Norton Zunker

Norton Zunker, 90, of Stettin, died on Sunday evening, March 27, 2011, at Wausau Manor.

He was born August 31, 1920, in Stettin, to the late Otto and Anna (Wendorf) Zunker. Norton grew up on, and later ran, the family farm, in Stettin. Norton also worked as a carpenter for many years. He married June Sabatke on September 18, 1942, in Rib Falls.

Norton was an extremely hard worker, who loved music. He learned to love music while playing in his church band in his early years. He most enjoyed playing drums with his two sons in the Zunker Trio band. In his later years, Norton especially enjoyed listening to, and dancing along, while his sons' bands performed. He enjoyed traveling, working outdoors, cutting firewood, woodworking and building.

Norton was a lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Stettin. He was a charter member of the church men's club and served several years on the church council. He was very active on many of the church committees and organizations.

He is survived by his wife, June; sons, Larry (Julie), Wausau, and Neal (Lynn), Merrill; 3 grandchildren, Brandon Zunker, Milwaukee, Kristin Zunker, Minneapolis, and Craig (Jessica) Neumann, Merrill; 2 great-grandchilren, Zachary and Jordan Neumann, Merrill; and many nieces and nephews.

Norton was preceded in death by his father and mother; 3 brothers, Richard, Henry, Sr., and Otto, Jr.; and 5 sisters, Clara Radant, Lydia Radant, Erna Buttke, Marie Beck, and Leona Kirstein.

Visitation will be held at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, WI 54401, from 3 – 7 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2011. For those wishing to attend, a memorial service will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. The Reverend Philip Bogen will officiate.