Frankie Junior Zemo, 1934-2007

The Daily Iowegian - 12 February 2007
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  Frankie Junior Zemo of LeClaire, formerly of Riverdale, entered eternal life on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, surrounded by his family at Trinity Medical Center after a courageous 27-year battle with lung disease. Private family services were held at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary on Friday, Feb. 9.

  Frankie Zemo was born in Centerville on Aug. 7, 1934, where he attended Jerome Elementary and Seymour High School.

  He married Clara Jean Van Blaricome [Van Blaricon] on Aug. 18, 1955.

  He worked at Elliott’s Farm in 1951 in Centerville prior to spending his summers in Davenport where he worked at Burke’s Cleaners in 1951 and Sterdavant’s Dairy in 1953. From 1953 to 1955 he worked at DC Coal Company as a miner in Jerome. In 1955 he relocated to the Quad Cities and began working at Riverside Foundry. In 1957 while on lay-off from Riverside, he worked at various John Deere facilities. In 1958 he returned to Riverside (now known as Sivyer Steel) where he was employed as a molder and sand mixer until he retired in May 1984.

  One of his life-long passions included gardening which earned him the nickname “the tomato man” from selling produce as a “serve yourself” roadside stand in Riverside, as well as to local restaurants and establishments throughout the Quad Cities. He also greatly enjoyed his time on his farm in Exline. Frank loved riding in his hometown parade during Pancake Day in Centerville, accompanied by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild in a 1929 Model A pickup which was a gift from his brothers and which they restored together.

  Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Clara Zemo of LeClaire; their four children and spouses, Sherry Cook of Bettendorf, Shelly Zemo and partner Marsha Voigt of Riverdale, Tina Zemo and partner Tina Murphy of LeClaire and Anthony and Anne Zemo of Riverdale in addition to grandchildren, Bobby Jo McHenry and her husband, Blake McHenry, of Bettendorf, Kane and Katie Zemo of Riverdale; and a great-granddaughter, Gracie McHenry of Bettendorf. In addition, he is survived by his brothers and their spouses, Marion and Jane Zemo of Centerville, Eugene and Linda Zemo of Tulsa, Okla., and Michael Zemo of Cedar Rapids, as well as several aunts, nieces and nephews.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frankie George Zemo and Mary Pauline (Starcevich) Zemo.