Albert George Zentko, 95, passed peacefully at home early Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, to reunite with Jesus.
Al finally laid down the pack and rifle he carried on his heart since the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1950. He saw active combat in Korea, earning a bronze star for saving the lives of several men in his squad. Al was proud of his military service and was active in the Army reserves for several years as an instructor.
Born Jan. 8, 1927, at Carbon, Indiana, he was the son of Albert John Zentko and Gladys (Wright) Zentko. He was married many years to Elsie (Phelps) Zentko, deceased, the mother of his five children. He later married Vivian Myers, who is also deceased.
He operated his own construction company, Custom Flo Guttering, for several years, was a contractor and real estate developer in Montgomery County and was active in the Home Builders’ Association. He was also a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, DAV, American Legion, VFW and the Chosin Few organization.
A Hoosier native and farm boy at heart, Al attended equipment auctions and enjoyed many programs on RFD-TV. He enjoyed basking in the sunshine in his cabin in the woods, planting his garden and listening to the music of his beloved Sugar Creek. He loved his little dog, Abbey and mourned her passing over a year ago.
He is survived by four daughters, Mariah Julio, Linda (Lee) Burnside, Debbie Clapp and Kimberly (Dyke) Largent, all of Crawfordsville; two grandsons, Aaron (Sara) Clapp of Darlington and Brandon Largent of California; great-grandson Kody; sister Theresa Newport of Lodi, California; and much-loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; two sisters; son George Zentko; and son-in-law Mark Clapp.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at Burkhart Funeral Home. Services with military honors by American Legion Post 72 honor guard will be held at 1 p.m., with Father Michael Bower officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Al can be made to either the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, 1104 Big Four Arch Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.
