Felix Joseph Zukaitis

Felix J. (Zeke) Zukaitis The world lost one of its' best and most beloved dads when Felix Zukaitis died on Monday, February 20, 2012 in Jefferson, WI. Longtime Port Washington resident, Zeke was born on February 22, 1927, the youngest son of Antanas and Ona Zukaitis. Like many young men his age, he left school to enlist in the Service during World War II. He served in the Navy, aboard the USS New Jersey and was honorably discharged in 1945. On November 29, 1950, he and Lucille Dickmann were united in Marriage at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grafton. During their almost 40 year marriage, they were blessed with 5 daughters and a son. Zeke lived for his girls! From helping them understand math concepts and assisting with art projects, to building snowman families and snow forts in winter, his children knew they could always count on Dad!. He was also a gifted, self-taught artist, sketching in pencil and using hand tools to carve beautiful plaques for family and friends. He was very adept at inventing tools when he had a need for them. He could make almost anything! He was truly a jack of all trades, and good at them all! Zeke enjoyed fishing with his daughters and sons-in-l...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

but many Port Washington residents remember him because of his special relationship with the ducks at the lake front. The ducks came to recognize the sound of his approaching car, and if that didn't do it, his duck call would bring them flying in, where they would eat right out of his hand! Zeke was a family man who had a passion for life! He dressed as Santa not only for the ducks, but at work, nursing homes, for his grandchildren and neighborhood children. Zeke spent many years working at Harnischfeger Corporation and retired after 30 years with Kiekhaefer / Mercury Marine. He was an usher for many years at St. Peter of Alcantara Church. The family was also members of, and very involved at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, a former local church founded by Lithuanian immigrants. Dad was a proud member of Rose Harms American Legion Post 355, Grafton, WI. He loved Port Washington, but declining health forced him to move to Jefferson to be closer to daughters, Vicki and Sandra who assisted with his care. Felix Zukaitis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucille; infant son Anton, parents Antanas and Ona, sister Antoinette and brother Anthony. He will be deeply missed by: daughters Vicki (Jerry) Smythe of Janesville, WI, Antoinette Kaye (Jim) Pannier of Ferndale, WA, Judy (Randy) Eibs of Fredonia, WI, Sandra (Ron Heinrich) Zukaitis of Watertown, WI, and Lynda (Lisa Scarola) Zukaitis of Huntington Beach, NY. He is further survived by 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Gracie Dickmann, Martha Schanen and Mildred Brown, brother-in-law Dan Brown, nieces, newphews, other family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 1:30pm. The family will accept visitors on Saturday before Mass from 11:30am-1:30pm. Entombment with full military honors will take place at St. Mary's Mausoleum immediately following Mass. Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com