Death Notices submitted to KWE
Names Starting with "Z"

 
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Zaiz, Richard Allen Sr.

 Richard Allen Zaiz Sr., born April 24, 1931, died peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 92 surrounded by his loving family. He followed his loving wife and best friend for 63 years, the late Joan Catherine Aubrey Zaiz. He was the loving son of the late Lucille and John Zaiz; the loving brother of the late Delores Zaiz, the late John “Bud” (Mildred) Zaiz, and the late Leo (Gloria) Zaiz. He was the devoted father of Mary Sandell, the late Sherry (Jim) Moise-Fozzy, Judith (the late Phillip) Zaiz-Morace, Richard (Margit) Zaiz, Jr., Donna-Marie Spoto and Joseph Zaiz. He was the loving grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 27. He was a dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Richard was a member of Company E, 138th Infantry Regiment, Missouri Army National Guard 1947 to 1948 as an infantryman (PVT).  He served in the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1957 where he participated in the occupation of Japan 1948 to 1949.  He fought in the Korean War from 1949 to 1952, where he was wounded in a plane crash. He was stationed in Pusan and Seoul and at K9, K19, and K25.  From 1953 to 1955 he was assigned to Scott Air Force Base in the Security Police and from 1955 to 1957 he was assigned to the 791st AC&W Squadron, Hanna City, Illinois (ADC) Scott Air Force Base. From 1962 to 1963 he served in the 131st Fighter Wing, St. Louis International Airport, Missouri Air National Guard.  He also served in the Missouri Air National Guard at Lambert Airfield from 1964 to 1965. He finished his military service as a Technical Sergeant (E-6) in the Security Police.

Richard was a life member in the VFW, and a loved and admired member of St. Sabina Parish, where he was involved with CHRP and Men’s Senior Group. He retired from Scientific Products as a General Manager for the St. Louis warehouse and transportation system. His hobbies included computers, remodeling his home, square dancing, WiiBowling and watching Westerns.

Through death Richard continued to follow Jesus’ work of giving by donating his body to science at St. Louis University. A prayer service was held at The Villa at Riverwood, Florissant, Missouri, where he lived for the last six and half years. In lieu of flowers, please give generously to any veterans’ charity of your choice.
 

Zanin, John Baptist

December 19, 1919-August 22, 2015  
 

John Baptist Zanin was a highly decorated US Army Infantry veteran whose career spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Colonel Zanin passed away on August 22, 2015 in Alexandria, Virginia.
 
Born the son of Northern Italian immigrants Natale and Giustina Zanin, he spent his early life in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania as a Lone Scout, lumberjack and coal miner. He spoke often of teachers who inspired him.
 
While serving in the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict, then Captain Zanin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action as well as the Silver Star for actions of valor near Wonsan, Sobuk-San, Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart for serious wounds sustained while adjusting mortar fire upon the enemy. He was also a proud member of the Legion of Valor.
 
In 1944, then Captain Zanin married Eve Gaydos who wholeheartedly supported him during his military career and gave him three fine sons. She died in 1985. Son David died in 1983.
 
Survivors include his second wife Evelyn Casseri Sowolla, a high school sweetheart whom he married in 2005; two sons and their wives, Michael and Pamela Zanin of Greenville, South Carolina and Mark and Colleen Zanin of Keswick, Virginia; three brothers and a sister; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City, North Dakota.
 
The Funeral and interment with Full Military Honors will be held on a future date to be determined at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Meyer, Virginia followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/WashingtonPost/obituary.aspx?pid=175676564#sthash.ZkAmwHat.dpuf

John Baptist Zanin was a highly decorated US Army Infantry veteran whose career spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Colonel Zanin passed away on August 22, 2015 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Born the son of Northern Italian immigrants Natale and Giustina Zanin on December 19, 1919, he spent his early life in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania as a Lone Scout, lumberjack and coal miner. He spoke often of teachers who inspired him.

While serving in the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict, then Captain Zanin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action as well as the Silver Star for actions of valor near Wonsan, Sobuk-San, Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart for serious wounds sustained while adjusting mortar fire upon the enemy. He was also a proud member of the Legion of Valor.

In 1944, then Captain Zanin married Eve Gaydos who wholeheartedly supported him during his military career and gave him three fine sons. She died in 1985. Son David died in 1983.

