Johann J. Zabka

Johann J. Zabka, 95, of Dover embarked on a journey to heaven on Thursday, June 15, 2006, surrounded by family.

Born March 11, 1911, in Sohrau, Germany, he was the son of the late Johann A. Zabka and Suzanna Woitas Zabka.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Maria M. (Gotzol) Zabka, along with a brother and two sisters. He is survived by a daughter, Irene M. (Jerry) Nelson of Mineral City; son, Edward H. (Mary Ellen) Zabka of Colorado; along with nine grandchildren, Heidi M. (Mark) Smith, J.B. (Robyn) Nelson, John L. (Liz) Nelson, Suzanne R. (Stephen) Burk, David P. (Leah) Nelson, Lori Zabka, John E. Zabka, Christopher Zabka and Geoffrey Zabka; 18 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Johann was an adventurer who enjoyed sharing his zest for life with his family and friends. In his early years, he was a police officer drafted into combat during World War II. Captured and almost executed on the Russian front, Johann was imprisoned for several months and escaped while working farm detail. His journey home included a 500-mile trek that lasted for two weeks.

Arriving home, he was reunited with his wife and two young children and spent the next several years working as a machinist. His dream was to come to America and he took advantage of an opportunity through the Lutheran Church which sponsored displaced persons after the war.

In 1952, Johann and his family immigrated to Dover, O., with the help of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on the square in Dover. Church members were instrumental in arranging a new home and job for the Zabkas. The family is eternally grateful for Grace Lutheran Church�(TM)s love and kindness.

After retiring in 1972 after 19 years with Gradall, Johann became very active in the Tuscarawas County Historical Society. He was the founder of the Zeisberger-Heckwelder Award that is given out annually to honor citizens of his beloved Tuscarawas County. Johann was also the designer of the Tuscarawas County Commemorative Medals that depict various historical places and events in our community. He also authored an autobiography titled “My Determination,” along with the “Epic Poem of Tuscarawas County,” a 500-verse poem depicting his love for his adopted land. Johann was also inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for his work in Tuscarawas County.

Funeral services honoring Johann�(TM)s life will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at 1 p.m. in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on the square in Dover with Pastor Jim Lewis officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends can call at the church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory at Dover are handling arrangements.

Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Johann may do so by visiting the on-line obituaries link on the funeral home�(TM)s Web site. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 216 N. Wooster Avenue, Dover, O. 44622.

Toland-Herzig

(330) 343-6132

www.tolandherzig.com