Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Gene Lee Zess, 81, Sandusky, passed away, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the Cleveland Clinic.
He was born June 18, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Edward and Phyllis (Clifton) Zess. Gene grew up in Vermilion, Ohio and later moved to Sandusky. He was a 1959 graduate of Sandusky High School, Sandusky, Ohio, and served in the United States Army Reserves until 1969.
Gene began his career in food services with Interstate United while located at Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH), Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and Arrow Head Stadium (Kansas City, MO). He then spent thirty-five years employed as Director of Food Services for the Sandusky City School District, retiring in 1989. Gene was responsible for feeding thousands of students and while not being a cook himself, he was proud to have hired the best cooks in all of Sandusky.
Gene was the beloved husband of his wife of 48 years, Christine (Kramer) Zess; the loving father of Jason (Heather) Zess and daughter Stephanie Zess; proud Grampa of Alexis, Max and Cal Zess; loving brother of Betty Lou (the late Paul) Cipra: brother-in-law of Becky (the late Walter) Zastawa, Jack (Michelle) Kramer and the late Bill Kramer; favorite uncle of Gail Cipra, Ted Cipra, David (Jenny) Zastawa, Chrissy Chiao, Jessica (Matt) Crawshaw, Nicole Lesnik, and great-uncle of four nieces and 4 nephews.
Gene was a man of simple pleasures. Next to his family, he loved a good cup of coffee, reading the newspaper or a good book, morning conversation with friends, a trip to a casino or a round of golf followed by a cold beer. He will be remembered for his quick wit and incredible sense of timing.
Private family visitation and services will be held at the Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SHS Gentlemen's Club, Sandusky City Schools, 407 Decatur Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 or Sandusky Elks Lodge #285, 120 E. Adams Street,
Sandusky, OH 44870. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.
