Ernest Zmolek

Dr. Ernest J. Zmolek, age 84, passed away November 13, 2008. E.J. was born December 16, 1923 to Joseph and Mayme Zmolek on their family farm in Toledo, Iowa. He graduated valedictorian of the Toledo High School class of 1942. E.J. was captain of the Toledo High School Championship football team. While E.J. thought he wanted to be a math teacher, his guidance counselor recommended Premed studies. He joined the US Navy V-12 program in 1942 and was sent to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. There he trained as a corpsman and graduated in 1945. E.J. graduated from the University of Iowa Medical School in 1948. His internship at Milwaukee County Hospital was interrupted by a two year stint in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1953, where he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois.Ernie married the love of his life, Donna Conard, November 25, 1948. He established his medical practice as a general surgeon in Oshkosh in 1955, which began his long collaboration with Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Part of his responsibilities was teaching classes at the Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing. He retired after 34 years, but continued to volunteer at the Sisters St. Lucia Mission Hospital and the EAA Airventure Clinic. E.J. worked hard but always had a great sense of humor and respect for others. He was well loved by his patients and co-workers, who became more like friends and family.E.J. was a man of deep faith and strong commitment to loving and serving God. He was dedicated to his beloved St. Mary Parish and its liturgy group. In his retirement he attended daily Mass, served funeral Masses, and took Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass. E.J. was a member of the Serra Club, and worked to promote and support religious vocations. He was a great believer in Catholic education and the welfare of all children. E.J. established tuition assistance funds for Lourdes High School and the Oshkosh School District.As a frustrated farmer, E.J. enjoyed working in his own garden and volunteering in the gardens at the Paine Art Center. Wood working was another hobby he indulged in, creating many heirlooms for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed the friendship of the members in his Investment Club, the Edgewater Club, and his beloved bridge group.The highlight of E.J.s free time was spent with his family, especially during annual family reunions. At the cottage, Sheck-Ri-La, on Pearl Lake, there were no telephones or TV, only waterskiing and fishing followed by a menu of brats, sweet corn, and watermelon. E.J.s love of the Colorado Rockies made a hike to Hanging Cliff Lake mandatory.Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Donna, one daughter, Terry (Roger) Sturm, of Denver, Colorado; three sons Joseph (Mary) of Oshkosh, James (Julie) of Santa Barbara, California, and Douglas of Syracuse, new York; and ten grandchildren: Matthew and Jaclyn Sturm; Katie and Bridget Zmolek; Ryan and Eric Zmolek; Chloe, Hannah, Sophia and Austin Zmolek. He is further survived by his sister Betty Dougherty, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack.The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday November 21,2008 at 11:00 AM at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (St. Mary Site), 605 Merritt Avenue, Oshkosh, and the Reverend James Jugenheimer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral. A memorial is being established in E.J.s name.

Most Blessed Sacrament-St. Mary Site



442 Monroe St
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Friday, November 21, 2008
9-11 AM



Most Blessed Sacrament-St. Mary Site



442 Monroe St
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Friday, November 21, 2008
11 a.m.