Survivors include his second wife Evelyn Casseri Sowolla, a high school sweetheart whom he married in 2005; two sons and their wives, Michael and Pamela Zanin of Greenville, South Carolina and Mark and Colleen Zanin of Keswick, Virginia; three brothers and a sister; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City, North Dakota.

The Funeral and interment with Full Military Honors will be held on a future date to be determined at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Meyer, Virginia followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Zeitner, Irvin Junior

Irvin J. Zeitner, age 79, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City. Irvin was born in Plentywood, Montana, on September 2, 1932, the son of Jacob and Rose (Ulrich) Zeitner. Irvin attended schools in Outlook, Mont., where he graduated from high school. He attended college in Havre and entered the United States Air Force in 1949, serving for over three years. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to Plentywood, where he married Lorraine Harn in 1958.  While in Plentywood, Mr. Zeitner began working for the Montana Highway Patrol in 1955 and transferred to Miles City. He retired from the Highway Patrol in 1969 and became Chief Juvenile Officer for the 16th Judicial District until 1978, when he moved to Bozeman, where he taught Juvenile Justice at the Montana Law Academy until 1982. They moved to Helena, Montana, until the mid-1990s, then making Miles City their home. Mr. Zeitner loved to play cribbage, watch good ol' western movies and in the early years go hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Zeitner of Miles City; a son, Scott Zeitner of Miles City; daughters Joanne Gresens of Manhattan, Kan.; Mary Scherling of Fargo, N.D., and Judy Erb of Helena; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Howard, Albert and Helmut; a sister, Myrtle; and two grandsons: Clint Allen Zeitner and Nicholas. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579.

Zerfuss, William Jerome

William J. Zerfuss, 87, formerly of Long Island, New York, died in a hospital on the Big Island, Hawaii, on August 29, 2020.  He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and lived on Long Island before moving to Hawaii, where his daughter Diane O'Toole lived with her husband.  William was among the first of 27 residents of Yuko Okutsu State Veterans Home that died of Covid.  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Jets.  He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War, working as a printer on the naval repair ship USS Shenandoah.  He was preceded in death by a daughter and brother, and was survived by his daughter Diane and her family. 

Zierrath, Lorraine Charles "Charlie"

Lorraine Charles “Charlie” Zierrath, 90, of Belleville, Illinois, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Dammert Geriatric Center, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Mr. Zierrath was born on July 8, 1932, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Lorraine Charles Sr. and Eleanor Zierrath.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School and joined the United States Navy serving on the USS Delta in the Korean War. Charlie worked as a mail carrier at the United States Postal Service Belleville branch #155 and retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, where he was a longtime usher and called Bingo on Friday nights. Mr. Zierrath belonged to the St. Clair County Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus Council #1038, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1739. He was known as “Uncle Charlie” to many, and always had a smile and a joke. Charlie had a cheerful demeanor and was a kind, caring man who lived his faith and was devoted to his family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Shirley Schmidt Zierrath; his parents; a sister, Rosemary Zipfel; two nephews, Michael and Matthew Zipfel; and a great-nephew, Tim Venhaus.

Surviving are a sister, Judy A. (Edward) DeFrias of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; six nieces, Lynn Venhaus of St. Louis, Missouri, Julie (Dean) Modde of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Mary Clare (Ken) Gastro of Woodland Hills, California, Diane (Jim) Homet of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Debra (Bill) Vien of Williston, Vermont, Susan Fonner of San Diego, California; a nephew, John (Jenn) DeFrias of Manchester, New Hampshire; great-nephews; great-nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Bradford Place Assisted Living in Swansea, Illinois, Dammert Geriatric Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, and to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Benedictine Living Community At The Shrine.  Friends may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville.

Zimmerman, Norman Bach

Norman Bach Zimmerman passed away on February 11, 2023, after a short illness. He was 94 years old.

Norm had a warm, generous nature and wonderful sense of humor. He always made family and friends laugh with his quick wit, and he strived to put strangers at ease with gentle joking.  He had a lifelong love of aviation that he pursued first while serving in the military and later as a beloved hobby that brought him many friends.

Norman Zimmerman was born in Northampton Township, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1928, but lived most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he moved with his mother, Ida, when he was about 7 years old.  After living in the East Bay, Norm and his mother eventually settled in Saratoga. He attended Saratoga Grammar School and Los Gatos High School, where he graduated in 1946.

