OBITUARY
William P. Zounes
July 8, 1940 – February 1, 2021
La Jolla, California
When I think of Bill, I think of his devotion to the Lord, family, and community; his good nature and generosity to others; his loyalty to loved ones; and his fondness of fellowship.
William “Bill” P. Zounes passed away at the age of 80 on Feb 1, 2021, in his La Jolla, CA, home. He is survived by a large and loving family: His wife, Karen, of 46 years; his two siblings Helen Zucker and John Zounes; his five grown children Elizabeth McElmell, William Zounes, Thomas Zounes, Randolph Zounes, and Krisena Marchal; his two step children Laura Krebsbach and Michael Brunke; his 12 grandchildren; and a large extended family of relatives and in-laws.
Born to Peter and Nellie Zounes, both of direct Lithuanian descent, Bill lived his entire life in Southern California. From an early age, his parents instilled the core values of hard work, honesty, integrity, and humility that would ultimately ensure his future success in his business and personal life. Together with his siblings and parents, Bill worked tirelessly in the family meat business, Action Foods, for the first half of his life. He started out learning the business while in high school and continued working there well beyond his marriage to his first wife, Maryann, his graduation from San Diego State University in 1962, and the births of his five children. After Bill married Karen in 1974, they purchased the business from his parents. Together, they ran the meat business until they sold it in 1981 to pursue real estate investing full-time. This transition proved fruitful and allowed for more time with family and friends, involvement with the church, opportunities for travel, and a seemingly endless supply of funny stories about his real estate adventures.
Bill’s marriage to Karen brought about a spiritual birth that would eventually transform his life to one centered in faith, family, and community. He was active in several churches in and around San Diego throughout his life, spending his final years at City View Church. He loved greeting parishioners, who were always impressed with his personal charm and genuine warmth. As a church Elder, he was recognized as a great encourager, led prayer breakfasts, and served on the Missions Board for many years. His devotion to faith and the church community will endure well into the future.
Bill embraced life to the fullest. In addition to his church activities, Bill loved to have fellowship with his family and friends, regularly hosting parties at his home where he skillfully played the piano, good-naturedly competed in family games like “Scum” and “Bocce Ball,” and heartily enjoyed good food. He was a member of the National City Kiwanis Club and Apartment Association for many years where he made and maintained life-long friendships. Finally, he was very proud of his family heritage and maintained close and lasting relationships with his many Lithuanian cousins abroad. Bill and Karen even visited his Lithuanian relatives on a number of occasions as they traveled the world, appreciating the life they had earned.
Bill loved and was loved. He will be sorely missed by many.
The Visitation will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley at the Chapel of the Bells from 10:00am-11:00 am. The Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley at the Chapel of the Bells at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at El Camino Memorial Park in the Loma Siesta section.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, February 26, 2021
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Funeral Service
Friday, February 26, 2021
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Graveside Service
Friday, February 26, 2021
Memories
William P. Zounes
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYWalter Russell
February 26, 2021
I remember the men's breakfasts Bill hosted every week. I' all always remember his friendship and of course the weekly Bible quiz. God bless you Bill.
Debra Burns
February 26, 2021
Bill is rejoicing in the Lord's presence now. I will miss his enthusiasm for telling people about Jesus and his reminder to "pray for our unsaved loved ones". My heart goes out to Karen now. You are in my prayers for comfort and that eventually joyful memories will overcome the grief. Hope to see you soon at church and our Sunday school class. Love & Prayers, Debby Burns
Jacky Lopez
February 25, 2021
Thank you Mr. Bill for all the beautiful memories you left in our family and for embracing us to be part of yours. You were the first one in this Country to truly believe in my then young immigrant father; Luciano, and in his dreams in becoming a successful entrepreneur. You took him right under your wing and guided him into success and 40+ years later, he now enjoys a peaceful and fruitful retirement.
You were and forever will be his and our role model. For over 4 decades, I doubt there were 3 weeks that go by without you speaking on the phone or meeting for a bite and you know, there is not a week that goes by in our family’s life that your name is not mentioned.
Our father Luciano will be unable to physically be with you on the 26th since he just had surgery but he knows you know he is there, right next to you in soul. I am in Mexico and cannot attend but my brothers will be there. On behalf of my father Luciano, my brothers Henry, James and Eric, my mother Rosa and I, THANK YOU. Thank you and Ms. Karen for always being there for us.
