
Norbert J. Zienta, 85, of Fremont, OH passed away on March 31, 2017 at his home. He was born on May 18, 1931 in Fremont, OH the son of Bernard J. and Pauline (Zaleski) Zienta. He was raised by his grandparents Joseph and Antonia Zaleski. He attended St. Casimir Elementary School and was a 1949 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.
Norb served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1954 where he was a Petty Officer 1st Class. He was stationed in Jacksonville, FL and served in the Mediterranean. During his time in the service he had an audience with Pope Pius XII.
Norb married Patricia Young on November 24, 1955 at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on March 6, 2010. He was a plasterer for Zaleski Plastering for thirty-three years. He then worked in the maintenance department at Terra Community College for fifteen years and building and grounds for six years.
Norb was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was also a life member at the Fremont Moose, receiving his Pilgrim Degree in 2002. Where he also served as the Governor for several terms. He was also a life member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Norb was a member of the Eagles and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid bowler, played softball for thirty years. One of Norb’s proudest moment was that he was the bat boy for the Fremont Green Sox as a child. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State University and Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavs. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Norb is survived by his children, Debra Dorobek, Michael Zienta both of Fremont, David (Brenda) Zienta, Zanesville, OH; siblings, Patricia (Jack) Best, Barbara (Dave) Ott, Anette (Dick) Riesterer all of Sandusky, grandchildren, Nicole (Shawn) Jones, Jonathan Dorobek, Chad Zienta, Brandon Zienta, Kristen (David) Wise, Adam Zienta, step-grandchildren, Briana Carnicom, Kyle (Stacy) and Kody Hittle; seventeen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Zienta; brother, Eugene Tomich.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH with a Moose Pilgrim Service at 3:30 p.m.
Service: Wednesday, April 5, 2017; 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Deacon Thomas Ackerman officiating.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont with military honors provided by the American Legion and V.F.W.
Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church or American Heart Association.
View Norb’s Memorial Video
Offer Condolences for the family of Norbert J. Zienta

Barb Gangwer
So sorry to hear about Norb. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Cindy Rizzardi
To the Zienta Family,
We have known Norb for over 45 years. He was one of the first people my husband met when he moved to Fremont in 1969. My husband golfed with Norb for many years, and Norb drywalled our home for us in 1977. He was such an awesome man in every sense of the word. A kind, sensitive man with a great sense of humor. Norb will be sadly missed by all who knew and cared about him. With our sincerest sympathy,
John & Cindy Rizzardi
Bob Hahn
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family!
May you RIP,Norb!
Judy Rendon
RIP Norb. A kind, caring man. Prayers for your family. Enjoyed knowing you and Pat thru the years.
Judy Rendon
Mary E, Sheppard
To the family of Norbert Zienta,
Even though I did not personally know Norb, I felt as though I knew him because of my regular nurse visits from his Daughter-in-Law, Brenda. She always spoke fondly of him, and cherished the time they got to spend together. When he became ill, she did not regret the time that David had to be away from her to help him out. I know he will be sadly missed by all of his family, but I am also sure that David and Brenda did everything in their power to make his last days on this earth easier for him. May God wrap His arms around everyone of you during the next few trying days, and keep you all close to His heart. My sincere condolences.
Deb Zienta Dorobek
I am sorry if you were misinformed but David and Brenda were not here with my dad during his final days. I was living with him and was there with him when I wasn’t working. They were seldom here.
Leigh Michaels
To Deb, Mike, David & family! So sorry for your loss you all have my deepest condolences.
Dana Dorsey
Thoughts and prayers along with blessings for the family. Norb wasn’t only my neighbor, he was a friend. Great memories of the softball days. Only there in spirit, as I’m still in Florida.
Martha J Loughlin
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked at Terra for many years with Norb. He was a kind gentle man, with a sometimes feisty sense of humor. I could count on Norb to fix things with ease and with care. He left a great legacy in such a wonderful large family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marty Loughlin, retired computer teacher from Terra
Scott Hart, CEO Moose International
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your father’s life with the Moose fraternity. His contributions made a positive difference in the lives of the children at Mooseheart and the seniors at Moosehaven – we are forever grateful to have the privilege of calling him a Moose brother.
Karon (Tolhurst) Chrzan
Deb, Mike and family,
I am so sorry to have read in the paper of your fathers passing. I am not sure if you would remember me or not. My name is Karon (Tolhurst) Chrzan and I used to babysit for you, Deb and Mike, on occasion. Your parents were good neighbors and great people. I was not aware that your mother had passed away. She died on my birthday. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.
Hang on to the good memories! May you feel Gods presence with you is my prayer!
The Clarks
Giving our thoughts and prayers during this differcult time. We love you Bubbles!
Juanita Bennett
To the Zienta family,
Words cannot express our sympathy. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time.
We will always cherish the memories of Norb. Our deepest sympathy.
Joe, Julie, Juanita Bennett
Nick Stover
Our thoughts and prayers to the Zienta family. You have our condolences.
Nick and Shelley Stover
SHARON (MIDDLETON) VALLE
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY. NORB WAS A GOOD FRIEND.
MANY GOOD MEMORIES WITH HIM AND PAT AT THE MOOSE
Ann Stiger
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Norb was a wonderful person and a talented plasterer. He plastered my new home and I think of him when I look at my beautiful ceilings. My thoughts and prayers are with you Deb as I know how much you will miss him. Prayers and God’s blessings to you and your family.
Chris and Rebecca Swartz
So sorry to hear about Norby, he was a very kind person and will be missed.
Kris Perry
Norb and Norm were two of Terra’s very best maintenance people. I always enjoyed running into them. RIP.
Mark & Cindie Cole
Our sincerest condolences to the family! Prayers in your time of sorrow.
Nancy Sattler
I have fond memories of Norb. I worked with him at Terra for many years. He always had a ready smile.
Nancy Sattler
Kim Zaleski
Deb, Mike, and David I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle Norb was truly a special man. My condolences on his passing.
Kim Zaleski
Danny albert
So sorry to hear about Norb. He will be missed by many. Danny Albert
Sherry Young
So very sorry for your loss…