Leroy J. Ziarnik

Leroy Ziarnik, age 85, passed away at the home of his son in Cambridge, Wisconsin early in the morning on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Leroy was born in Manitowoc on March 21, 1925, son of the late Felix and Josephine Ziarnik. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc and served as a combat veteran in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Leroy was assigned to the 4th Marine Division when it was formed in July of 1943 and stayed with that division until it was deactivated in November of 1945. The 4th Marine Division participated in the battles of Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands, Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas Islands, and at Iwo Jima, and was training for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. The carnage experienced by the campaign in the Pacific had a profound effect on Leroy's life. He thanked God for delivering him from the evil and for the blessings bestowed upon him.

Following his military service, Leroy attended the University of Wisconsin Center in Manitowoc for two years where he met Laverne Meyer. They were married on August 28, 1948. He owned and operated Ziarnik's Grocery Store in Manitowoc for 13 years and held political office in Manitowoc. He later became a Sales Manager for Oscar Mayer, a position he held for 26 years until he retired in 1987.

Leroy enjoyed golfing and other outdoor sports and took great pride in his yard. He was often told that his grass “looked just like a golf course!” While he enjoyed life in his native Wisconsin, in his later years he also enjoyed wintering in Florida.

Leroy is survived by three children: Patrick (Pam) Ziarnik of Novi, Michigan; Michael (Pam) Ziarnik of Cambridge, Wisconsin; and Colleen (Steve) Haas of Appleton; nine grandchildren: Scott (Tamara) Ziarnik, Chris (Kari) Ziarnik, Jaci (Nick) Thielke, Jeff (Jenni) Ziarnik, Joe (Yolanda) Ziarnik, Ben Ziarnik, Andy Ziarnik, Kyle Haas, and Cailin Haas; and numerous great-grandchildren. Survivors also include a sister, Jeanie Wilke, of Manitowoc.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Laverne “Fuzzy” Ziarnik, his parents: Felix and Josephine Ziarnik, a brother, Edwin Ziarnik, and two sons: Gregory Ziarnik and Joseph Ziarnik.

The funeral liturgy for Leroy will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 222 E. Fremont Street in Appleton, with Fr. Robert Karuhn officiating. Interment will be in Manitowoc's Evergreen Cemetery, where complete military honors will be provided. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again Saturday at the church after 9:00 AM. There will be a prayer and scripture service at the funeral home at 7:00 PM Friday.

Wichmann Funeral Home
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920-831-9905