Vernon Zinck

Vernon Clarence Zinck (1931-2020)

Vernon Clarence Zinck, 88, went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2020, in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Massachusetts General Hospital on June 20, 1931, to Laura and Clarence Zinck. His parents had emigrated to the USA from Canada, residing in South Portland, Maine, where he spent his childhood.

Vernon graduated high school and entered the Army. While in the army he served as a Radioman in the Army’s 40th Division, Company M during the Korean Conflict at Heartbreak Ridge, where he earned the Bronze Medal of Honor.

After the war, he joined the National Guard with the US Air Force, retiring in 1991, after achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Once he returned home, he attended Maine Technical Institute where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he worked for General Electric from 1956 to 1991, when he retired.

Prior to moving to Texas, Vernon lived in Berwick, Maine with his first wife Ruthie. While in Berwick, Vernon served on the Volunteer Fire Department, served as Mayor for one year, and on the Board of Selectives for 3 years. He and Ruthie were members of the 1st Methodist Church in Berwick. Ruthie passed away in 1998.

In 1998, Vernon married Claire O’Neil and split their time between Maine and Cibolo, Texas. Claire passed away in 2006. In 2008, Vernon married Pauline Hagemann. They moved from Cibolo to Schertz, TX. While in Schertz, Vernon volunteered for “Needs and Seeds” through the First Baptist Church of Universal City. Once a week, he and several other men gathered and delivered furniture and other items to those in need.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Pauline, her children, Ken (Michelle) Hagemann, their children, Nicole Corral, Steven Hagemann, and Andrea Hagemann; and Linda(Joel) Oskner of California. Also, Vernon’s niece and nephew Judith and Daniel Harrison, of Maine.

Vernon requested his remains to be interred in Burlington Heights (Ohio) Cemetery, in the family plot next to his first wife Ruthie. A celebration of life will occur sometime in the future.

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