Zerger, Homer J. (1924-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 19 Feb 1987 p. 11

Birth date: 1924

text of obituary:

HOMER J. ZERGER

Homer J. Zerger, youngest son of David J. and Anna Kaufman Zerger, was born on March 31, 1924, near Moundridge, Kan. He died Jan. 18, 1987, in a Wichita Hospital following a short illness.

Following graduation from Bethel College, he began teaching at Burdett High School and moved to the Salina Public Schools to teach science for 25 years. He was a gifted and successful educator, able to communicate with and motivate students of all abilities and backgrounds.

Throughout these years, he also did some farming. He loved the land, animals and nature, taking special pleasure in the wonders of geology and astronomy.

He had an abiding curiosity for life's experiences and took immense pleasure in knowing people of all persuasions and walks of life. He loved good music and sang in the Eden Men's Chorus.

He was an active member of the Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, and had a strong dedication to education and relief work. He encouraged his children to pursue a life and career based on the values of hard work, honesty and peacemaking. At the same time, he wished to have his children closer to their "roots," and welcomed the times in the farm cycle such as harvest and seeding that brought them home.

He is survived by his children, Fred Zerger of Belmont, Mass., Kirsten Zerger and Sandy Nathan of Berkeley, Calif., and Rebecca Ann Zerger and Chip Parker of Dallas, Texas; a brother, Paul, three sisters, Irene Fudge, Elsie Kaufman and Doris Stucky; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Walt, and a granddaughter.

Graveside and memorial services were held Jan 21, 1987, at Eden Mennonite Church, with pastors Don Longbottom and Edwin R. Stuckey officiating.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon