George Joseph Zaker

George J. Zaker, age 94 of Warren, died Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the Autumn Woods Health Care Facility in Warren. He was born on August 30, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Joseph and the late Anna (Prohumchick) Zaker.With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to George for his service to our country during World War II as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Having attained the rank of Seaman 1st Class, George was a decorated veteran who served aboard the USS Bunker Hill in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. For the call to duty he so proudly and valiantly served, we honor his memory and thank him for the freedoms we enjoy today because he was there.For over 52 years, George worked as a tool maker in the manufacturing business. Most of those years were spent at Colonial Broach where he worked until their eventual closing. From there he took his expertise and hard work ethics to a couple of other shops in the area where he would remain until his retirement.When George wasn't working, and even long into his retirement years, there was no question that his favorite pastime was fishing. Rod & Reel, Fly Fishing, Ice Fishing, Trolling,…it didn't really matter. All that mattered was that he was either on or in the water in search of the next big catch. From the local streams, to the surroundings of his escape up north, to some favorite fishing holes in Canada,…George wasn't picky. But he was certainly detailed, right down to making his own lures and fish flies. Yet fishing wasn't his only passion in the out-of-doors. There was also his love of hunting, which took him to many places around the country. If it had feathers or fur, it was fair game for George. Most notably was his hunting venture out west, in the state of Wyoming, where his skills and marksmanship aided in bagging both an elk and an antelope. Gotta wonder if he ever got called, "George of the Jungle?"And given the earlier mention of George's attention to detail, many could attest to this aspect of his character with just one look at his workbench. It was truly a thing of beauty! A place for everything and everything in its place. Each tool, each screw,…they all had their own home and were meticulously organized & labeled. Many may consider it OCD,…for George, it simply made sense. George was the beloved husband of Helen (nee: Kuzulis). Dear father of Sandra (Hilorio) Figueroa, and the late Patricia. Loving grandfather of Michele, Jeffry, Denise; great-grandfather of Abby, Lindsey, Julia, Brandon, Amanda, Brianna, Jeffry Jr. "JJ"; and great-great grandfather of Joey. He was predeceased by brothers, Walter and Arthur. Visitation for George will be held on Monday, December 23rd from 3-8pm, with a 6pm Funeral Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Officiating the service will be Pastor Jerry Weinzierl. Memorial donations are welcomed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please share memories of George at his memory book.