Ronald Lee ZERKEL

An obituary was published in the Northern Virginia Daily on Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Zerkel, 77 of Mt. Jackson, Virginia passed away on the morning of Friday, September 27, 2024, at his home. Services will be on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Dellinger Funeral Homes, Mt. Jackson at 2:00 pm. Pastor Steve Wood will officiate. The burial will follow in Grace United Church of Christ Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family on Thursday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Ronnie was born on November 6, 1946, in New Market, Virginia and was the son of the late James and Lelia Sager-Zerkel. Ronnie graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in May 1965 and then drafted in 1965. Ronnie was deployed to Saigon to assist with the Vietnam War efforts while working in military intelligence. During his time in country, he experienced the Tet Offensive firsthand. He returned to the US in 1968 after a two-year deployment. When he returned from Vietnam, he received his Honorable Discharge but continued his hard work by dedicating his time to his town, church, and Zer-Gas/Zerkel's Hardware. Through the years, he supported and enjoyed time with his family and became increasingly involved in bringing awareness to veterans' health and wellness. In 2019 he became the President of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 936. With his utmost dedication, he spread the word and added over 115 members to the chapter with his signature charisma, and care for others. During his time with the VVA, he attended every reasonable council meeting, including two national conferences. Despite his illness and the odds against him, he was driven to make it to the Veteran's Tribute at the Shenandoah County Fair on August 27, 2024. When he had some free time, he would go on trips on his motorcycle - once taking 55 days to take the famous Route 66 through each state it ran through. Through the years Ronnie was involved in a myriad of extra-curricular activities, such as being a member of The Eagles in New Market, a former president of the Mt. Jackson Lions and Moose 979, a former Mason, and a member of the Woodstock American Legion 199 alongside his late father-in-law - Dan Jones. Being an active member of the church, Ronnie spent eight years as a Grace UCC Former Elder Consistory and enjoyed singing in their choir. He was also the Scout Master of Troop 117 in Mt. Jackson. To those who knew Ronnie, we can agree that he gave his heart to those close to him and gave it all he had to help fellow veterans. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Micki; five sons, Ryan Zerkel, Justin Koontz, Brian, Bobby, and Blake Rogers; a daughter, Shelby Flick; 10 grandchildren, Kara, Briona, Haylee, Nathan, Davy, Madison, Gabrielle, Miles, Christopher, and Caitlin; three sisters, Harriet Hiner and husband, James Hiner II, MaryAnn Rinker, and Jane Milligan; two brothers, Jack Zerkel and James E. Zerkel II and his wife Vicki; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was previously married to Rosalie Janelle Kagey from 1972 to 1975. The family would like to thank Italian Touch of Mt. Jackson, especially his two Italian Touch "granddaughters," Hannah and Dara, for their love and support. A heartfelt thank you also goes to his neighbor, Brenda Foley, for her perpetual friendship and dedication to helping Ronnie (the "Brother she never had") and the family during these trying times. Pallbearers: Justin Koontz, Rick Hassler, Kara and Briona Flick, Ryan Zerkel, Leo Galindez, Shelby Flick, Buddy Polk, and Bobby Rogers. Honorary pallbearers: VVA Chapter 936. Arrangements are in the care of Dellinger Funeral Homes, Mt. Jackson. In Lieu of flowers, you can donate to the VVA Chapter 936 Scholarship Fund or Independence Fund (a non-profit Veterans organization that greatly assisted Ronnie and the Zerkel Family).

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