Elred Zapf Obituary (1918 - 2012)

Throughout the life of Elred Zapf most called him Red or Uncle Chas. He was born in 1918 to Charles and Hildegarde Zapf in Paynesville MN. Dad was the oldest and only son. He was raised in Paynesville, the son of a harness and shoe maker where he attended Paynesville High. His 93 years of life included five years in the service stationed in London during WW II. After the war, on a blind date, he met Martha Sadoski and they married November 3, 1947. He and Marty lived most of their years in Lancaster California where they raised their family of 3 boys. Mike was the first son, born on October 31, 1949; then Paul, born on April 5, 1954 and then Lee, born on February 21, 1955. The family made many trips back to Paynesville to visit parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. There were many great memories at the house where dad grew up, and out at the cabin on the lake, and fishing on the lake and ice fishing in the hut. Dad was an avid golfer. Both he and Uncle Milt used to chase after that white ball and then tell lies after it was said and done. Dad played until he was 92. (last round was with sons Paul and Mike and grandson Eric during Thanksgiving 2010) He worked most of his years for the federal government as an electrician at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He used to take the wife and boys to the air shows on base. I remember all the planes and watching the aerobatics. Dad retired in 1980 to pursue his passion for golf. In 1987 Mom and Dad left Lancaster and moved to St George, UT where they lived by the golf course and enjoyed the country club life. Both Mom and Dad were enjoying their retirement and doing the thing they loved the most, golf. Dementia started to affect dad's memory and ability to communicate. Over the last five or six years he lost his ability to say what he was thinking and was getting frustrated. He was diagnosed as having Alzheimer's at 89 and lost his ability to drive at 90. Prior to his passing on Thursday February 23, 2012 he was in the final stages of Alzheimer's. But that's not what caused his passing. He refused to use a walker and fell hitting his head. He never woke up from the accident, but was resting peacefully during his last days. We will miss you Dad. I know that you are with Mom and the rest of your family, playing golf on the most beautifully courses shooting par. God bless you.