Louis Zakraysek

Louis Zakraysek, 84, died at noon Saturday, October 19, 2013, only two days after being diagnosed with acute leukemia. He quietly passed away in the company of his family. Louis was born December 20, 1928 in Conemaugh Township, PA to Slovenian immigrants Louis and Matilda Zakraysek. He grew up in Vintondale, PA and graduated from public school in that small coal-mining town. Louis joined the Navy right out of high school at the end of World War II, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Sicily. After his Navy service Louis earned his degree in metallurgy at Penn State and began a nearly forty year career at General Electric in Liverpool, NY. He grew to love and excell at his chosen profession, authoring many published papers and making important contributions to the field of metallurgy. In 1988 Louis retired and moved to Florida. His next twenty years were spent biking, walking on the beach and traveling extensively in the United States and Europe, always accompanied by his wife of 63 years, Shirley. The last five years of Louis' life changed from carefree retirement to a role of caregiver for Shirley as she was increasingly diminished by dementia. He slowed his steps and curtailed his activities to match hers, even voluntarily joining her in a locked dementia ward in order to "watch over her". A year ago, Louis and Shirley left the dementia ward and moved to Concord, NC to make their home with youngest daughter Michelle. Louis loved his peaceful new home and filled Michelle's ears with praise and thanks. Even as Shirley's dementia robbed her of her mobility, speech and independence, in Louis' eyes she remained the same beautiful, feisty girl he married in 1949. He began and ended every day by telling her how much he loved her and rarely could be found more than an arm's length away. His consistently tender patience and unwavering devotion to Shirley was truly remarkable and an example for all. Louis was a generous and forgiving father of three daughters, Mary Kenny, Nancy Willoughby and Michelle Zakraysek. He was a father-in-law for 40 years to Jim Kenny. He was a loving and playful "Papa" to grandchildren Erin Kenny Russell and Matt Kenny and "Boppy" to Mary and William Cordes. Less than two years ago he became a delighted great grandfather to triplets Henry, Lulu, and Benjamin Kenny. A younger sister, Amelia Zakraysek, also survives him. Louis enjoyed photography, family poker games, crossword puzzles, tinkering with gadgets and chocolate in general. He was one of a kind, a true gentleman and a real class act. We were proud to be his family and he will be so, so missed. In his honor we will continue to care for Shirley as he would have, with patience, love and respect, until she is joined with him for eternity. Certainly a love like that can never die. Louis' family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals who helped him and us in his final whirlwind days, beginning with the doctors and nurses at Northeast Medical Center, then Hospice of Lake Norman and Bayada staff who made it possible for Louis to spend his last day comfortably at home, especially Angie Lassiter, Jillyn Vannais, Kineta Carson and Irene Thompson from Bayada and Tricia Noti from Hospice. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Zakraysek family.