- Clarence J. Zegers, 85, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in the comforting presence of his beloved family. He was born in De Pere, on Dec. 21, 1923, the eldest son of Gary Zegers and Marie (Puimbroeck) Zegers. Clarence and Doris (Van Remortel) were married on May 30, 1949, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, The family gathered to celebrate the couple's 60th wedding anniversary in May 2009.
In his younger years he would do chores and try to help his parents who were tavern keepers in De Pere, one place being known as the Old Dutch, and another by the family name. He told the story about how in 1939 he and three of his buddies bought a 1924 Model T and set out for California, Canada and many other places. World War II engulfed the world as Clarence graduated from East De Pere High School, and he voluntarily underwent corrective surgery so that he could become a U.S. Marine. With his fellow Marines of the 10th Artillery Company of the 2nd Marine Division, he fought on the ground from bloody Tarawa to Saipan and Okinawa. He was among the first American occupation forces in Nagasaki, Japan, following the surrender. Clarence was scheduled for promotion to gunnery sergeant, but when he was told he could either wait for the paperwork or ship out for the USA, he chose his home and family. He was called back to active duty in 1950, when the Korean conflict erupted. When he returned to his wife and baby son in De Pere after several months, he continued to live the beliefs of what we think of as the Greatest Generation: strong faith, hard work, and a loving family at the center of it all. He was also blessed by good friends over the years who also meant a lot to him.
Clarence and his family took pride in his four decades as a salesman and salesmaster for Cuene Buick of De Pere and later Green Bay, where he worked with energy and dedication until his retirement.
As his children grew up, he took them hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed golfing and softball with his children, and later, grandchildren, for many years. He watched his grandchildren with pride at their sports activities, performances and school events, and he took great pleasure in their company. He taught life's lessons by example and with kind words, and he was fond of saying that it is important to, "work hard...and play hard."
He will be sadly missed by Doris and their children and grandchildren, James and Mary (Smith) Zegers, and their son, Andrew, Madison; John and Jean (VanWassenhoven) Zegers, De Pere and their children, Scott, New York, and Jennifer, De Pere; Ann and Joseph Hilke, and their daughters, Jennifer and Michelle, Plymouth; Donald and Teresa (Kanouse) Zegers and their son, Daniel, De Pere; Joseph and Karen (Pearson) Zegers and their daughters, Emily, Mariah and Olivia, De Pere; and Mary and James Pahl, and their daughter, Heather. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Kane, and extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerard Zegers and Marie (Puimbroeck) Zegers Hagen, and his stepfather, Raymond Hagen; two sisters, Angeline Kornberg and Margaret Henry Vannieuwenhoven; and two brothers, Richard Zegers and Walter (Keg) Zegers.
Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at Old St. Joseph Catholic Church on the campus of St. Norbert College, where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Charles Hoffmann, James Baraniak, O. Praem, and V. Anthony Dolski concelebrating. A committal service and military honors will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, De Pere. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Bharat Pathakjee and Katie Hampton of Cardiology Associates of Green Bay, and Dr. Paul Schmitz of Prevea Clinic. We are also grateful to Trudy from Comfort Keepers, Unity Hospice, and other care providers and physicians who helped Clarence over the years.
Lyndahl Funeral Home
And Cremation Services
1350 Lombardi Avenue
(920) 499-1223
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1923 - 2009 (85 years)
Has 10 ancestors and one descendant in this family tree.
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