August C. Zetek

Loving father, husband, son, brother, neighbor, and friend died of natural causes just shy of 95 years old.

Predeceased by his Mother, Father, three sisters; Florence, Violet, and Lorraine, and a beloved grandson Neal. Survived by his wife Marlene, children: Lynn Pierce, Gay Chiappetta (Mike), and Glenn (Beth) , grandchildren: Aris Vaidik (Michael), Nicholas Pierce (Brynn), Rachael Chiappetta, Alexandra Chiappetta (Drew), Andrew, and Adam, Great-grandchildren: Zoe, Ryla.

He dearly loved his immediate and extended family particularly lighting up when his two young great-grandchildren visited. He was a man of high integrity working tirelessly providing for his family as a union (local 73) sheet metal (HVAC) worker. A true “Tinner”, known by tradesmen back in the day, because all fabrications were custom built. An artisan and craftsman by todays standards he did beautiful work with quality and precision sweating in hot attics and damp basements every day without complaint.

He enjoyed doing projects for his family’s homes too numerous to count. When age prevented him from performing the more challenging physical aspects of his job, he worked in the shop fabricating and managing inventory until the age of 85.

He was a loving husband to Marlene for 70 years as well as a good neighbor; always providing help where and when it was needed. When his kids were young, he would come home from work in his pickup truck and the neighborhood kids would load into the back and he’d drive them up the driveway. Simpler times, but it was the best.

He was a proud Naval veteran and served four years on the USS Marsh (DE699) - a destroyer escort which was active in the Korean War. DE699 was forever emblazoned on his Illinois license plate. He loved his time in the US Navy working as a machinist’s mate 2nd class (petty officer) traveling the world. He was a member of the veterans group, Tin Can Sailors.

He loved music, dancing, his cats, baseball, and cars with his first being a Ford model T. He coached little league baseball in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

His world was left in a better place as a result of his character. He will be missed.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9th 1-3 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home 17w201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace. Burial Tuesday, July 11 at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillGardensWest.com for the Zetek family.