Kenneth W. Zuercher, 99, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Danbury Woods Assisted Living in Wooster.
He was born April 18, 1920, in Pandora, Ohio, the son of Ernest S. and Ida Kiene Zuercher. He married Betty J. VonGunten on October 23, 1943 and celebrated 71 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2014.
Kenneth graduated from Rawson High School in 1938, and from Findlay College in 1942, where he held basketball scoring records at both schools for many years.
He enlisted in the Army of the United States in 1942. Kenneth bravely served in the European Theater during World War II and fought at The Battle of the Bulge. He retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. In 2012, he went on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Kenneth began his teaching career in Weston, OH. He then taught at Arlington High School of Hancock County. Kenneth then began a teaching career at Wooster High School in 1947 as a Physical Education teacher, and then Chemistry. He was the Head Basketball Coach for the Generals for 8 years, Assistant Football Coach for 20 years, and Golf Coach for 25 years.
He retired from Wooster City Schools in 1977 after 30 years. Kenneth was inducted into the WHS Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. He had also been nominated for induction into the University of Findlay Sports Hall of Fame.
Kenneth was a longtime member of the Wooster Elks Lodge #1346 and the Findlay American Legion Post 3. He enjoyed playing golf, well into his 90 s. He even had 2 Holes in One while in his 80 s.
Surviving are his children Michael (Nancy) Zuercher of Wooster, Stephen (Ann) Zuercher of Ada, and Jane (Larry) Conn of Wooster; grandchildren Nikki (Christian) Johnson, Michele Burks, Scott Zuercher, Amy (Kenny) Hall, Nathan (Courtney) Curtis, Natalie (Greg) Howard, Jeff (Tasya) Conn, and Jason Conn; 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, and his wife Betty, Kenneth was preceded in death by his infant daughter Jean Marie; a brother Earl Zuercher; and a sister Henrietta Shrier.
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, from 6:00 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 26, 2019.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Maple Grove Cemetery, 1120 W. Main Cross Street, Findlay, OH 45840, with Pastor Robert Dye officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Honor Flight Program, Flag City Honor Flight, P.O. Box 885, Findlay, Ohio 45839.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
The Honor Flight Program, Flag City Honor Flight, P.O. Box 885, Findlay, Ohio 45839
Service
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Maple Grove Cemetery, 1120 W. Main Cross Street, Findlay, OH 45840, with Pastor Robert Dye officiating.
Visitation
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, from 6:00 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 26, 2019.
Mr Zuercher was my WHS Freshman General Science Course Instructor. He was not only an excellent instructor but a mentor who encouraged our curiosity about scientific principles. I did not know until reading his obituary that he was an Army Officer who courageously served at the Battle of the Bulge. My condolences to his family and an expression of gratitude that I was privileged to be one of his many students.
ken was a good teacher and coach
I am sorry to hear of Ken’s passing but appreciate his long and positive life. I served as Assoc. Supt when Ken taught at WHS in the 70’s and
enjoyed his friendship and professionalism. I send my sincere sympathy to Ken’s family.
Mr. Zuercher was my Introduction to Physical Science teacher my freshman year at Wooster High. He was a great teacher. I am fortunate enough to have his daughter Jane marry my cousin Larry. My sincere condolences to the Zuercher family.
Ken was a dear brother-in-law. I have many fond memories of he and Betty and Ray and I spending time together both here in
Findlay and down in Naples, FL, where we visited them for several winters. So many good times we had together!!! Rest in peace, Ken. So happy you and Betty are once again together.