Eugene J. Zettel

Eugene J. Zettel, age 85, of West Branch, passed away suddenly Monday, June 4, 2007 at Covenant Health Care in Saginaw. Gene had lived in West Branch for all of his life. He worked for Defoe Shipyard and Grey Iron Foundry retiring in 1987. Gene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #2022 both of West Branch. He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the Army and Air Force. He was instrumental in establishing the West Branch VFW Post #3775 where he continued to be an active member. Gene was honored as the “Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year” in 1998. He was proud of his accomplishment in restoring his 1962 military jeep. Gene is survived by his children, Barb (Don) Hakala of Traverse City, Ron (Pauline) Zettel and Pat (John) Butler both of West Branch and Tony Zettel (Sandy Bickle) of Farmington Hills, 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, Ken (Kathy) Zettel, Jerome (Anita) Zettel, Cecil (Bess) Zettel and Alfred (Loretta) Zettel all of West Branch, Wayne (Mary) Zettel of Tecumseh, sisters; Genny (Al) Kruch, Roseanne (Lomer) Davis and Yvonne (Edwin) Ostrander all of West Branch, many nieces and nephews and his special friends, Bill Hart and Vince Graniti. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene in 1995 and a granddaughter, Darcee. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 from 3-9 p.m. There will be a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. and a K of C Rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. Fr. Robert Bissot will officiate. Memorial Contributions may be made to the VFW Memorial Fund or to the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund.