Howard “Junior” Zurcher, also known to some as Pop, 76, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born April 3, 1939 in Tabor City, the son of the late Desi Zurcher and stepfather W.D. Fowler. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Maryanne Zurcher.
Howard proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard. As a man of deep faith, he served as a deacon and was a dedicated member of Castle Hayne Advent Christian Church. After his time in the Coast Guard, he became employed with Sea Merchants Grocery in Carolina Beach, where he was a butcher by trade.
Howard enjoyed spending time with his close friends and family and could be found on most occasions somewhere fishing for spots or making crafts such as Coke can airplanes, coffee can flowers and Popsicle crafts. His family will cherish most the memory of a man who was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who put his family first always.
He leaves behind a loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn Zurcher; daughter, Kathy Mahle and husband Jerry; three sons, Steven Zurcher and wife Charlotte, Allan Zurcher and wife Denise and Eric Zurcher and wife Jessica; eight grandchildren, Tyler and Zack Bonito, Jerry and Stephen Mahle, Steven and wife Corrine and Cody Zurcher, Lidia and Abigail Zurcher; great-grandchild; AJ Zurcher; two sisters, Annie Christian and Peggy Spaulding; one brother, Harry Fowler; and numerous other loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30 at Castle Hayne Advent Church, 2710 Hermitage Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation.
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