Edward H. Zernzach

Edward Henry Zernzach, 96, of Omro, went to his Lord September 30, 2013, at King Veterans Home, after a long battle with dementia. He was born on October 9, 1916, in Mellen, WI. In 1923 the family moved to Oshkosh. Ed attended high school in Oshkosh and followed up with a four year B.S. Degree from Oshkosh Teachers College. He continued his education and received his Masters Degree from U.W. Milwaukee. Ed joined the U.S. Navy as an Ensign in June of 1941, was promoted to Lieutenant in October 1943, and then to Lieutenant Commander in October 1945. He commanded two ships during the war, the USS Ruby, a patrol escort ship in the eastern Atlantic and the USS LST 819 in the Pacific Theatre, where he saw combat in Okinawa.After the war he met his loving wife of 65 years and settled into family life and teaching, first at Waterford H.S., then Omro H.S., where he retired in 1978 after 31 years. Ed was a former president of the Omro Kiwanis and Omro Education Assoc. He also served with the Red Cross for 10 years. Ed loved teaching more than anything, but after retiring he found enjoyment with his large garden, taking walks, hunting, fishing, skiing, and helping his children whenever they needed him.He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Omro; sons, Lance (Terri) Zernzach of Oshkosh and Thomas (Barbara) Edwards of Wautoma; a daughter, Martina (Brian) Welke of Oshkosh; five grandchildren, Sandra, Cynthia, Candace, Michael, and Daniel; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.A private family service will be held.