Following graduation, Norm realized his dream of flying when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy's flight program. During his time in the Navy, Norm was stationed in locations that included Okinawa, Japan, and Kodiak, Alaska, where he flew patrols. He left the Navy in 1952 and through the G.I. Bill attended San Jose State University, where he received a Bachelor's of Science.

Norm took an engineering job with NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), which was absorbed into NASA in 1958. He spent his career at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, where some highlights included working on the Space Shuttle program and cataloging tektites, natural glass objects found in meteorite craters, some of which were sent to the Smithsonian Institution's collection in Washington D.C.

A longtime friendship with Henry Reynaud, a classmate from Saratoga Grammar School, and Henry's family introduced Norm to his future wife, Adrienne, Henry's sister. Norm and Adrienne married in Reno, Nevada, in 1969 and settled in Los Gatos. They built a unique modern home, where they raised their daughter, Heather, and where Norm would live for the rest of life. Norm retired from NASA in 1987, but continued to work there as a consultant through 1995. In the early 90s, he and Adrienne took up ballroom dancing — they particularly enjoyed dancing the foxtrot and the cha cha.

In retirement Norm also volunteered with Wings of History Museum in San Martin for 20 years, organizing donations to the museum's library. Throughout his life Norm enjoyed attending air shows around the Bay Area, as well as the Reno National Championship Air Races, and traveling to visit air museums throughout the country.  Norm belonged to several aviation organizations, including the American Aviation Historical Society, which later became Society for Aviation History.  He also loved big band music and traditional jazz, especially the music of Fats Waller.

Norm is survived by Adrienne, his devoted wife of 53 years; daughter Heather Zimmerman and son-in-law John Briere; sister- and brother-in-law Rosalie and John Jacobs; loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and many friends.

A celebration of life took place April 22, 1 pm, at Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St., Los Gatos. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Santa Clara County Meals on Wheels or Canine Companions for Independence.

Zimmermann, Evan C. "Zip"

Evan Charles “Zip” Zimmermann, 88, of Marissa, Illinois, born July 19, 1934, in Belleville, Illinois, died Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Coulterville Care Center.

Zip retired as an aircraft mechanic from the Department of Defense and in his early years, was a police officer for Mascoutah. He was a United States Navy veteran, United States Air Force veteran, and a Korean War veteran. Zip was a crew member for the USS Midway CVA-41, when on January 6, 1955, the vessel crossed the equator. Zip was a member of St. Martin of Tours Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, Illinois, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 683, St. Libory, Illinois, and lifetime member of the NRA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Lorene, nee Ruckriegel, Zimmermann Keller, stepfather, Elroy E. Keller, son, David Zimmermann, granddaughter, Amanda Aguirre, son-in-law, Greg Benedict, four sisters-in-law, Mildred King, Amelia Morgan, Geneva Grimes, Joan Andrews, six brothers-in-law, Kenneth Andrews, Perry Andrews, R.L. Moore, Steve Krug, Oris “Frank” Andrews, James Andrews.

He is survived by his wife, Betty J., nee Moore, Zimmermann, whom he married on December 16, 1956, in Jacksonville, Florida; his children, Joyce (Mark) Stehl of Marissa, Barbara Benedict of Southaven, Mississippi, Rhonda (James Sharos) Vasquez of Swansea, Illinois, Jeffrey (Regena) Zimmermann of Potosi, Missouri, Nubia Lopez Roman of Alberta, Canada; 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, sister, Sandra Krug of Belleville; daughter-in-law, Angie Zimmermann, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bobbie Andrews of Georgia, Joan Andrews, Andy (Betty) Andrews, Albert Andrews, Alvin (Loren) Andrews all of Florida; cousin, Irvin (Helen) Keck; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63132 or Disabled American Veterans.  A funeral service was held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Moll Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Don Wagner officiating. Burial with Military Honors followed in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.

Zinck, Ralph C.

Ralph C. Zinck, 91, of Belleville, Illinois, born May 24, 1931, in Mascoutah, Illinois, died Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville.

Ralph had retired from Midwestern Propane and the City of Belleville. He was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville. He was a United States Army Veteran having served in the Korean War and a member of the VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Theckla Butz Zinck; a brother, Harvey (Rose) Zinck; a sister, Dorothy (Joe) Lanter; a grandson, Nicholas Luechtefeld; and a special friend Joann Loerch.

