Memories of Kenneth Zarska

In memory of

Kenneth Zarska

Gerrardstown, WV, USA

October 31, 1937 - May 2, 2021

Oct 31, 1937 - May 2, 2021

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Terry Doyle

He was a great father-in-law. I still have mixed feelings. God bless him.

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Richard & Alison Harris

I remember Ken for laughter good conversation and spiritual enlightenment He will be missed

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Brenda Zarska

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Brenda Zarska

Dad was being ornery. I was giving him water with a sponge and he was being cute by not letting go! Naughty... Read more Dad was being ornery. I was giving him water with a sponge and he was being cute by not letting go! Naughty boy, Daddy! Dad was being ornery. I was giving him water with a... Read more

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Rebecca Hargrove

Brenda and family,

I'm so very sorry you lost your beloved father/husband/family member. How very thankful we can be that he loved the Lord and put his trust in the promises of God! You'll see him again, and I will get to meet him when Jesus comes! What a glorious day that will be! May that beautiful hope, along with your precious memories of him,bring you special comfort at this difficult time.

Rebecca Hargrove

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Comments:

Brenda Zarska

Thanks, Rebecca, for your kind words. Dad was very dedicated to Jesus all his life. Near the end, and even... Read more Thanks, Rebecca, for your kind words. Dad was very dedicated to Jesus all his life. Near the end, and even though dementia was... Read more Thanks, Rebecca, for your kind words. Dad was very ... Read more

Brenda Zarska

2021, Inwood, WV, USA

My Eulogy
A great man has closed his eyes, but only for a short time. I believe in the resurrection!

My parents were in their fourth year of marriage when I came on the scene. I'm told that my big brown eyes stole Dad's heart. Over the years, we watched NFL football together, fixed cars, and listened to hymns and classical music.

I remember when my sister, Karen, was born. Dad and I were left to our own devices for several days. He was trying to make something for me to eat and he didn't know how to boil an egg so he called the Mount Vernon Academy girls dormitory and asked how long he was supposed to boil this egg. I remember thinking, Even I, at 3 1/2, could manage to accomplish this little task.

Dad was a hard worker. He usually had 2-3 jobs so that the family didn't have to live in a ghetto. We kids had private education and music lessons. His accounting practice took him all over the state of Ohio and yet somehow, he made it back to our recitals!

At the end of a long week, instead of sleeping the entire Sabbath away, he would get down on the floor and wrassle with all 3 of us kids. Sabbath afternoons would often find us at Mohican State Park with the other young families, enjoying fellowship and a potluck lunch.

On Sundays, Dad made work, like cleaning out the garage, mowing the lawn or raking leaves - fun! We were a team! Instead of taking vacations, the Zarska family moved to another house. Mom would get tired of living in the suburbs so we would buy a house in the country. After a couple of years in bear and lion country, (he grew up on the streets of Philadelphia), we would buy another home in suburbia.

Dad made packing and carrying boxes an art form. We kids were the worker ants while he made a masterpiece of packing boxes into tight spaces. The piano always seemed to be the most challenging thing to move. One year, Pastor Steen played the piano in the back of a pickup truck while us kids kept the piano from tipping over and Dad drove (kind of) carefully to the new house.

Dad spent a lot of time in the bathroom, reading the dictionary. More often than not, he would come out excitedly saying, "Hey kids, I have a new word. Mellifluous - means: sweet-sounding or musical, pleasant to hear; 'the voice was mellifluous and smooth.' How about 'miasma,' 'plethora' or 'flummoxed'?" Dad inspired my love of words and I passed along that passion to my students at Hagerstown Business College and to anyone else who likes new words.

For my 16th birthday, the most important thing to me was to get my driver's license so dad took me to the DMV.

He loaned me my 1st car, a 1969 brown Pontiac station wagon. Thanks, dad.

A couple of years later, he got a good deal on a 1976 Torino, the Starsky & Hutch-mobile. I worked hard and paid him back every cent.

In the fall of 1983, I was packing that Torino to go away to Andrews University. It was a 10-hour trip that I would be making alone, from Hamburg, PA. Now, on one side of the house, one can see the Blue mountain with Blue Mountain Academy nestled below while on the other side was I-78.

After saying my goodbyes to the family, I headed out on my trip. I had to go through the little town and then got on the interstate. As I was nearing the bridge close to the house, I saw daddy sitting on the overpass -- just to wave goodbye me. I passed him and waved and kept him in the rearview mirror until he was just a speck.

During our big-rig trucking days together in the late 90s & early 2000s, there are many stories of togetherness I could relate.

Dad helped me get my CDL. I don't think it ever occured to him that I was a girl or that I wouldn't be able to do the job. He expected me to succeed at anything I put my mind to.

We had a dedicated run for General Motors, taking parts from the Martinsburg plant to the one in Boston. It's a 2-day round trip. Dad would go up one day and while coming back the next, I would head to Boston. Sometimes, we would see each other across the interstate and say HI for a few seconds on the CB, and sometimes we would stop at an exit and chat. Occasionally, one of our trucks were in the shop so we'd drive together, non-stop, making sure Boston got it's delivery every morning.

