Charles J. Zemple, 83, of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2008, at his home.

Charles was born February 13th, 1925, in Rogers City, Michigan, son of William and Teresa Zemple. He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1943, and on February 24th, 1945 in Columbus, MS, he married the former Iva Krueger, who survives.

Charles served his country proudly in the United States Air Force for 35 years; serving in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. During his career he was stationed overseas to Niigata, Japan; Prestwick, Scotland; Chateauroux, France; and Ankara, Turkey. He also served two tours at the Pentagon. He flew C-45, C-47, C-54, C-118 and C-123 aircraft during his military career. He retired as a Colonel in 1978. He then worked as a sales and marketing representative for the RF Communications Division of the Harris Corporation for ten years. Subsequently, he worked for the Electronics Equipment Bank of Vienna, Virginia until he retired in 1997.

Charles was a member of the Bull Run/Evergreen Lions Club and of the Knights of Columbus, George Brent Council, #5332.

He is survived by his wife, Iva, of 63 years; five daughters, Karen Kyckelhahn of Phoenix, Arizona; Mary Ellen Stoner of Gainesville, Virginia; Janet Florip (Tom) of Southport, North Carolina; Patricia Zemple (Tom McCarthy) of Alexandria, Virginia; and Nadine Mendelsohn (Daniel), of Jamestown, Rhode Island; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 2nd, 2009 from 3-5 p.m. at the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Rd. Manassas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8713 Linton Hall Rd. Bristow, VA, with Father Jack Fullen presiding as the celebrant.

Graveside and Interment services, with full military honors, will take place in Arlington National Cemetery on March 5th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the House of Mercy, 10043 Nokesville Rd. Manassas, VA 20110.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, under the direction of Michael Post. Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com .






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