Charles W Zamzow's Obituary
Charles William Zamzow was born in Chicago on May 19, 1924 to Robert Zamzow and Mildred O’Dwyer. He grew up in the city and attended local public schools. It was during his high school years that he met his sweetheart, Anna T. Offenbecher, who he later married. Right after high school he went into the Army to serve our country in WWII. Before he left for basic training in Battle Creek, Michigan, he married Anna Offenbecher which started their long life together. During his time in WWII, Charlie (as most people called him) was stationed in New Guinea, Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines and Ft. McLean, Texas. He repaired trucks and other heaving equipment belonging to the army and guarded prisoners of war. After the war Charlie came back to his sweetheart where they started their life together in north Chicago. Their marriage lasted for 66 years until Anna died from illness in 2008. During their 66 years together, they had five children; Charles Zamzow, Jr., Catherine Zamzow (deceased), Robert Zamzow, Brian Zamzow (deceased) and Bonnie Cangelosi; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Charlie did not go to college but studied at night and on weekends to become a certified draftsman, later becoming a mechanical engineer. He successfully got a job in the field and worked for many years for Kaiser Steel even spending two of those years in Argentina, South America, helping to build a new steel plant. In 1973 Charlie left the engineering business to own and operate a small “mom and pop” motel on 4th Street in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, Anna. He enjoyed running his own business until he decided it was time to retire and travel. He and Anna traveled to many national and international destinations throughout their seventies and early eighties and then settled down in their small home in NE St. Petersburg for their final years. Charlie was a fun-loving man who most people enjoyed being around. He will be missed in the laughter and hearts of many.
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