Obituary of Eugene Zernia

Eugene "Gene" Frank Zernia, 88, of Three Oaks, passed away at Woodland Terrace in Niles on Thursday, June 23, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born on March 16, 1928 to John and Alice (Smith) Zernia in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of 15 Gene knew he was a man that was meant to be in the Navy. He started asking for his mom's permission to join and after two long years she relented and Gene joined the United States Navy, during World War II, at the age of 17. He served on the USS Pennsylvania, among other ships, and was present in the Bikini Islands when the first Atom Bomb was detonated. On November 26, 1949 Gene wed the love of his life and constant companion, Esther Mae Freshour, at a ceremony in Milwaukee. Together the two had seven children. Gene enjoyed helping out others in his community. He joined the Masonic Lodge on May 1, 1951 and advanced to become a 33rd Degree Mason. Over his 65 years of service some of his favorite organizations were the Niles Commandry #12, The Royal Arch St. Joseph Valley Chapter #2, and the Knights of the York Cross of Honor. He was a current member of the Three Oaks Lodge #239 where he was a past Master and enjoyed 25 years of serving pancakes. One of Gene's greatest personal joys were his trips to the Shriner's Hospital in Chicago where he transported children for treatments. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son-in-law Donald Staples and is survived by his children, Karen Staples of Harbert, Elaine (Raymond) Monroe of Buchanan, Jerry (Peggy) Zernia of Joliet, Illinois, Shari Kilheeney of Sawyer, David (Maribeth) Zernia of Tinley Park, Illinois, Mark (Krista) Zernia of Plainfield, Illinois, and Andrew (Chris Scott) Zernia of Granger, Indiana; 21 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren; sister, Sharon Otto of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; and several extended family and friends. Gene will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan in July with full military honors. Those wishing to make a donation in Gene's name may do so to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707 or at www.ShrinersHospitals.org/Donate