Kenneth William Zunk

Kenneth William Zunk, 90, fell asleep in death Saturday, January 3, 2009 at his home in Woodville, Ohio. Kenneth was born June 28, 1918 in Martin, Ohio to William Harmon and Gertrude Sophia Reif Zunk. He recently lost his wife and partner, Betty Marie Kruse; whom he had married on September 6, 1941 in Woodville, Ohio. Kenneth supported his young family by opening Kens Garage in Martin, Ohio, where he enjoyed fixing cars. Later he converted this garage into a Ferguson tractor dealership, which he expanded into the Martin Manufacturing Company. Ahead of the times, in 1954, he invented, patented, and manufactured a green eco-friendly farm implement called the Cut-A-Mulcher. Eventually he and Betty became full-time farmers, at first raising vegetable crops, and later growing grain; working together well into their eighties. In 1971, Kenneth was honored as Ottawa County Farmer of the Year for his innovative soil conservation techniques. In addition to farming, he enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling, and especially taking Betty out to eat. Kenneth is survived by his sister Violet M. Schwellinger, his children Marian L. Wilson of Woodville, Bonnie L. Michael Cipriani of Elmore, grandchildren, Dawn Hugh Berkley of Kansas City, KS, David Kennette Wilson of Kansas City, MO, and Joseph Kimberly Cipriani of Elmore, six great grandchildren, and one great-great- grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, William Bill Zunk, and brother Leonard W. Zunk. Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, Genoa, Ohio. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 am Wednesday, January 7, 2009 in the funeral home with interment to follow in Clay Township Cemetery, Genoa. The family has suggested memorial contributions in Kenneths name be to the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District Station #3, Genoa.