ERNEST W. “ERNIE” ZIENKA age 79, beloved husband for 47 years of the late Joanne (nee Anello); loving father of Steven (wife Teresa) and Angela Rosati (husband Christopher); devoted grandfather of Zachary and Alexis Zienka, Gianna Rosati, Rocco Rosati (deceased), and Genevieve Rosati; cherished son of the late Peter and Celia (nee Murawski); dearest brother of Christine Wiersch (husband Peter) and the late George (wife Marilyn, deceased), Dorothy Korzen (husband Norm, deceased), and Joseph (wife Julia); brother-in-law of Eileen Anello; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
U.S. Army Veteran.
Ernie was born in Cleveland on December 4, 1942 and passed away on May 30, 2022. He graduated from East High School in 1961, and was a member of St. Casimir Catholic Church. Ernie lived in Willoughby Hills for over 50 years, and spent his winters in Florida. He was a carpenter for GQ Drywall. Ernie enjoyed fishing and gardening and was an avid Cleveland sports fan. He also enjoyed polka dancing and was a member of several local polka clubs. Ernie was social and friendly as well as kind and caring. He was hardworking and devoted to his family and faith, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ernie to Meals on Wheels of Lake County or Cleveland Clinic Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10AM at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Chesterland. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ernie at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) THURSDAY from 3-5PM and 6-8 PM.
Offer Condolence for the family of Ernest “Ernie” Zienka
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John and Marge Sopczyk
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Zienka family. We are saddened of his lost. May he RIP and dance his heart away in Polka Heaven.
Jack & Gerri Rosati
Dear Angela, Steve and dear Zienka and Rosati family, May you have only the best memories of that great Dad, Grandfather, Cousin and friend to many. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you.
Gerri and Jack
Donna Rypinski
Steve and Angela, please accept my deepest condolences. Your dad was a wonderful man and I will always remember him and your mom.
With love,
Donna
Alex
I am so sorry for your lost Angela and all. Sending love, prayers, and support to you and your family. ❤️
Carole Orozco
Ernie was my loving and special friend. He had a presence that no one can deny. I was so proud to have been a part of his life. He was an exceptional dancer and I was so happy to be his partner.
I will truly Miss him and his love of life
Love you!!! Ernie
Nick Dreher
Angela and Steve
Your dad is a pretty cool cousin. Always brought energy to the room. Take care of yourselves.
Nick Dreher
T. Baker
A kind & considerate son is the greatest accomplishment of a father. I never met Ernie, directly. But I know he left an incredible legacy.
Pam Matuszak
I have so many great memories of your Dad being around growing up and felt special being his God daughter. He will me missed by many. Sending my deepest sympathies to you all!
Sherry Fox
Angela and Steve,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Wishing you peace. Love to you all,
Sherry and Jim Fox
Bill & Casey Matuszak
Best pal,Best Man,Best friend. Shared many years and laughs together 70 plus years what a joy it was. Our deepest love and sympathies to Steve, Teresa, Ange, Chris and all the kids.We send our love and prayers. We will miss him.
Shirley Siwiec
Ernie will truly be missed. A wonderful man I was honored to know. Deepest sympathies to all. Your tribute video was a great show of his love for his family and for life. I am sure he is dancing with the angels (and showing them a move or 2) Friends, Ed and Shirley Siwiec
Rich & Jean Winke
Our Sympathy & Prayers are with all the Family at this difficult time.
Carol and Dennis McArthur
We were so saddened to hear of Ernie’s passing. He was such a welcome addition to our life on the farm during the summers of our youth so long ago. He will remain in our memory as a handsome, debonaire, fun-loving Polish cousin who, we are given to understand, could embarrass even Arthur Murray on the polka floor. Our deepest condolences to his loving family and numerous friends.
Gary and Brenna Lynch
Hello
Steve and Teresa and family, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please accept our sympathy. We miss seeing you at Mass. Gary and Brenna Lynch