Robert James Zarada

December 19, 1940 - December 17, 2021

Robert James Zarada passed away Friday, December 17th, 2021 at his home in Cottontown, Tennessee at the age of 80 years old. He was born December 19th, 1940 in Thorp, Wisconsin to Edward & Christine Petersen Zarada. He owned and operated his general contractor business, Christofferson Commercial Builders before his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, growing tomatoes in the summertime, and most importantly, he loved flying and owning his own plane. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the White House First United Methodist Church. Robert was a man who held great pride throughout his life for his family, friends, and country, but he was also humble and generous towards those who were a part of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Edith Ritter and Sue Hartl; brother, Tom Zarada; great-granddaughter, Hope Severson. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Martha Jane Zarada, Cottontown, TN; son, Robert “Bob” James (Dee Dee) Zarada II, Savannah, GA; daughters, Elizabeth Zarada (Ronald Sanger), Parker, CO, Deborah Long (Bradley Wiesenthal), Orlando, FL and Kristy Zarada (Michael Tague), Minnetonka, MN; stepson, Edward Jerzyk (Joanna Dipaola), Casco, ME; brothers, Richard (Karen) Zarada, Wausau, WI, Frank (Jane) Zarada, Viroqua, WI and John (Jerre) Zarada, St George, UT; sisters, Ellen Arreguin, Huntley, IL, Irene (Bruce) Chronister, Queens, AZ and Gerri Karlen, Madison, WI; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on January 8th, 2022 at 11 AM, at First United Methodist Church in Whitehouse, TN. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 3718 (615)672-5000 ww.austinandbell.com