Eugene B Zurcher

Eugene B. ”Gene” Zurcher, 73, of Bolivar and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2013 in the Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in New Philadelphia on July 29, 1939, he was the son of the late Arnold and Gladys (Poland) Zurcher.

After graduating from New Philadelphia High School, Gene joined the United States Army where he honorably served his country during Vietnam and received a Purple Heart.

His professional career as a foreman and a painter included employment with Barkett Fruit, Easy 8 Motel in Arizona, and ultimately retiring from Miracle Adhesives.

Gene greatly enjoyed watching baseball and football. He also enjoyed the outdoors where he fished, gardened, and traveled throughout western United States and Canada. Other hobbies included playing Bingo and collecting coins.

He leaves behind his family which includes his children Terri (Mike) McLaughlin of Weirton, WV, Tim (Flora) Zurcher of Carrollton, Shari (Gary) Hootman, Connie (Mike) Muzechuk, Kristy (Companion, Mark Jenei) Gauvey, all of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Hunter and Haley McLaughlin, Kayle, Alex, and Timmy Zurcher, Sara and Zach Hootman, Ben and Emilee Muzechuk, and Aaron Gauvey; 3 great-grandchildren; his brother, Don Zurcher of New Philadelphia; and his nephew and niece, Dan (Lynette) Zurcher of Columbus and Christine Washburn of Florida.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. The Rev. Hugh B. Berry will lead a service celebrating Gene’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. The New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors after the service at the funeral home’s flag pole.

Friends are then invited to the Geib Family Center where a meal will be shared.

Cremation will be cared for by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory following the service.

Memorial contributions in Gene’s memory may be directed to the Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave. SW New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663.