Gertrude Jean Zaika

GERTRUDE J. ZAIKA, 93, of Lexington, died Monday, March 28, 2011, at Lexington Court Care. Born February 2, 1918, in Schoolcraft, Michigan, she was the daughter of William L. and Lena (Standard) Barks. She worked for Stevens Manufacturing and retired from Essex Wire. She attended Mansfield Baptist Temple and belonged to Toppers and the Ladies VFW on Grace Street. She truly enjoyed dancing and was always willing to try anything. She enjoyed her trips to Michigan with her favorite trip to Branson, Missouri. She also enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk Show. She is survived by her son Phil (Vonda) Zaika of Lexington, her daughter, Juanita Oldfield of White Pigeon, Michigan, her daughter-in-law, Sandy Kovatch of Lucas, Ohio, her grandchildren, Soni and Jim Coey of Loudonville, Cindy and Jerry King of Decatur, Indiana, Dr. Jeff and Heather Zaika of Bellville, David and Donna Wittmer of Mansfield, Cindy and Andre Pina, Doug and Cindy Niznik of Texas, Lori and Randy Wood of Virginia, John and Trina Niznik of Lucas, Alechia and Kim Evans of Indiana and Anita and Dick King of Michigan; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Zaika, a son, Joe, a grandson, Mark Wittmer, a granddaughter, Vanessa Pulley, a great-grandson, Korey Zaika and a son-in-law, Harold Oldfield. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2011, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 South Diamond Street, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2011 at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Richard Folger. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the charity of the donor's choice.