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Charles V. ZemekCharles V. Zemek, age 78, passed away Jan. 12, 2004, at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center. Chuck, as he was known by his family and friends, was born March 26, 1925, the youngest of four children born to John M. Mary A. (Pocta) Zemek of Mason City, Iowa. At the age of two, the family moved to a farm northeast of Pine City where he grew up and attended school. Chuck enlisted in the Army and was inducted on June 28, 1944, and sent to Camp Croft, South Carolina, for basic training. He volunteered for the paratroopers and completed jump training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served as a parachutist/machine gunner with the 17th Airborne Division and 507-D Parachute Regiment in the Central European Campaign. He participated in the Rhine Crossing, parachuting behind enemy lines near Wesel, Germany, during the airborne assaults of Operation Varsity. Decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart medal, Good Conduct medal, M-1 rifle marksman badge, parachutist badge, EAME Campaign ribbon, and WWII Victory medal. On Nov. 19, 1946, Chuck married Helen Lorraine Lind. They were blessed with three children: Duane, Diane, and David. For a short time, they made their home in St. Paul before moving to Pine City. Chuck worked as a clerk at the Gamble Store, then ten years as a routesman for Pine City Launders and Cleaners. For the next twenty-five years he was employed as an auto parts salesman for General Trading until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting with his son and grandsons. He looked forward to fishing trips with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. Family camping with all the grandchildren was a special treat. Chuck enjoyed yard work, reading, and traveling. In 1994, he was privileged to tour the European WWII sites with his wife, son, and daughter for the 50 anniversary of Operation Varsity. Chuck was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, having served on the church council in earlier years. At the time of his death, he held life memberships in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the 18th Airborne Division Association, and the 507th Parachute Regiment. He will be remembered with love by son, duane and his wife Karen, of Pine City, and daughter, Diane Cmiel and her husband, David of Roseville; nine grandchildren: Michael Zemek and his wife Sangeetha of East Moline, Ill., Charles Zemek and his wife Heidi of Victoria, Jonathan Zemek and his wife Amy of Pine City, Kristofer Zemek of Litchfield, Holly Zemek of Faribault, Nathan Cmiel and Nicholas Cmiel of Roseville, Adam Zemek and Rebekah Zemek of Pine City; four great-grandchildren: Alexander, Jarrett, and Arica Zemek of Pine City and Callen Zemek of Victoria; aunts, Sister Lea Pocta and Sister Paschal Pocta of Duluth; uncle, William Pocta of Pine City; and may relatives and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Helen; parents John and Mary; son David; brothers, Frank, Joseph and John; nephews Frank and James; and niece Joanne. Military rites were provided by Minnesota National Guard Headquarters Battery 34th Artillery Division, Heath-Perkens American Legion Post #51, and Novak-Milliren VFW Post #4288. Burial was at the Fish Lake Lutheran Cemetery in Stark. ©ECM Post Review |