Stefan Wolodomur Zerkis, 85, of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. Born in Manhattan, NY, Stefan (“Steve”) was the oldest child of the late Stephen and Natalia Zerkis (Pleskun), both Ukrainian Americans who raised Steve and his late brother, John, with an appreciation for their Ukrainian heritage and orthodoxy.
Steve grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, where he attended high school and excelled in math and science. After graduating from Columbia University with a bachelor’s in science, he obtained
his master’s in business administration from the University of Southern California. In September 1965, just after his 26th birthday, Steve entered the United States Air Force Officer Training School. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in September 1968. Later that year, he married Patricia Mitchell and the newlyweds embarked for Madrid, Spain, where they lived off base for a few years. Steve often remarked that his time in Madrid was some of the best years of his life.
For over 7 years, Steve served in the USAF with distinction before he was discharged honorably from active duty. During his years of service, he was awarded numerous medals, ribbons, and
commendations including:
● National Defense Service Medal (NDSM);
● Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR);
● Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM);
● Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster (AFOUA W/1OLC);
● Air and Space Longevity Service Award (ASLSA)
After returning to America, Steve and Patricia lived in Sacramento and later settled in Northbrook, Illinois, where they raised Greg and Christina. Steve was a devoted father who was
a fixture at his children’s hockey, baseball, tennis, and softball games.
Steve had a distinguished career managing information technology for companies, including McKinsey, Baxter, GATX, and Pettibone. He retired as the Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Walsh Healthcare, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama. After his retirement, Steve was elected Mayor of Indian Springs, Alabama, where he dedicated many years to serving his community.
Despite his many accomplishments, if you asked Steve what his outstanding achievement was, he would say it was being a grandfather to Jake. Whether it was a cub scout meeting or a
hockey, soccer, or baseball game, Steve was there with a smile and words of encouragement for his grandson.
Steve’s intellectual curiosity was evident throughout his life. He was an avid reader, book club member, and history buff. Steve leaves behind his beloved children, Christina and Gregory, daughter-in-law, Jessica (Hegarty), grandson, Jake, and 29 nephews and nieces. Visitation Monday, January 20, 2025, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Razom Inc., P.O. Box 24150, New York, NY 10087-4150. https://www.razomforukraine.org/donate/For information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
**Livestream of funeral service available through www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com and will begin shortly before 6pm on January 20, 2025