David L. Zunker
David Leonard Zunker, 73, entered eternal life through the merciful love of Jesus Christ on June 30, 2021.
David was born on November 13, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Leonard Martin Christian Zunker and Alberta Mary Schnelle Zunker. His family moved to South Byron, WI in 1957. In 1961, David graduated 8th Grade from St. Paul’s Lutheran School (Brownsville) and graduated from Oakfield High School in 1965. David earned the degrees of Bachelor of Science from UW-Platteville in 1970 and a Master’s in Engineering Management from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1973.
He worked as a Civil Engineer for the City of Milwaukee from 1970-1977.
From 1977-1998, David owned Zunker Contractors, a public works construction company. David served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve, 961st Engineering Battalion, Army Corps of Engineers. He was a member of the American Legion Post 75.
David married Mary Carol Kowerski on November 3, 1973, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Sun Prairie, WI. They lived in the City of Milwaukee until 1976 and then moved to Fond du Lac, WI.
David was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brownsville, WI. He participated in Bible Studies and OWLS (Organization of Wisconsin Lutheran Elders).
David loved his wife, three children, and four granddaughters. He was an especially outstanding hands-on Gramps, spending months in O’Fallon, IL and Brookfield, WI, providing day-care for his newborn Granddaughters. As the Granddaughters got older, David built them a huge intricate wooden backyard playset which he designed himself.
Family get togethers were David’s happiness. Christmas was his favorite time of year. Decorating, searching for those perfect presents, and celebrating the Lord’s birth brought him great JOY.
David was charitable and generous to those in need. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He opened his home to his brother-in-law and provided him end-of-life care. David was a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross.
David enjoyed train travel and rode on every Amtrak train track in the United States. He was a member of the “Time Travelers” Civil War history group and toured Civil War battlefields throughout the country.
David enjoyed working in his backyard. One of his major projects was designing, collecting, and assembling hand-picked rocks to create a 3-waterfall water feature.
David loved hunting and playing with his Golden Retriever dogs.
Those David leaves behind to cherish his memory include: his wife Mary Carol Zunker; three children, Andrew D. Zunker, Chicago, IL, Cristine Smith, Pewaukee, WI, Angela (Nicholas) Ferri, Pewaukee, WI; and four treasured Granddaughters – Abigail and Sophia Smith, and Madeline and Charlotte Ferri. He is further survived by a brother, Wayne (Martha) Zunker, nephew Nathan Zunker, niece Heidi Zunker, and other cousins.
David is preceded in death by his parents Leonard M. Zunker and Alberta M. Zunker.
Visitation: David’s family invites relatives and friends for visitation on Tuesday July 6, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, 54935.
Funeral Service: At 11:00 a.m. a funeral service will be celebrated at the Zacherl Funeral Home. Reverend Wm. Carter from St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brownsville, will officiate. David’s military honors will take place at the funeral home. Entombment will be at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established.
David’s devotion to God and his love of family will live on through them. Thank you, Dear Husband, Father, and Gramps. You are forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers!