Herman “Zerg” Zerger Jr.
Herman “Zerg” Zerger Jr., 97, of Woodsfield, Ohio passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Arbors of Woodsfield, Ohio.
He was born at Woodsfield, Ohio on January 5, 1924 a son of the late Herman and Sylvia Mowder Zerger.
Herman was a 1942 graduate of Woodsfield High School, Woodsfield, Ohio and was also a retired owner and operator of Zerger’s Quarry for over 50 years. He served 10 years as a Special Duty Sheriff in Monroe County and was elected five consecutive terms as Center Township Trustee. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Woodsfield, Ohio. During WW II in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Platoon Sergeant with Rifle Co. I-141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. He fought 300 days on the front line in 31 battles in both Italy and France. He cast his first vote (for Franklin Delano Roosevelt) from a foxhole facing the Germans before being taken as a prisoner on February 3, 1945 by the SS troops.
He was one of the founding charter members of the V.F.W. Post 5303, Woodsfield, Ohio where he served as a trustee for 40 years and the 40 & 8 Grand Voiture of Ohio #363 where he served as Chaplain. He is a life member in Ohio Chapter #1 American Ex-Prisoner of War; Life Member of American Legion Post #87, Woodsfield, Ohio; former member of the Monroe County Democratic Central and Executive Committee where he served as the Monroe County Democratic Chairman for 45 years, being the longest serving county chair in Ohio; life-long Trustee of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8; charter member of the 141st Infantry Regiment 36th Division; life member of Veterans Battle of the Bulge, Buckeye Ohio Chapter #1; life member of the Combat Infantryman’s Association; Ohio Combat Infantryman’s Association; Akron Chapter C.I.B.; life member of the Texas 36th Infantryman’s Association; life member of Midwest Chapter 36th Division Association 141st Regiment Co. I; American Order of the French Croix DeGuerre, Inc.; 5th Army Association; life member of American Ex-Prisoners of War #9114; life member of the Ohio Chapter #1 American Ex-Prisoners of War; charter member and former vice commander of Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter 15 Ex-Prisoners of War; charter member Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter #743 of the Purple Heart; recipient of the Bronze Star for action at Riqurwihr, France; Diploma from the French Government National Association of the Cross of War, T.O.E. and Military Valor-Paris Citation ordered by the Army; and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Williams and Ruth Roth; a step-son, Gary Russell and a step-daughter, Chris Russell Schenerlein.
Surviving are his companion, Clair Thompson of Stafford, Ohio; a niece, Dee (Mike) Vargo of Woodsfield, Ohio; a nephew, Stephen (Erlene) Williams of Chickasha, Oklahoma; a step-daughter, Connie (Hank) Kaufman of Johnstown, Ohio; a great-niece, Alexis Vargo; three great-nephews, Christian Vargo, Brian Williams and Jeff Williams; a special cousin, Rick (Kitty) Zerger of Caldwell, Ohio; several step-grandchildren; special friends including, Joe (Robin) Bishop of Woodsfield, Ohio, John Marshall of Columbus, Ohio and Mark (Lorie) Easton of South Carolina.
Friends will be received at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78, Woodsfield, Ohio Friday, October 29, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Cottrill officiating.
Burial will follow in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield, Ohio with full military graveside honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 1st United Methodist Church, 136 N. Main Street, Woodsfield, Ohio 43793.
Due to current Covid conditions, guests are asked to follow recommended safety guidelines at all gatherings.