Racine – John A. Zember, 86, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully while asleep in his recliner at home, on Monday, May 3, 2010. A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine on February 6, 1924 to the late Joseph and Anna (nee: Zahradnik) Zember. After Washington Park High School, he went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Navy in the South Pacific during WWII. On August 13, 1948 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Vivian B. Bedard. He was a proud and dedicated member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for over 75 years, where he served as an usher and altar server until the church was closed in 1997. Following, he became an active member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. John was employed by Sta-Rite, formerly known as Webster Electric, for over 45 years as a hydraulic key-man, retiring in 1988 as assistant foreman. He was on the Board of Directors for Webster Electric Credit Union, Danfoss Credit Union and the Webster Club. John was also a member of the Webster FOF 10-year Club and respected leader of the Local 391 Retirees, where he had served as Chairman. Proud of his heritage, John was active with the Slovak Catholic Sokols #203, Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 150 and the First Catholic Slovak Union Branch 586. Despite all of that, John’s world revolved around his family. He always looked forward to the annual family vacations in St. Germain and treasured being in the surroundings of all his loved ones. John will be remembered for his friendly personality who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Vivian; their children, Karen (David) Fiskum, Jeffrey (Noemi) Zember, Theresa (Greg) Heiser and Michael (Melanie) Zember; grandchildren, Johnny, Jennifer, Jeffrey Jr., Michael, Randall and Daniel Zember; great-granddaughter, Aliya; sister, Matilda (Robert) Hanson; brother-in-law, Al (Donna) Bedard; sisters-in-law, LaVerne Hoglund and Ruth (Jim) Bruno; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved son, John Joseph; and adored daughter, Diane; 4 brothers and 6 sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Thursday from 4-7 pm and on Friday from 10-11 am.
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