Vernon F. Zaksheske Obituary (1932 - 2015)

Vernon F. "Zack" Zaksheske, age 82, of Harborcreek Twp., passed away peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, April 2, 2015 following an extended illness. He was born in Menominee, MI on April 8, 1932, a son of the late John and Frances Grabowski Zaksheske. Vern was a graduate of Cathedral Prep, Class of 1950. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Korean War. Zack was a long-time employee of Zurn Industries-Energy Division. He retired from there with over 40 years of service. He was also previously employed in the sporting goods department of the old Sears Department Store in Downtown Erie. He was a faithful member of St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Lawrence Park where he had served as an usher for many years and took great pride in knowing the names of and speaking to his fellow parishioners. Vern enjoyed working in his yard and was known for keeping his cars immaculately clean. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruth M. Merski Zaksheske, whom he adored and built his life around; five children: Mark Zaksheske (Jeanne), Michael Zaksheske (Doreen), Susan Miazga (Mark), Paul Zaksheske and Sandra Sweet (Norman); one brother, Robert Zaksheske (Donna); 12 grandchildren: Jennifer, Joseph, Julia, Daniel, David, Andrew, Jason, Alyson, Matthew, Aaron, Ryan and Sarah and one great-grandson, Ryder. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.), on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Church at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.