Werner P. Zukunft, Ret. Lt. Col. USAF
Werner P. Zukunft, Ret. Lt. Col. USAF, age 88, of Hamden, passed away peacefully November 27, 2008 at his home. Werner is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Kaercher Zukunft; his daughter Gretchen Zukunft; his son Karl W. Zukunft; his 3 grandchildren, Alexandra, Karl & Nicholas Zukunft; sister in-law Marge Zukunft of NC; niece Karen (Jim) McGuiness of NC; nephews RDML USCG Paul (Fran) Zukunft of CA & Erich (Nadine) Zukunft of No. Branford and close friends Patricia & Amanda Garcia and William & Stacy Ullman. Born in Hamburg, Germany on April 7, 1920 he was a son of the late Fritz & Ella Laine Zukunft. He was also predeceased by his brother Carl Zukunft & brother in-law Pvt. Carl Kaercher. Werner became a US citizen in 1929; he enlisted in the USAF during WWII and served as a navigator on a B-17. His 3rd mission was on D-Day, on his 22nd mission he was shot down over Germany, was captured and subsequently became a POW. He was recalled during the Korean Conflict and served in the building of the Thule Air Base in Greenland. During his military career he was the recipient of RM Def. Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Liberation of France / Normandy Medal, 4 Air Medals of Honor, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal & AF Overseas, AF Longevity, European Theater & AM Campaign Ribbons. A Graduate of the University of Bridgeport he was a Quality Control Engineer and later retired from Raymond Engineering in Middletown. Friends may visit with his family Monday from 4 to 8 PM at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden and are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 10 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 450 West Todd St, Hamden. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Smilow Cancer Hospital - 20 York St. New Haven, CT 06510 or to Conn. Hospice, 110 Barnes Rd. Wallingford, CT 06492.
Dear Gretchen, My sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your Dad. My apologies for not being able to attend any services due to .an act of God!. I love you, Mom Roth
Dear Gretchen: As of today, March 23, 2008, I am just hearing of this news via searching for you on the internet. How sad this is. I remember your dad when we were just kids. Funny. I just remember him kindly. I am so sorry to hear of this. I hope you find my sentiments and can contact me when you get the chance. I am in Florida and can be reached at baileigh18@yahoo.com which is my daughters name. Sincerely Kim Johnson
Dear Gretchen: I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. How I do remember him. Please contact me at baileigh18@yahoo.com. Sincerely Kimberly Johnson Kim
Dear Mrs. Zukunft, Gretchen and Karl: I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Mary Sue Fitzsimons and family
Gretchen,He’s a dad to be most proud of.A true military war hero.
karl my biggest memmory of your dad. was that he and your mom at the budmen hockey games. my thouhgts and prayers go to your family
Karl: We were very impressed with your father’s extensive military experiences and medals of honor. You and your family must be very proud. He exhibited a variety of engineering skills as well. Our love and our prayers to you, your mother, sister and children. Love, Aunt Jane and Uncle John
to all the Zukunft Family, i am so sorry about dad, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, my mom ,who is in heaven,would be feeling very sad too.(PATTY), take care, maryann levenduski
to all the Zukunft Family, i am so sorry about dad, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, my mom ,who is in heaven,would be feeling very sad too.(PATTY), take care, maryann levenduski