Jairus E. Zerbe

Jairus Edward Zerbe, 89 of Portersville, Perry Township, PA, formerly of Sinking Spring, PA passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at the VA Community Care Center in Butler, PA.

Jairus was born in Bowmansville PA on December 21, 1933 to the late John and Mary Irene (Lorah) Zerbe. Jairus married his high school sweetheart, the late Mary Ellen Wickel on January 1, 1953.

A 1951 graduate of Wilson High School, he was a self-employed auctioneer for over 20 years and had previously worked at Rich Maid Kitchens for many years and Pagoda Candies. He enlisted with the United States Army, January 1955 until January 1957 and was on standby reserve notice until May 1962. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he participated in missile training and worked with the “Honest John Missile.” He was a fifty-year member of the Masonic Chandler Lodge #227, Creigh Council #161, Excelsior Royal Arch Chapter #152, Reading Commandery No. 9, Scottish Rite 32nd. Consistory, National Auctioneers Association, Photographic Society of America, along with Berks Camera Club, and the American Orchid Society.

He is survived by his daughter Jane Louise Windhorst and son-in-law David Windhorst of Portersville, PA. He also has grandsons, David Paul Windhorst Jr. and wife Paola (Felisatti) of Vancouver BC, Canada, and Bradley Davis Windhorst of Ellwood City, PA and his dog Snookie II.

In addition to his parents and wife Mary, he was preceded in death by his daughter Betsy Kay Gibson.

An honor guard tribute was held by staff and veterans in Butler, with a grave side service at Pleasant View Cemetery, Spring Township in Berks County PA.

Mr. Zerbe’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. John Urffer and the staff, hospice, and clergy at the VA Community Care Center in Butler, PA.

Memorial Contributions in Jairus’s name may be made to the VA Community Care Center, 325 New Castle Rd. Butler, PA 16001 or the Portersville EMS, 1122 W. Portersville Rd. Portersville, PA 16051.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Online Condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com