William J. Zerbe

William J. Zerbe, Jr., 85, of Spring Township, passed away December 30, 2010 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

He was the husband of Frances M. (Kusior) Zerbe. On September 16, 2010 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late William Sr. and Edna M. (Deemer) Zerbe.

Bill graduated from Wilson High School in 1943. He attended Kutztown University. He was a life member of the Polish Falcons. In addition, Bill was a life member of the American Legion Post 635.

Bill was employed as a salesman for Metropolitan Home Life Ins. Company. He also worked in maintenance at Wilson School District, retiring in 1980.

He was a life long member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, West Reading.

Bill was a US Navy veteran serving during WWII. He played the drums in the Naval Landing Force Equipment depot band in Albany, CA from June 1944 till the end of the war.

He was on the Board of Directors of Trout Unlimited Tulpehocken Chapter from 1985-1986.

Bill enjoyed all out door activities, especially trout fishing.

He was a life long sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching and playing many sports, especially baseball.

Bill was predeceased by his brother, James Zerbe in 1965.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Kathleen M., wife of Gerald R. Slemmer, Mesa, AZ, Patricia A., wife of Carl Rettstadt, Lenhartsville and Michael W., husband of Linda (Ladd)Zerbe, Spring Township; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School, 701 Franklin St., West Reading, PA 19611. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.