Rudolph "Rudy" Zarek

Rudolph "Rudy" Zarek passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at the age of 83 years. He was born on November 22, 1930, in East Saint Louis, IL, son of the late Louis and Lily (Kobzina) Zarek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice (Minniear) Zarek in 1977; and his second wife, Phyllis (Dickenson) Zarek in 2006. Rudy's father was an immigrant to the United States from Czechoslovakia and his mother was of similar descent. When he began first grade in East St. Louis, Rudy knew very little of the English language. He graduated high school and served in the U. S. Naval Reserve from 1947 to 1961. He worked for Union Electric Company from 1949 until his retirement in 1993. He was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Farmington since moving there in 1968. He served in various offices of the church, taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He operated the sound system for worship services, which he recorded and edited weekly for the local radio station. The church also referred to Rudy as "resident photographer," a hobby he began while in the naval service. In the 1980's and 1990's, Rudy's hobby became a part-time job as he photographed weddings and other occasions for family and friends. He also worked part time at Plumber's Hardware during his retirement and enjoyed golf, bowling and woodworking. He had been a member of Elks Lodge 1765 in Farmington since 1969. In Illinois, where Rudy lived before coming to Farmington, he was a member of the Shriners and the Masonic Lodge as well as being a drummer for the Drum and Bugle Corps. Survivors include his wife, Hilda (Cox) Zarek; son, Alan Zarek of Boston, MA; daughter, Lynne Zarek of Boise, ID; step-daughters, Karen (Billy) Oglesby of Pecos, TX and Kathleen (David) Drew of Orange Park, FL; step-son, Randy (Tori) Cox of St. Louis; four grandsons, Will and Matthew Oglesby, Austin Drew and Benjamin Cox; two granddaughters, Olivia Drew and Caroline Cox; one brother, Charles Zarek; one sister, Eleanor (Joe Dittrich) Falcetta; and numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday morning from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at Memorial United Methodist Church at 11a.m. with the Reverend Scott Hall officiating. Memorials may be made to the Memorial United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army or the Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. View the online obituary and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com.