George Frank Zounek November 22, 1925 – January 16, 2017

George Frank Zounek was born in New York City, NY on November 22, 1925 to Frank Zounek and Marie (Jirusova) Zounek. He had one older sister, Mildred, who died in a tragic car accident as a child. During his childhood, George helped his mother by working various jobs including managing/cleaning a tenement house, ushering at a movie theater, and cooking/serving at the Bohemian restaurant, which led to his excellent cooking skills!
In December of 1942, George enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. He served in WWII on several islands in the South Pacific including Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Sai Pan, Guadal Canal and Okinawa until the war ended in 1945.
Following his service, George enjoyed a 35-year career as a mechanical engineer at IBM working in Endicott and Poughkeepsie, NY; Boulder, CO; and San Jose, CA where he retired in 1984. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed cooking, trips to Hawaii, and spending time with friends and family. During retirement, he kept himself busy playing golf, voluntesering at his daughters schools , and working at various golf courses.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (Eichin) Zounek, of Sacramento, CA; their daughter, Kristen Masters, their son-in-law, Zack Masters, and their two granddaughters, Katelyn and Madison, all of Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by his daughter, Natalie Steele, of Longmont, CO and his son, Vince Zounek and daughter-in-law, Susan Peil, of Lyons, CO, from his previous marriage to Betty Stanek. George was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who made family and friends his #1 priority.
He lived with dignity and integrity and passed peacefully surrounded by love on January 16, 2017. George will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A private celebration of life was held on January 21, 2017 at his home.