Raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Joe received his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant from the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He served as a Navigator KB-29’s and Bombardier on B-47’s and B-52’s. While stationed at Ellsworth A.F.B, Joe finished his BS from Black Hills State College. Joe served four tours in Vietnam, flying 228 combat flights over Vietnam. Joe received the Distinguished Flying Cross and retired in 1972 at the rank of Major.
Upon retirement from the Air Force and relocating his family to Austin, Joe started his second career with Dresser Industries. Joe retired from Dresser Industries (formerly Spenco) as a Maintenance Supervisor in 1991.
Joe was very active in the St Louis Catholic Church and their Men’s Club. During this time Joe was key to their annual garage sale. Joe enjoyed endless hours of helping others, tinkering in his garage, gardening and being a grandfather.
Joe was a loyal and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his children, daughter Betsy Bliss and her husband Rod, daughter Kathy Watkins and her husband Buzz, daughter Judy Zygarlenski and son Joe Zygarlenski and his wife Claire. Joe adored his four grandchildren – Kaity Bliss, Lyndy Watkins and his wife Haley, and Devon and Jonathan Zygarlenski. Joe is also survived by his sisters, Sophie Stallbaumer, Helen Scott and Mary Blancharte. He was predeceased by beloved wife of 53 years, Margaret “Peggy” Zygarlenski, parents Joseph and Mary Zygarlenski, sister Agnes Schaffer and brothers Walter and Stanley Zygarlenski.
The family wishes to thank the Cedar Ridge staff for providing compassionate care and thank the residents and their family members for providing joy and loving support to Joe during his six years spent at the Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Care Center in Cedar Park, TX.
Please join us in celebrating Joe’s life, by sharing below, your thoughts and fond memories of him with his family.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joseph Zygarlenski to Alzheimer’s Association by going to http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=524456&fr_id=1060&pg=fund.
Additionally, fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehill.com for the Zygarlenski family.
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