One time, one of us had a doctor's appointment. We decided to trade trailers. The person coming south from Boston would switch trailers and head right back to Boston. The person that had just come from Martinsburg, would take the trailer headed there, turn around and go back; thus making the doctor's appointment.

Well, this particular night, it was raining cats and dogs. I'm standing in the pouring rain guiding dad backing into one of the trailers. I'm supposed to tell him if the kingpin locked, 'cause he sometimes couldn't hear it, then hook up the air hoses and roll up the trailer dolly wheels. I thought the kingpin locked; HE thought he felt it lock. He pulls forward a bit to confirm. It was NOT locked! The whole nose of the trailer slipped off the tractor and came crashing down to the ground. OMG!

He got out of cab to assess the damage. Not too bad. Then we took turns at the dolly wheel crank to get the nose of that heavy trailer, inch by inch, up to it's normal standing position. We were rain-soaked and exhausted, but we had conquered the obstacle together.

Even though 7 years of trucking ruined my body, I would never trade my health for those kinds of moments with my best buddy.

He never preached religion, or work ethic, or the importance of education to us kids; he lead by example - by how he lived his life. I watched him kneel before the King of the universe and talk with Him like he knew to whom he was talking.

I watched him treat his drivers like family and give us all pretty stout Christmas bonuses. I watched him give the mechanics working on his trucks, a little bit more than what the bill said.

I observed him fight to get his bachelor's degree at the age of 40 while working, and being a husband, father, and church leader.

In any gathering, I'd watch him talk with everyone yet he would always find that one, invisible guy and spend the most one-on-one time with him, asking about his life, complimenting him on his shoes and making that nervous little guy feel like the most important person in the room!

I would later listen on the drive home about how interesting this guy's life was. Dad said, "you never know about a person unless you ask him the right questions."

I accompanied at the piano while he lead the church song service with gusto; I watched him teach Sabbath school, making sure each person got a chance to participate, and I watched him quietly donate the land for the new Hamburg church.

I watched him stay faithful to his wife and daily tell her how beautiful she was to him or tell her how she was more beautiful than the day he married her. I watched him play catch with Eric in the back yard when I knew he was tired, I saw him faithfully check the oil and water level in Karen's car and take her to college down in DC so she could sleep or study on the way.

Daddy sleeps now. This weary warrior is waiting for Jesus to call his name. Dad's angel "with the iridescent shoes" is standing watch at his resting place. I will miss my best friend, miss hearing his voice on the other end of the phone say, "Oh how fortuitous of you to call. It's good to hear your voice! I had a couple of questions I wanted to ask you..."

But I'll see him shortly and he won't be in pain, he'll be young and energetic, as I remember him. Maybe we'll drive a heavenly space craft around the universe together. I know we'll spend lots of time with our family and friends and I know we'll spend lots of time learning from Abraham, Moses, and Abigail, and we'll be playing heavenly music together for our Creator because we all love music.

I don't want to miss it, do you?

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April Brady

Comments:

Claude & Donna Steen

A beautiful tribute, Brenda! Loved it (and him)! Claude Steen A beautiful tribute, Brenda! Loved it (and him)! Claude Steen A beautiful tribute, Brenda! Loved it (and him)! Claude... Read more

Brenda Zarska

I hope he remembers the incident 😄 I hope he remembers the incident 😄 I hope he remembers the incident 😄

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Bobby & Joanne Humphreys

We are so saddened to hear about Ken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. Ken will be dearly missed as he was always a vibrant, joyful person, and so kind and generous. God Bless and keep all of you in His care.
With Love,
Bobby and Joanne

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Comments:

Brenda Zarska

Thanks so much for your kind words. Dad loved you both and valued your friendship. Thanks so much for your kind words. Dad loved you both and valued your friendship. Thanks so much for your kind words. Dad loved you both... Read more

Pamela Fisher

I'm so sorry for the loss of your loving husband and dear father. May the love of Jesus fill your hearts & bring peace and comfort to your family during this difficult time.
Prayers and love,
Pamela F

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Wendy Howard

I'm so sorry for your loss! He is certainly sleeping in Jesus! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Wendy

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Brenda Zarska

2021, Gerrardstown, WV, USA

Dad & Brenda the week before he died

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Lowell Ferguson

I remember Ken, Mr Zarska as he was to me asking me to fill in on his church softball league back in the summer of 83. I was dating his daughter Brenda at the time. Still a friend of mine by the way. I ended up hitting the ball over the fence to win the game. He asked me to stay on but I told him I didn’t want to because I wanted to spend my time with his daughter Brenda. He told me he completely understood. Brings a smile to my face remembering that conversation. We lost a good one!

