Zatopek

Harvey Lee “Buck” Zatopek passed away on June 28, 2025. Born on July 15, 1936, in Austin, Texas, Buck was the son of Norbert E. Zatopek and Jessie V. Austin, who both preceded him in death.

Buck spent his early years in Austin and San Antonio during World War II before his family settled in Weimar in 1949. His father, a pharmacist, purchased Watzlavick Pharmacy that year and renamed it Zatopek’s Pharmacy. Buck graduated from Weimar High School in 1954 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1958.

On August 24, 1958, Buck married his high school sweetheart Patricia Heger at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Weimar. They began their married life in Tyler, Texas, where Buck worked at Good’s Pharmacy and where their first two children, Becky and Carl, were born. The family later returned to Weimar, where their daughter Stephanie was born, before moving to La Grange when Buck purchased Schroeder Drug.

Buck’s career in pharmacy spanned more than half a century. He joined his father in partnership at Zatopek’s Pharmacy in 1969 and eventually became owner of Schroeder Drug in La Grange. His dedication to his patients was unmatched — he filled prescriptions at all hours of the day and night, often without hesitation, providing a vital service to his community. Many remember how Buck would quietly open the pharmacy late at night to assist those in need. His lifetime of service was honored by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, which recognized him for 50 years of distinguished service to the profession.

Buck was active in professional and community organizations, including the Texas Pharmaceutical Association and the Lions Club, where he found fellowship and a way to serve that fit his demanding work schedule.

Buck will also be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and his mastery of figurative language. His quick wit, colorful expressions, and ability to bring a smile to any conversation endeared him to friends, family, and customers alike.

Outside of work, Buck found joy in fishing, deer hunting, and playing golf. He had a lifelong love of sports, both as a participant—most notably playing baseball with the Weimar Vets team—and as an ardent fan of the Texas Longhorns. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his alma mater. He and Patricia shared a love of travel, making treasured memories with friends on trips to destinations like Munich, Hawaii, Canada, and New York.

Buck will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend, and as a man of great integrity whose dedication to his profession, community, and family left a lasting legacy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia; his daughter Rebecca Jane Zatopek Kurtz and granddaughter Jessica Ann Rivas; his son Carl Austin Zatopek, his wife Lidia Gazdyszyn Zatopek, and grandsons Daniel Nathan Zatopek, Isaac Harvey Zatopek, and David Asher Zatopek; his daughter Stephanie Zatopek Holzhausen, her husband Christopher Holzhausen, and grandchildren Emily Holzhausen, Walker Holzhausen, and Braden Holzhausen; and his sister Judy Zatopek Toland, her husband Dr. Dennis Toland.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Billy Joe, who passed away in infancy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange. A Holy Rosary will be recited from 2-2:30 p.m. The family will continue to receive friends through 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Ln., La Grange, TX 78945.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.