MARSHA L. ZIERK

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Northern Illinois University

MARSHA ZIERK Obituary

Marsha L. Zierk of Hampshire Marsha L. Zierk, 61, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, in her home. She was born Feb. 14, 1950, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of John and Juanita Custer. She was a graduate of Fenton High School and then attended Western Illinois University, where she received her bachelor's degree. She then received her master's degree from Northern Illinois University. Marsha was employed by Burlington Central High School for 37 years, where she taught, coached and mentored. She was an advocate for teachers and education on a local and national level. Surviving are her children, Jamie (Allen) Baumgartner of Maple Park and David (Carrie) Zierk of Elgin; five grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, Matthew, Kendell and Kallie; two sisters, Cheryl Brozenec of Elk Grove Village and Trudy (Tom) Sulita of Addison; special friends, Glen and Marcia Ford; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St. (Route 31), Elgin, where visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Marsha L. Zierk Education Fund, c/o Old Second Bank, P.O. Box 8018, Elburn, IL 60119. For information, www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com or 847-741-8800.

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Published by Daily Herald from Dec. 16 to Dec. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MARSHA ZIERK

11 Entries

Mark Czmyrid

December 30, 2011

I was sorry to hear that Mrs. Zierk, passed away. I was part of her first year of teaching at the original Burlington Grade School. It seems like only yesterday.

My Mom Joan Elaine Czmyrid, was working at Central Junior/Senior High when Mrs. Zierk, arrived in the mid 1970's. I was recently teaching a class here in NW Arkansas and was reminded of my days growing up when Mrs Zierk, brought the parachutes to Gym Class back in 1973.

Mom passed away on 9/16/11.
The students of Burlington Central were blessed to have great teachers like Mrs Zierk, because she believed in her students. Not a day goes by that I do not remember my roots in Burlington, Illinois and I give thanks for great teachers like Mrs. Zierk for teaching me things that I have been able to implement into my daily life.

Mrs Zierk, Thanks for all you did for District 301. You had so many talents and will be missed. GO CHS Go Central Rockets GO

Madeline Renwick

December 29, 2011

Mrs. Zierk was a wonderful teacher whose passion was felt by all those around her. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

December 17, 2011

My condolences on your dear Mother's passing. She was a wonderful person and I nothing but good memories and tons of respect for her ~ she will be missed! My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Dorothy Plosila & Family

Jon Young

December 16, 2011

In my four years working with Marsha Zierk at CHS, we certainly disagreed with each other on more than one occasion. Sometimes it was a case of the Old Guard vs. the New Breed. But I always knew that Marsha and I had the same goal -- what was best for the students of Central High School. Even when we disagreed, I knew her motives were always genuine. And as I told her when she retired this past June, I thank her so much for the years she spent on the front lines of defending the rights of her fellow educators and battling for those things we needed as a union. Her spirit will always be felt in the hallways of Central High School and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work with her for the last four of her 38 incredible years at CHS. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I know she meant the world to so many students, parents, friends, and colleagues.

Jeff & Laurie (Leahy) Nesler

December 16, 2011

Thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time. Mrs. Zierk was a wonderful teacher. This is a sad day for family, friends, CHS students, and alumni.

December 16, 2011

Mrs. Zierk was a teacher I could confide in and actually made high school tolerable. My sincerest condolences to her family, especially my classmate Jamie. Your mother will always live on in my memories as a person of trust whom I still speak of today.

Entire Class of 1994

December 16, 2011

Please accept our deepest condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Nancy Pudelwitts
Las Vegas, Nevada

Kathie Lange

December 16, 2011

I was so sad to hear of Marsha's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this most difficult time.

December 16, 2011

I'm very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Julianna Kloeppel

Michael and Linda Zierk

December 16, 2011

Our deepest sympathies and love to all the Zierk/Custer families. You are truly in our hearts today. May memories stay in your hearts forever, no one can take them away. We love you all and will be thinking of you in these next few difficult days.

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