He is survived by five children, Eileen Roedl of San Antonio, Texas, Amy Nichols of Mascoutah, Illinois, Peggy (Jeffrey) Smith of Shreveport, Louisiana, Patrick (Lorena) Zinck of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Jennifer (John) Bryant of Senoia, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Jacquelyn) Zinck, Joshua (Jennifer) Roedl, Elizabeth (Mohamad) Koteiche, Jeffrey (Nan) Smith, Marina Zinck, Sophia (Angel) Zinck-Rocha and Antonio Zinck; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Norbert (Dona) Zinck of Nashville, Illinois; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice or Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine, https://giving.benedictineliving.org/0141. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com. Visitation: Friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Chapel of the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine. Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Chapel of the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri, with military honors.

Zobrist, Michael (DMZ Veteran)

Michael G. "Tanker" Zobrist, age 72 of Highland, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at his residence in Highland. He was born on Friday, June 10, 1949, in Highland, the son of Leroy and Joann Kapp Zobrist. On Sunday, April 26, 1969, he married Denise Ann Harris Zobrist, at St. Paul Catholic Church, who survives. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, the NRA and AARP.

Michael was born at Highland and grew up on south Pine Street. He was a 1967 graduate of St. Paul High School. After graduation, he worked for Alton Box until he was drafted in 1969. Mike served two years in the US Army, with duty in Korea. After his discharge, he returned to Alton Box where he worked an additional 42 years in machine maintenance, retiring in 2010.

He enjoyed watching sports on television, as well as NASCAR. Until he became disabled, he loved fishing, hunting, and coaching Khoury League baseball. Mike was a Corvette fanatic. He was especially fond of his "grand animals" Georgia and Raider (deceased). Mike was a member of St. Paul Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He belonged to Steelworkers Local #1215 and served as president for a number of years. He also maintained membership in NRA and AARP.

Survivors include his wife, Denise Ann Harris Zobrist, Highland; son, Chance M. (Audra) Zobrist, Highland; son, Derek R. (Stacy) Zobrist, Highland; granddaughter, Tyler L. Zobrist, Highland; grandson, Trevor M. Zobrist, Highland; brother, Steven L. (Phyllis) Zobrist, Watertown, Wisconsin; sister, Janet M. (Louis) Renko, Highland; sister, Marsha A. (Kenneth) Holtgrave, Highland; sister, Laurie A. (Keith) Frank, Highland, I; brother, David L. (Cyndi) Zobrist, Highland; sister in-law, Vicki Merkle, Highland, Illinois; and sister in-law, Becky Martin, Alhambra, Illinois.

He was preceded by: parents Leroy S. and Joann M. Kapp Zobrist; nephew Cory Matthews; great nephew Dylan Renko; father in-law and mother in-law, Dennis D. and Charlene J. Wetzel Harris; brothers-in-law, Denny D. Harris, Daryl Merkle and Greg Martin.

Funeral Mass was at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland. Interment was at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Zoubra, Albert T.

Albert T. Zoubra, 83, died peacefully at home on September 09, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island on October 12, 1927. Mr. Zoubra served a short time with the U.S. Navy in Guam following World War II and was a Korean War army veteran. He was a member of Company L, 223rd Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. A photo of him, taken during the Korean War, appears in Wilton Chase's photos on Bob-West.com. He was a 1945 graduate of Cumberland High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's Degree from Boston University. Mr. Zoubra started his teaching career in Cranston, Rhode Island. He married his wife, Luzie Kattner, in 1961, and they moved to Heidelberg, Germany. He taught social studies and went on to career guidance counseling at various American high schools in Europe. In addition to teaching, Mr. Zoubra coached track, wrestling and soccer. He was Athletic Director at Munich American High School for several years. He retired in 1991, settling in Yarmouth Port.  Albert enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to swing, jazz, blues and classical music. He loved dancing waltzes and polkas. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband and father by his family, and a good and caring man by those who knew him. Survivors are his loving wife Luzie of 50 years, his son John and wife, Jenny; daughters Christine and husband, Scot; Michele and husband, Justin; and Karen and husband, Tim, along with nine cherished grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at 1pm at the Funeral Home of Morris, O'Connor & Blute, 58 Long Pond Drive, South Yarmouth. Donations in memory of Albert may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice, 434 Route 134, South Dennis, Massachusetts 02660 or to the Yarmouth Fire Dept. Rescue Fund, 96 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664.


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