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Larry Doyle

It is with great sorrow that I have
Learned of Ken's passing. I have known him and his family for a few years and he was a real gentleman and a beholder of a wealth of knowledge. I will see Ken one day in the future in eternity. God Bless Ken and God Bless his family.

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Comments:

Brenda Zarska

Thanks so much for your kind words, brother-in-law. We, too, are looking forward to Resurrection Morning ... Read more Thanks so much for your kind words, brother-in-law. We, too, are looking forward to Resurrection Morning when we can see your ... Read more Thanks so much for your kind words, brother-in-law.... Read more

Karen Styer

2021

Annette Rosanelli

I am very saddened to hear of Ken's, my cousins, passing. Even though he was seven years older then me, I have fond memories of spending time with him when we were younger.

No words can take away the sorrow you are feeling. May it provide comfort knowing that others care including me. May time help you heal and bring you peace.

Sincere condolences to you all.

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Comments:

Brenda Zarska

Aunt Annette, I remember with such fondness the yearly Gimpel family reunions. You and my mother were young,... Read more Aunt Annette, I remember with such fondness the yearly Gimpel family reunions. You and my mother were young, trying to keep track... Read more Aunt Annette, I remember with such fondness the yearly... Read more

Ronald Bolin

Blessings and prayers to Ken Zarska and the entire family at this time. I enjoyed knowing Mr. Zarska, we first met in 1994. He tried to teach me how to golf, and even gave me a set of golf clubs, but I never had the love or talent for golf that he had. He had a way of making you laugh too and using his wisdom and 10 gallon words to keep you guessing. I thank him for his kindness to me and for being a good and loving man.

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Bart Rippl

Heartfelt condolences to Ken's friends & family.

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April Brady

"Letter to Dad" by Eric Zarska

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April Brady

Comments:

April Brady

Much love to all of you Zarska Family! I wish I could be there in person & hope to see you next week. XO... Read more Much love to all of you Zarska Family! I wish I could be there in person & hope to see you next week. XO Much love to all of you Zarska Family! I wish I could... Read more

Brenda Zarska

Wow... Eric did an awesome job of expressing his love for our dad and April read it so well. I couldn't get... Read more Wow... Eric did an awesome job of expressing his love for our dad and April read it so well. I couldn't get through it without... Read more Wow... Eric did an awesome job of expressing his love... Read more

Jeanie Haldeman

Great job, Eric, expressing love for your dad! So saddened to hear of this loss for you and your mom and... Read more Great job, Eric, expressing love for your dad! So saddened to hear of this loss for you and your mom and sisters. Praying for... Read more Great job, Eric, expressing love for your dad! So ... Read more

Claude & Donna Steen

We first met Ken & Carol Zarska when we moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio the summer of 1971 to teach at Mount Vernon Academy. Ken and Carol were friendly and welcoming, but after Carol and Donna began studying the Bible and praying together their relationship led to Ken and Claude becoming close friends as well.

Each of our families had three children, but it was our mutual interest in growing spiritually that drew us closer to each other-- so much so that when we moved to Damascus, Ohio to serve as pastor of two churches in Ravenna and Salem that the Zarska family moved with us to be our partners in ministry for two years.

Next the Steens went to Ethiopia as missionaries while the Zarska adventures continued elsewhere. Then in the 1990s Zarskas and Steens reunited in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia for several years. But even when we've been apart we've been able to connect through visits, electronics and prayers.

Ken's departure now is a great loss, but we expect to meet again in a far better place where we'll never have to say good-bye again! Thanks be to our wonderful Savior who has promised to come again soon to take His children home!

Claude and Donna Steen.

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Jeanie Haldeman

Leah Swenson

Big words and classical music

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In response to "What always reminds you of Kenneth?"

Comments:

Brenda Zarska

You nailed it, Leah! When we were kids, Dad would read the dictionary in the bathroom. He would come out ... Read more You nailed it, Leah! When we were kids, Dad would read the dictionary in the bathroom. He would come out and excitedly say, "Hey... Read more You nailed it, Leah! When we were kids, Dad would read... Read more

Karen irwin

Dear Carol and family my thoughts and prayers are with you ken was so special can’t wait till heaven to see him again
Karen irwin

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Simone Harris

I’m so sorry to hear family. He was a good man to us. Both Carol and Kenny welcomed us into their home like family. They visited our home as well when we lived in Gerrardstown. His jokes made me think really hard and his laughter was something else. But when he told a story that he was passionate about it made him cry and you couldn’t help but fight back the tears. Carol, Brenda and Karen as well as Eric (whom I didn’t get to meet ) know that Jesus is on His way and we have a choice to make so we CAN see papa Ken again. Sending love all the way from Jamaica, to the family and will pray the Lord gives comfort during this time.

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Jeanie Haldeman

Comments:

Brenda Zarska

Carol, Brenda, and Karen loved your memories. We miss you and look forward to seeing you soon. Carol, Brenda, and Karen loved your memories. We miss you and look forward to seeing you soon. Carol, Brenda, and Karen loved your memories. We miss... Read more