God called our loved one, Betty Jeannine Zahradnicek, home to Heaven on December 27,2016. A memorial chapel service is planned for Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 1:00pm at
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 So. Tschirgi St. in Sheridan, WY. All who knew
Jeannine are welcome to attend and pray with the family.
Betty Jeannine Zahradnicek was born on November 27, 1930, in Sheridan, Wy, the
only child of Hank and Lois (Parr) Frickey. She always preferred simply to be called
Jeannine, having been named after the song "I Dream of Jeannine in Lilac Time". She
lived and worked her entire life in Sheridan, except for time spent in Gulf Port, MS and
Miles City, MT. as an adult. She attended Sheridan High School, and after graduation
married a fellow student, Donald Apperson.
With Don, Jeannine had three children:
Michael, a baby boy who died in infancy, and Steven. During those years, Jeannine
was always described as an excellent homemaker, devoting herself to her family. She
and Don later divorced, but she remained a driving force for her children.
In 1978, Jeannine married Edward (Bud) Zahradnicek, another Sheridan resident. Bud
is quoted as saying that while in High School, he had loved Jeannine from afar, but she
just would not notice him, so he decided to wait. Upon meeting up again in later years,
she did take notice of him, and they subsequently married. As a couple, they proceeded
to live happily ever after until his death in 2015. Bud's unwavering love for Jeannine is
legendary. She was never alone in this life, so Bud will be with her in the next.
Jeannine is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Donald Apperson,
and her second husband Bud Zahradnicek, her eldest son Michael Apperson, her infant son
Steven Apperson, her loving Parr aunts, her half-brother Bob Frickey, and extended
Kiester family members. She has now rejoined all of her loving family in Heaven.
She is survived by her son Steven (Maggie) Apperson of Story, three grandchildren:
Mendi Maes of Laramie, Julie Marquez (Andy) of Rawlins, Scott Apperson of
Green River, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two step-children:
Brian (Chris) Zahradnicek of Billings, MT and their two children, Judy (David) Roberts of
Dayton and their two children, two half-brothers: Gary (Karen) Frickey and their daughter
Ali of Scottsdale, AZ, Dean Frickey of Idaho Falls, ID, two sisters-in-law: Vivian (the late
Jim) Miller of Hardin, MT and their children, Letha Kegerreis, daughter Holly and her
two children, and multiple Kiester family members. Jeannine's surviving family will await the
blessed day when all will reunite with her in Heaven.
Jeannine was a true "go-getter", one who lived life to the fullest in spite of great
illnesses in later years. She NEVER considered herself to be old or to be handicapped.
She will remain an inspiration to her family, friends, and to all who knew her in Sheridan.
Her family would like to express sincere gratitude to all health providers and staff who
provided professional care and kindness to Jeannine over the years. ALL of you made
her health better in so many ways. Her life was extended and made easier by your help.
A special mention, an outpouring of gratefulness, is sent out to Brookdale/Sugarland Ridge
Retirement facility for all the specialized care that was given to Jeannine. It is comforting to
know that she was happy, felt safe, and called Sugarland home prior to her passing.
Thank you!
Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
