Edward J. Ziener

Edward J. Ziener, Jr, 76, lifelong Rockford resident, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 7, 2012 in Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago. Born June 28, 1936, son of Edward J. and Eileen M. (Cahill) Ziener, Sr. Graduated from St. Peter Grade School, St. Thomas High School and Marquette University with a degree in Business Administration. Married Sharon A. Marinelli in Rockford on June 27, 1970.He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,serving both active and reserve duty. While on active duty he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA and Fort Knox, KY. He served in the reserves as an Executive Officer and Platoon Leader and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He retired in 1998 as an Independent Insurance Broker. He served 3 terms as president of the Marquette University Alumni Club, Past President of the Catholic Social Services Board of Directors, member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Community Center, Past President, former trustee and past Exalted Ruler of Rockford Elks Lodge No.64 and for 3 years was Committee Chairman for "On The Waterfront" . He served on the Festa Italiana Committee, Rockford Fourth of July Committee, Boylan Booster Club past VicePresident, Secretary and Treasurer, Past President of the Notre Dame Club and was a founder and director of the Rockford Irish Marching Society. Ed fought cancer for over 24 years and was diagnosed with his first cancer after losing his wife to breast cancer in 1982. In those 24 years he was diagnosed with five different cancers including two stage 4 diagnosis,. Through his fight with the disease, he raised two children successfully on his own, both now with careers in finance and the nonforprofit sector. His kindness overwhelmed you and his sense of humor could not be missed. Ed was devoted to his family, his community and was a man of great faith. Survivors include his son, Michael J. Ziener; daughter, Mary Ann (Terry) Brown; grandchildren, Brittany Brown, Patrick Michael Brown and Nicholas Michael Ziener. Predeceased by his wife, Sharon, on August 16, 1982, his sister Marsha Schilling on September 23, 2004 and his parents. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2012 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation from 58 p.m. Thursday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a Christian Wake Service to be held at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Friday. Private family burial in St. Mary/St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.for distribution at a later date. These may be sent to Fitzgerald Funeral Home, c/o the Ziener family.