Ralph Zerkel, age 95 of Williams Bay, WI, passed away Monday, November 18, 2013 at Willowfield Nursing Home in Delavan, WI. He was born November 28, 1917 in Chicago, IL. Ralph was the last of eleven children born to Raymond and Edith Zerkel.
Ralph joined the CCC prior to the World War II. He served in the Army for 6 years, drafted at the beginning of WWII and served 4 years. He re-enlisted in Army Signal Corps, so he could go to electronic school and advance in grades in Yokohama, Japan. He graduated with high acclaim. He did a prisoner of war duty in a camp in Arkansas. Ralph also served as Supply Sergeant in Camp Hood, Texas.
Ralph lived in Northbrook, IL following his 1st and 2nd marriages. In 1980, he retired and moved to Williams Bay, WI. He had 30 years experience in manufacturing administration , electrical engineering, and public relations. He also installed electronic organs in churches. He was the historian of the Zerkel family and wrote an article which is in the National Geneology Archives.
Ralph is the 7th generation American who arrived in America in 1726. Ralph was a top radio technician doing wonders repairing all broken down equipment. He enjoyed toy trains and created a "Town". He was a gentleman with great determination, organized, and efficient. He will be missed.
He is survived by his nephew, Father Donald Zerkel, and many other nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and sisters, and three wives; Dorothy Barber, Mary Foley, and Edith Berzott.
Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Delavan, WI, with Father Donald Zerkel officiating at later date. Monroe Funeral Home, in Delavan, WI, is assisting the family. Visit us at monroefh.com.
