William Frank “B.Z.” Zitta
January 6th, 1929 - December 5th, 2021
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B.Z.'s Obituary
William F. “B.Z.” Zitta, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away on December 5, 2021 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 10, at 1 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Phil Bubar officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, December 9, from 5 PM until 7 PM, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Berrien County Cancer Service, 3900 Hollywood Rd, St. Joseph, MI 49085 or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Ln, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
William was born on January 6, 1929, to John & Anna (Hertz) Zitta. He attended St. Joseph High School where he excelled at golf, baseball and football and would eventually be inducted to the SJHS Hall of Fame. He graduated from high school in 1947 and began working at Whirlpool Corporation until 1950 when he served his country and proudly enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1952, William returned home and continued his employment for Whirlpool where he would ultimately retire from after 40 years. While hanging out with his friends at the local bowling alley, William met the love of his life, Bondell “Bonnie” Bares, and on August 26, 1956, the two would get married in South Bend, IN. William was an avid golfer and would play as often as he could whether it be by himself, with Bonnie or with a league. In his later years, he also enjoyed bird watching. William was a life long member of the St. Joseph Elks Club.
William is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bonnie; daughters, Beth (John) Schueneman of St. Joseph, Sheree Little of St. Petersburg, FL, and Becky (Norm) Gardner of Fairport, NY; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and sister, Marie Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; siblings, Tony, Frank, Nick, John Jr., and Irene; and son-in-law, Jeff Little.
William was born on January 6, 1929, to John & Anna (Hertz) Zitta. He attended St. Joseph High School where he excelled at golf, baseball and football and would eventually be inducted to the SJHS Hall of Fame. He graduated from high school in 1947 and began working at Whirlpool Corporation until 1950 when he served his country and proudly enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1952, William returned home and continued his employment for Whirlpool where he would ultimately retire from after 40 years. While hanging out with his friends at the local bowling alley, William met the love of his life, Bondell “Bonnie” Bares, and on August 26, 1956, the two would get married in South Bend, IN. William was an avid golfer and would play as often as he could whether it be by himself, with Bonnie or with a league. In his later years, he also enjoyed bird watching. William was a life long member of the St. Joseph Elks Club.
William is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bonnie; daughters, Beth (John) Schueneman of St. Joseph, Sheree Little of St. Petersburg, FL, and Becky (Norm) Gardner of Fairport, NY; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and sister, Marie Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; siblings, Tony, Frank, Nick, John Jr., and Irene; and son-in-law, Jeff Little.
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