Hedy Zbacnik

Hedy Zbacnik passed away November 15, 2012 after a four year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She died in her home with her family near her.

Hedwig Maria Troll was born April 7, 1923 in Kitzingen, Germany. She was the oldest of 5, 2 boys & 3 girls. The family moved to Lohr, another town in the Bavarian area, somewhat isolated from the industrial cities in the region.

In 1942 she married Hans Hoffman and they had a daughter Heidi. Hoffman was a pilot in the German Air Force and was shot down over Russia during the war. Widowed and a single mother at a young age Hedy completed her studies while working various jobs.

Eventually she met Tony Zbacnik, a young GI serving with the US Army. They fell in love but because of post war military restrictions regarding marriage Hedy would be required to travel to the United States to be married. Now with two daughters, Inge was born May 23, 1946, Hedy had to choose to stay in Germany without Tony or move to America to start a life with him. Not completely convinced that moving both girls out of Germany was a good idea Hedy's mother insisted that Heidi stay in Germany. Tony convinced Hedy that this would only be temporary and the girls would be back together soon. Hedy & Tony were married in Manhatten, Kansas on June 6, 1952.

Tony re-enlisted and a pattern soon emerged. By continually re-enlisting Tony was able to secure a command in Germany every couple of years, but this would require a domestic term as well. Because of this Hedy took her family to Kansas, Texas, Hawaii and Kentucky along with many locations throughout the Bavarian region of Germany. Tragically, Heidi was lost in an automobile accident in Texas in 1960. Meanwhile the family continued to grow with the birth of Linda in 1957 in Frankfort, Germany; Susie in Ft Hood, Texas in 1959; and Frank in Wurzburg, Germany in 1962.

Tony served in The Korean War and stayed with the Army for 23 years until retiring in June, 1966 as a Sergant Major. Having retired out of Fort Knox, the family settled in Louisville, Kentucky as Tony struggled with civilian careers. Hedy repeatedly attempted to convince Tony she could earn a good living by teaching, but Tony steadfastly refused.

The family finally settled in Middletown where Tony had a brother and four sisters in the area, joining a brother in law in a small business. After years of moving every few years once Hedy located the house she wanted the family never moved again. After living in the States for most of her life Hedy continued to speak with a heavy German accent.

Hedy stayed socially active with Welcome Wagon, Homemakers, bowling, Mah Jongg and one of her favorite activities, Bridge – in fact, Hedy was a Master bridge player. She actively pursued these activities well into her eighties until Alzheimer's Disease gradually degenerated her abilities.

Mrs. Zbacnik is survived by her son, Frank (Rebecca Moehring) Zbacnik; daughters, Linda Zbacnik, Inge Zbacnik, Sharon (Mike) Johnson and brother, Horst (Ulrika) Troll and sister-in-law, Irene Zbacnik; grandchildren, Chad, Joe, Abigail, Adam, Sara and Denise; numerous great grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, friends and loving family

Hedy was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Tony Zbacnik; daughter, Heidi Hoffman; sisters, Hildegard Troll and Trudi Schecher; brother, Robert Troll.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Parish - St. John's Church, 1405 First Avenue, Middletown with Father John Civille as celebrant. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown, OH. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association/Greater Cincinnati Chapter, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203.





Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044