John "Gib" Zeratsky

John Gibbons “Gib” Zeratsky, age 74, of Green Lake, WI, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Berlin Memorial Hospital with family by his side.

Gib was born July 24, 1939, in Madison, WI, the son of John A. and Betty (Gibbons) Zeratsky. He left his mark at Lake Forest Academy, serving as a class officer every year and class president for three years. At University of Wisconsin- Madison, he received his Bachelor of Science degree and enjoyed his time at the Chi Psi fraternity. After graduation, Gib was the first member of his (the third) generation to work at National Rivet & Mfg. Co. in Waupun, WI, the family business. He worked there for 53 years, from the factory to the Sales Department and progressing through various executive positions to become Chairman of the Board.

On September 5, 1959, Gib was united in marriage to the love of his life, Katherine (Katy) Bur in Green Bay, WI. Together, they enjoyed life at their Green Lake home, and in recent years, spent the winters in Marco Island, Florida. All who knew Gib appreciated his humor and intellect. He took immense delight in the lake and in watching his family share in his passion for time spent on the water. Gib was always at the forefront of technology, from his earliest interests in model railroading and aviation, to building the earliest personal computers and becoming a savvy user of the most modern gadgets. Transferring his vast library into “the Cloud” allowed him to keep his passion for reading at his fingertips. Gib’s in-depth knowledge of history and politics enriched the experience of his frequent travels throughout the U.S. and to Europe.

Gib committed himself to a life of community service in many ways, including board memberships with a number of organizations, such as the Green Lake Public School Foundation and the Caestecker Scholarship Committee. Throughout his life, other roles included Honorary Life Trustee of Ripon College, Green Lake School Board for 27 years, Director of the National Bank of Waupun, Moraine Park Educational Foundation member, a member of the Board of Directors at Berlin Memorial Hospital, and served the ASTM Standards Committee for fasteners. During his life, he gave generous support to numerous individuals and organizations which he found important.

Survivors include his wife & lifelong love, Katherine (Katy) Zeratsky, Green Lake, WI; brother & closest friend, Andrew (Debbie) Zeratsky, Green Lake, WI; sons John Bur (Kelly) Zeratsky, Green Lake, WI; Andrew M. “Drew” (Kathy) Zeratsky, Ripon, WI; daughter, Gretchen (John) Feeney, Ripon, WI; grandson, John A. (Michelle Samenfeld) Zeratsky, San Francisco, CA; granddaughter, Jennifer (Chris) Conant, Los Angeles, CA; grandson, August Zeratsky, Green Lake, WI; granddaughters, Emma Zeratsky and Jane Zeratsky, Ripon, WI; grandson, Aiden Feeney, Ripon, WI; granddaughter, Madeleine Feeney, Ripon, WI; niece, Elizabeth Zeratsky, San Francisco, CA; niece, Debi Carver, Ripon, WI; and niece, Jib Christensen, Appleton, WI. He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Zeratsky; mother, Betty G. Zeratsky; and sister, Jill Carver. Gib’s loss will be felt by many other family members and friends around the world.

Visitation for Gib Zeratsky will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at The Federated Church of Green Lake, 489 Scott Street, Green Lake, WI 54941 immediately followed by the Memorial Service. Pastor Karen Gygax Rodriguez will officiate. Memorials may be sent to Green Lake Public School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 475 Green Lake, WI 54941 or Green Lake Conservancy, P.O. Box 52, Green Lake, WI 54941 or Green Lake Sailing School, N5602 County Road A, Green Lake, WI 54941.

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