Paul Zook

WASHBURN - Paul Joseph Zook, 81, of Washburn died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at 8:45 a.m. at his residence in Washburn.

Paul was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Peoria, Ill., to Fredrick W. and Mamie E. (Maubach) Zook. He married Janice Bratt on April 24, 1954, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Washburn. She preceded him in death on Aug. 20, 2008.

Surviving are his children, Mary Jean Knapp of Congerville, Leland P. (Gail) Zook of Winnebago, Kathleen S. (Greg) Harrison of Washington and James E. (Carol) Zook of Mason, Mich.; one sister, Dorothy Laible of Washburn; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

His parents; three brothers, Norman, Harold and Leland; one sister, Marilyn Engel; and two grandchildren, April and Brent Knapp, preceded him in death.

Paul served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Camp Pickett, Va., at the regional headquarters. He served from Feb. 7, 1952 to Feb. 6, 1954, in C Company and later transferred to 2nd Regimental Headquarters as a corporal.

After returning home from service he attended agricultural school on the G.I. Bill. Paul was engaged in farming for most of his life as well as having worked for over 50 years with Vernon Henry and Sons, later becoming known as Midwest Sand & Gravel, lastly as the crane operator. He also sold DeKalb seed corn for over 30 years.

Paul loved his work and loved to be outside. He also liked his playtime, being remembered for his many practical jokes played on his family and friends. Paul enjoyed his matched team of ponies, which he loved to hitch to his pony wagon and would enter in the Washburn parades. He completely restored his 1935 Case "C" tractor, which was his pride and joy. He also loved steam locomotives.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home in Washburn. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the memorial home, with an hour prior visitation. The Rev. Robert De Bolt will officiate. Burial will follow in Linn-Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Washburn.

Memorials may be made to the Washburn Ambulance Service.