Jack Nelson Zerkel

1942 - 2025

Jack Nelson Zerkel, 83, of New Market, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. Born on January 31, 1942, Jack lived a life defined by kindness, service, and deep devotion to his family and community. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00am, at Grace United Church of Christ, 10492 Orkney Grade, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842. Reverend Marilyn Heishman will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8pm at Valley Funeral Service in Edinburg.

Jack is survived by his beloved sons, Philip Zerkel and Julianne, with grandchildren William and Nathan Zerkel, Christopher Zerkel and Jess, with granddaughter Keira Zerkel, and Jack Zerkel and Jessie Deavers, with granddaughter Jolie Zerkel, and daughter, Tamela Zerkel and Brad, with granddaughters Jada and Kenya Hill.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, Harriet Hiner and her husband Jim Hiner, MaryAnn Rinker, Jane Milligan, and Jimmy Zerkel and his wife Vicki Zerkel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Zerkel, and parents, James and Lelia Zerkel.

Jack was deeply involved in his community and generously gave his time and talents to many organizations, including the Mt. Jackson Area Food Pantry, SEARCH Home, Mt. Jackson Lions Club, Virginia Propane Gas Association, Grace Church, and the Boy Scouts. A skilled craftsman and dedicated woodworker, he was also a proud member of the local Woodturning Club.

Many will remember Jack as a long-standing duck pin bowling champion, holding a record score of 228 on January 29, 1986-a testament to both his competitive spirit and good humor.

A 1962 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, Jack served in the Virginia National Guard (1966-1972) with pride. He later became President of the propane division at ZerGas, which was sold in 1997. He also founded Kids Delight Woodworking in 1982, combining his passion for creativity and craftsmanship with his love for children and family.

Jack's greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren-high-fiving Jolie, watching Keira cartwheel, and discussing cars with Will and Nate. He was a "shop monkey," a parts runner, a woodworker, and a lover of the outdoors. He cherished his log house, his trip to the Ark in Kentucky, and never stopped marveling at the world around him, always saying, "Wow, look at this."

He will be remembered for his sparkling blue eyes, his warm smile, and his boundless generosity. Jack was truly one of a kind-the most kind and generous man, a dedicated father, grandfather, and friend to many. His legacy lives on in every life he touched.

Pallbearers will be Buck Riggleman, Robbie Hall, David Deavers, Dakota Sine, Adam Foltz, and Mike Bazzle.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SEARCH Home, Mt. Jackson Area Food Pantry, Grace United Church, or the Mt. Jackson Lion's Club.

Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com

Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.