James Albert Zirger, 93, formerly of Sycamore St., Tiffin, died at 11:53 pm Friday, April 17, 2015, at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.
He was born February 16, 1922, in Tiffin, the youngest child of Albert W. and Charlotte (Harter) Zirger. He married Clara Strausbaugh November 29, 1947 in St. Mary Catholic Church. She died August 26, 2007.
Surviving are three sons, Joe (Janet) Zirger, Steve (Doris) Zirger, and Tom (Lyn) Zirger, all of Tiffin; two daughters, Deb Zirger and Jane (Mike) Banks, both of Tiffin; eleven grandchildren, Jeff (Sandy) Zirger, Josh Zirger, Rachel (John) Sharp, Alex (Jill) Banks, Aaron Banks, Emily Banks, Andy Zirger, Dan Zirger, Eric Zirger, Matthew Zirger, and Katie Zirger; and five great grandchildren, Kaylie, Lucas, Audrey, Coraline, and Everett; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers, Louis, Harold, and Marcus Zirger, and three sisters, Clara Betz, Mary Gillig and Helen Zirger.
Mr. Zirger was a 1940 graduate of Calvert High School and served in the US Navy in the 62nd Seabees during World War II. He was retired from the US Postal Service and worked over 50 years at Wyme's Restaurant. He also worked at Etzkorn Real Estate. He coached little league baseball (Jaycees) for many years and was commissioner of the little league for years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.
Jim enjoyed supporting the Fighting Irish football, Cleveland Indians and Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He supported any team his grandchildren played on and always had an encouraging word for them after every game. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 21, from 9:30 am until time of funeral Mass at 11 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The Rosary will be recited in church 20 minutes prior to the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the United Veterans Council.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Church, Calvert Catholic Schools, Autumnwood Care Center, Community Hospice Care, or to a charity of the donor's choice, in care of Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113.