John Frederick Zirzow, age 86, of Bradenton, FL passed away peacefully at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on February 7, 2021.
Born on September 13, 1934 in LaPorte, Indiana, he was the son of the late John and Lucille Zirzow. John was one of 4 siblings having three sisters: Marcella, Phyllis and Judy.
John grew up in LaPorte, IN attending St. Peters Catholic School where he went to church daily, sang in the choir and was an altar boy.
At the age of 14, he attended the St. Peters Football Team Banquet - the guest speaker was Johnny Lujack (famous ND quarterback). He presented John with a trophy for the most valuable back. This is what sparked a lifelong love for Notre Dame. He then attended and graduated from Hanover College, Hanover, IN. After college, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1957-1959. One of his first jobs was pumping gas which led him to his career he enjoyed for 30 plus years with Amoco Oil. During his years working for Amoco Oil, he moved to many different cities with his family, making many great friends that are still part of our lives today. After his beloved wife Connie passed away, John became a long-time resident of Anna-Maria Island, Florida, where he met his current wife Karen Clothier. John and Karen settled on the island creating many memories with family and friends.
John is survived by his loving wife Karen, of 26 years, John's children; daughter Lory (Dave) Grames of Fort Wayne IN, son Bryan (Chris) Zirzow of Vernon Hills, IL, son Greg (fiancé Maggie Hartzler) of Galena, OH, stepsons Bob (Kim) Clothier, Cris Clothier of Colorado Springs, CO, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and sister Judy Bush of LaPorte, IN. He was preceded in death by his wife Connie Lane Zirzow, parents and two sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
RIP. You treated me well.
John was a wonderful man, married my cousin Connie Ziemer, his first wife. Grew up knowing him and have many family memories of him. He will be missed but not forgotten. John will always be in our hearts.
I am so sorry. I know how much he was loved by his family and friends and he will be greatly missed.
Deepest sympathy to everyone that knew this wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great neighbor.
John was a true gentleman and an amazing man who I was honored to call “ my friend “. We enjoyed so many fun and good times with he and Karen. Will never forget our Thanksgivings and tours of Florida. John will be dearly misses. R.I.P. John. ♥️ 🙏 🇺🇸
Our deepest condolences to the Zirzow family and friends from Kay Waites and Stephanie Mahoney at Sound Choice Cremation.
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