Ms. Karen, please receive an enormous virtual hug from all of us.
Love, Jacky and the Lopez family.
Jessica Van Deventer-Cornejo
February 24, 2021
Karen & Zounes Family,
Sending our condolences and prayers. We have so many wonderful memories of Bill. From BMX bike races, 4th of July Carnival, Kiwansis Christmas Parties, Ski Trips, Grand Canyon River rafting trip, Annual Kiwansis Del Mar Fair races, Bill's Birthday Parties, and Bill with his video camera on his shoulder. We know that mom and dad (Sharon & Jess Van Deventer) are in heaven welcoming Bill with a Big Hug.
With Much Love,
The Van Deventer Girls- Heidi, Jennifer, & Jessica
James Lopez
February 24, 2021
Mr. Bill, has always been a great part in our family life. He was a great mentor/friend towards my father Luciano. He will be remembered and missed by the Lopez family.
Thank you
Steve Asmuth
February 22, 2021
Bill invited me to a men’s breakfast and Bible study maybe eight years ago. It proved to be one of the most beneficial and enjoyable events of my week. Always faithful, he led a dozen or so of us regulars in Scripture reading, a Bible quiz, earnest prayer, and a joyous time of discussion, kidding and encouragement. We left with a smile on our face, food in our stomachs, and a renewed desire in our hearts to serve the Lord. Thanks, Bill, for investing in our lives!
JoAnne Gonzalez
February 21, 2021
Our condolences to the family. Bill will be missed by us and so many more. Thank you Bill for always being there to greet us upon entering God's kingdom. You were always a blessing to see. We will see you again Brother. I pray for comfort and peace in your family. God bless.
Bob & Chris Buschman
February 21, 2021
A breath of fresh air to those he encountered.
A ray of sunshine to those he influenced.
A true gift from God to those he counted as friends.
Thank you Lord for the breath of fresh air, the ray of sunshine and the gift called called Bill Zounes
Manuel Gonzalez
February 21, 2021
This brother of mine would make our Sunday when we would walk in, I loved sitting at the table he was at, on mens study, he will be missed I lived that fire all the time, man brother I will miss you but you are home so good job.
Tim & Darlene Moynahan
February 20, 2021
Bill Zounes our friend for 58 years. We skied together, ate together, played games together raised our kids together and prayed together for each other’s kids and grandkids. Karen and Bill invited us to city view church 25 years ago and it saved our lives. Bill was a giver, never a taker. We will miss him tremendously. He had great faith in God and we know he is in heaven waiting for his family and friends. See you one day Bill. We love you, and we know that Jesus loves you too.❤️
Tim & Darlene Moynahan
Almone Ziaunyte
February 10, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. We have so many sweet memories of Bill and his family visiting Lithuania and our stay at their house in La Jolla.
May all the Family have the Peace and Comfort of Jesus to get us all through this difficult time.
Please know that all Lithuanian relatives from Zounes and Sheinauskas sides love you.
We'll be holding Bill's memory in our hearts.
Kathleen Fisher
February 9, 2021
My memories of Bill are primarily from our childhood on E Street in Chula Vista. We were next door neighbors until the spring/summer when Helen and I were 9 years old and zoning regulations required both our families to move. While on E Street, Bill was like a big brother who watched over and directed Helen, me, and my younger brother through our shenanigans. One example was some time during early childhood, Helen and I decided to start a fan club and we made paper fans. Bill, of course, had to explain what a fan club really is. After both families moved to different areas of Bonita, I did not see Bill as much. When I did, he was always the same friendly and helpful person which was the hallmark of who he was. Fast forward to the 1980s--Helen and Darryl and Bill and Karen visited DC for all the sight seeing opportunities. They also visited me in Reston, Virginia. I didn't see too much of them because they were out most of the time taking advantage of the many opportunities in the area. I would not have known about Bill's devotion to the Lord had I not asked Helen why I heard the microwave buttons so early in the morning. She said that Bill gets up at 4 am every morning and prays for an hour and then he would heat some water for some coffee. Over the years, I have thought about this daily sacrifice even during a vacation and his remarkable dedication. Bill must be resting beautifully after the Lord welcomed him with open arms.
daiva zukiene
February 9, 2021
Condolences from Eleonora's family from Lithuania, Lanciunava