Walter Zurek Jr
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Walter Zurek Jr., 83, of Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away on May 25, 2021 at his home in Grovetown, Georgia. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rose Mary Loria Zurek, two sons and their spouses; Walter Alan Zurek and Nikki Zurek of Florida, Keith Nelson Zurek and Leigh Zurek of Georgia; grandchildren, Sean, Elizabeth, Elijah, Isabella, and Katharine. Also, Walter's brother, Lawrence Zurek and sister-in-law, Virginia of Ohio; sister, Constance Zurek Durnan and brother-in-law, James Durnan of Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his sister, Monica Zurek Roberts; brother-in-law, Thomas Roberts; parents, Walter Zurek Sr. and Constance Raszkiewicz Zurek.
Anyone that knows Walter knows that other than his family, fishing is what made him happy and kept him laughing. Fishing was his social-time and where he was most comfortable and relaxed. He was quick to make friends and didn't know a stranger. He liked to talk, teach, share information and a cold drink; he just enjoyed what God gave us...each other, the water, the sunrise, the sunset, and maybe even the opportunity to catch a fish.
Walter went to school in Bellaire, Ohio, and was a graduate of Parkland College, Illinois. He retired from the United States Postal Service as a mechanic, but prior to that, he served in the United States Navy, stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During his assignment at Charleston SC, he sailed on a six-month cruise throughout the Mediterranean before his discharge. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, in which he served as a Mechanic, Technical Writer, Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent, AF Technical Instructor, and Personnel Superintendent. Walter retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 23 years of total military active duty. Notably among his decorations, he's earned the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm. Walter was a Lifetime Member of NCOA, TREA, American Legion, VFW, DAV.