Eugene "Gene" Bartholomew Zollner

Eugene “Gene” Bartholomew Zollner, age 85, of Bellingham passed away Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, WA. He was born January 24, 1928 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Bartholomew and Kathleen (Murgatroyd) Zollner. He married Joan Heath on November 27, 1948, in Seattle, WA. Gene was stationed at the Naval Base in Bremerton, WA and served on the U.S.S. Chicago and the U.S.S. Maddox at the end of World War II. When he was honorably discharged from the Navy, they moved to East St. Louis, Illinois , where they had their eleven children. In 1970, Eugene was transferred with Mobil Oil Company to Ferndale, WA. After working 35 years he retired from Mobil Oil Company in 1984. After retirement, Gene and Joan enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends. Gene enjoyed woodworking, golfing, small engine repair, and lawn mower repair. He was an avid reader and a longtime member of Albert J. Hamilton American Legion Post 7 of Bellingham. He loved working outside, grafting, gardening and working with his hands. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Joan and his two grandsons, Gregory David Zollner and Joshua James Mershon. He is survived by his eleven children and their spouses; Linda & Allen Gullikson, Rita & Marcus Welters, Nancy & Jim Mershon, David & Peggy Zollner, Diane & Gary Griffin, John & Carla Zollner, Peggy & Mike Hornsey, Julie & Ross Collana, Luke & Bernice Zollner, Jeffery Zollner, Kathleen & Mark DeJager, as well as 26 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Whatcom Hospice House for their care and kindness in his final days. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation to the Whatcom Hospice House be made. A Celebration of Eugene’s life will be held at Bethany Chapel, 3744 Mt. Baker Highway, Everson, WA 98247 with Pastor Gilbert Gunderson officiating. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Greenacres Cemetery.