel and he also preceded her in death. Christine was a homemaker, helped on the family farm, and worked at the Leroy Meat Locker Plant for 17 years before retiring in 1975. She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald. She enjoyed playing bingo, working jigsaw puzzles, fishing, gardening, crocheting, and sewing. She especially enjoyed spending time with her sons and grandchildren. Her parents; a brother, John Novak; and three sisters, Mary Kessler, Farnces Cepica, and Annie Andrle also preceded her in death. Suriviors include a son, Charles Klanika of Mt. Calm; two sisters, Elsie Vrba of West and Margarette Pratka of Penelope; 12 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers are her nephews, Don Andrle, Alton Pratka, Clyde Vrba, Calvin Pratka, Ike Pratka, and Thomas Pratka. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald.