William F. H. Zersen

Bill was the 3rd child born to Reverend William and Ruth Zersen on March 17, 1938, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. At 2 weeks old, Bill’s father passed away, leaving his mother to raise 3 young children on her own. Soon after, Bill, his sisters and mother moved back to the US, where his mother worked 3 jobs to support them. This is when Bill learned humility and need vs. want, and the power of believing, God will provide.

Bill grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois where he attended Immanuel Lutheran grade school. He attended York Community High School and graduated in 1956 as an All-American in Football, Basketball and Baseball. From there, Bill attended the Air Force Academy and graduated in 1960. He was stationed in Texas, Alaska, Vietnam, South Carolina, and Florida where he got his master’s in business administration at Florida Technological University. He was then stationed in California, Virginia and back in California. He ended his 26-year career in the United States Air Force as the Comptroller at Space Division in El Segundo, CA. He worked in the air and space industry in California and Alabama. He did computer planning work at Hollywood High School and less glamorous jobs, compared to his space career, such as a courier until his final retirement when he golfed, fished and drove his car around the United States as much as he could.

Bill loved watching sports, especially college football. He was always heard to be rooting for the underdog; that is, unless the Air Force was playing! He enjoyed a strong Gin Martini, Oyster’s being shucked on warm summer days and visiting many different churches of all denominations.

Bill was raised in a strong Lutheran belief and learned to love Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior from a young age. His desire and need to praise God sent him looking for the right place to worship as he moved around the United States. As it worked out, one of his favorite places to rejoice and dance was at Messianic Jewish Churches. He was always kind to those less fortunate and supported those in need. He would take sack lunches to the homeless on Christmas morning with food and cash in the bags. Bill was a giver; never asking for anything in return.

Bill is survived by his, older sister, Ruth Brown, three children, Todd (Jael) Zersen of Anacortes, WA, Bridgetta (Doug) Malquist of Bellingham, WA, Aaron Zersen of San Pedro, CA; seven grandchildren, Crystal, William, and Emma Zersen, Benjamin and John Malquist, Isla and Mila Zersen; his first wife of over 25 years, Judith Zersen of Anacortes, WA; many wonderful nephews and nieces, extended family and friends.