Bradley ZENTMYER

Bradley — Michelle ESPOSITO. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

James Robert Zentmyer, 63, of Oswego, Illinois died peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 19, 1987. He was born on October 8, 1923 in Aurora, the first child of Earl and Marjorie (Friebele) Zentmyer.
He was a life-long resident of the Village of Oswego where he served terms both as Village Trustee and Village President. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II.
He was a member of American Legion Post 675, Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago, Medinah Temple of Chicago, Masons Raven Lodge No. 303, Order of the Eastern Star, Lorraine Chapter No. 70, and of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist where he was baptized and confirmed as a child and where he reconfirmed his faith on May 14, 1978.
After returning from the war he owned and operated an appliance store in Oswego until purchasing the Ford automobile franchise from his father in 1951. For 18 years he operated Zentmyer Ford Sales, Inc. in Oswego, and simultaneously Z.Z. LeaZing, Inc., a long term automobile leasing and daily rental company. During this time he was a guest speaker at numerous Ford Marketing Institutes (FMI) across the United States and for FALS, Ford Authorized Leasing System, also serving on the Board of Directors for FDAF, Ford Dealers Advertising Fund. Most recently he has marketed his own sales promotional system, training sales people in automobile dealerships throughout the United States and Canada.

James married Doris Elaine GRATE 1945. Doris was born 1 May 1925, Kendall, Illinois; died 5 Mar 2016, Aurora, Kane, Illinois; was buried Oswego Township Cemetery, Oswego, Kendall, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Doris Elaine Zentmyer, age 92, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016.

She was the daughter of Fern and Albert Grate. She was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. She was also a 50 year member of the Lorraine Chapter #70 Order of the Eastern Star and was a past Matron.

Doris also was a past President and long-term member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #475 of Oswego, Illinois. She was the office manager for Detzler Pontiac, Inc. until 1997 and served as a trustee for the Oswego Public Library for many years.

Notes:

"Earl J. Zentmyer, of Montgomery, Illinois, peacefully departed from this world on December 13, 2003. He had been confined to his home and cared for by his children, since experiencing a heart attack in mid-October. Until that time, Earl had been exceptionally active and self sufficient for his 103 years of age. Earl was born April 10, 1900 to Clara and Oliver Zentmyer in Aurora. Earl's childhood, youth and early adulthood was spent living and working in Aurora. In 1922, he moved to Oswego, purchased business property, and opened the first filling station and garage in the community. He became a skilled mechanic, working on Model T Fords. Marjorie Friebele became his bride in 1923. She and Earl enjoyed 76 years of marriage and parenthood, together. Marge died when she was 96 years old, in 2000. Earl and Marge worked close together as they acquired and further developed their business in Oswego. Their loyalty, support and commitment to each other was strong. As Oswego grew, the business expansion for the Zentmyer's included a Standard Oil Service Station and a Ford Motor Company dealership. Mr. Zentmyer became an active participant in numerous aspects of the community. He served a term as Mayor. Through his leadership and efforts, the Oswego Township Library was formed. The Oswego Community Bank is also a result of Earl's leadership and organization. Earl was a Lions Club member and a member of the Oswego Masonic Lodge. He attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Banking Institute. He served on numerous boards in the Oswego community. For many years, he was a Trustee of The Church of The Good Shepherd, United Methodist Earl wrote poetry, many short stories and one published book. He was recently writing his autobiography to be titled, My First One Hundred Years. He played guitar and harmonica. Enjoying the family summer home in Wisconsin, especially fishing on Blue Lake, will be long cherished memories for children and grandchildren." Aurora Beacon News, Aurora Illinois

Earl married Marjorie Elizabeth FRIEBELE 15 Mar 1923, Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Marjorie was born 29 Oct 1904, Yorkville, Kendall, Illinois; died 28 Nov 2000, Oswego, Kendall, Illinois; was buried Lincoln Memorial Park, Oswego, Kendall, Illinois. [Group Sheet]

Oliver married Clara Elizabeth LAWYER 26 Apr 1893, Kane Co., Illinois. Clara was born 18 Oct 1880, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania; died 8 Mar 1960, Joliet, Will, Illinois; was buried Lincoln Memorial Park, Oswego, Kendall, Illinois. [Group Sheet]