Albert Zerhusen Sr., man of many talents

Albert F. Zerhusen Sr. made the most of his life, from his time fighting the Nazis, through years in law enforcement, managing an auto service department and, finally, keeping busy working at fast-food restaurants and enjoying the company of his young co-workers.

Mr. Zerhusen, 80, died Sunday at his home in Independence.

Mr. Zerhusen was drafted into the Army at 18 and served in General Patton's Third Army. He fought in the Battle of Normandy and Battle of the Bulge.

For his service, Mr. Zerhusen was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery and two Purple Hearts.

His multi-faceted career after World War II began at the Green Line bus company in Covington, where he was a supervisor.

Mr. Zerhusen was a private investigator in Cincinnati, then became a police officer in Elsmere. Later, he spent 33 years at Robke Chevrolet in Covington as a salesman and service manager.

Retirement age rolled around, and Mr. Zerhusen enjoyed working or relaxing in his yard.

But he wasn't ready to stay home and instead worked for 11 years at Burger King and later Wendy's restaurants, cleaning tables and trays despite blindness brought on by macular degeneration.

"He was always doing something, always working. He couldn't sit around and do nothing," said Katrina Robke, a granddaughter in Fort Wright.

Mr. Zerhusen made fast friends with his young co-workers at Wendy's, many of whom visited him in his final days.

Ms. Robke said her grandfather was a wonderful mentor.

"He was a man who was not afraid to tell you exactly how he felt, but he would also give you advice. His heart was so big he wanted to help you in any way he could. He was one of those people who would sacrifice for you," she said. "He was the best."

Survivors include sons Albert F. Zerhusen, Jr., of Warrensburg, Mo., and Joseph C. Zerhusen II, of Cincinnati; daughters Patricia Meirose, of Ludlow, Judy Schumacher, of Villa Hills, Susan Kesslering, of Florence, Janet Hukle, of Erlanger, Karen Diable, of Florence, Jana Robke, of Florence and Edie LaFollette, of Morning View; brothers Elmer Zerhusen, of Fort Mitchell and Ralph Zerhusen, of Ryland Heights; sister Mary Jane Lueke, of Crestview Hills; 28 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Chambers & Grubbs, Independence, followed by a funeral service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Independence Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Albert Zerhusen Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of Kentucky, 12020 Madison Pike, Independence, Ky., 41051