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LUCILLE EVA ZGONC
Lucille Eva Zgonc was born on Feb. 1, 1917, on a farm in Gary, MN. The snow was so deep, the doctor had to come by a horse driven sleigh. She was the fifth of seven children of Martin and Elfreda Ellson. Brothers, Lawrence, Floyd, and Clifton; and sisters, Gladyce and Bessie preceded her in death. Her youngest sister, Fern will be 100 years on Oct. 4.
After graduating from high school, Lucille attended a year of business school. She met her future husband, Frank J. Zgonc, while working in Minneapolis, MN. Her aunt had a boarding house where Lucille stayed, and Frank lived there while attending the University of Minnesota. Married on Dec. 27, 1936, they were married for 60 years before Frank’s death in 1997.
Lucille leaves: son, Larry K. Zgonc; daughter, Jayna Nelson (Everett); four grandsons, Matthew, and Nathan (Karen) Zgonc, Brett (Heidi), and Todd Nelson; great-grandsons, Abe and Tate Nelson and Jason and Tristan Zgonc; sibling, Fern Andersen; many nieces and
nephews.
Living in Missoula, MN, where Frank taught at the University, Lucille played softball for the “Messenger Hellcats”. They defeated the Buckler Tapers by a score of 50 to 0. (Local record) They won state. She was the MVP shortstop. She also played shortstop for the shipyard league in Vancouver.
After moving to Vancouver in 1941, Lucille worked at the Kaiser shipyards in Vancouver as a welder, where she helped with the war effort of WWll. She and Frank then started Eddie’s Music on 1707 Main Street with co-owner Eddie Johnson. Lucille operated the store for 30 years.
In 1977, Lucille was Soroptimist of the year.
For fun, Lucille belonged to an evening bowling league. She and Frank belonged to the Jubilee’s, a monthly bridge club. After retiring she had more time for bridge and played 2 days at the Luepke Center and one day at St. Joseph’s. She played until she was 103; then COVID hit and everything was closed down.
Lucille enjoyed watching sports on tv especially basketball. She became a big Spurs fan over the last couple decades.
She enjoyed watching her grandkids and great-grandkids sports games and music events.
She went to many WSU games to watch as her grandson’s team got to the Rose Bowl in 1998.
Still a great driver, she gave up her license at age 100 years.
To the end, Lucille was a very independent, hardworking, spunky, optimistic woman. She said she lived so long because she was a hard worker. She always looked for the best in people. On every birthday, she turned a cartwheel to show she could still do one. Her last cartwheel was at 90 years.
Although she learned to waterski at LaCamas Lake, she didn’t learn to swim until 1997 at the age of 80 years. She could dog-paddle so well, she kept dry from her waist up.
Besides all kinds of cards, Lucille liked all games: caroms, chess, checkers, dominoes, and others. And, she was great at all of them. We always tried to beat her, but she was determined and usually won. She enjoyed playing with her kids, grandsons and great-grandsons. You couldn’t expect to win unless you deserved it - no “gimmies.” Lucille took pride in her roses.
She was given the “Sparkle Award” for her rose garden by Mayor Royce Pollard.
Lucille broke her hip in August, surgery was successful, but it took a toll on her body.
We have lost an incredibly special lady at the age of 105 years, 7 months and 16 days. She will be missed terribly. Take care, Mom - We love you.
A private burial will take place at a future date.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Lucille was such a kind person. She was one of my mother´s best friends. A favorite memory of my mother was going to the opera in Portland with Lucille. They were at the shipyards and the Jubilees. They had many a card night together. I still can hear her laugh.
Katelin Ryan-LaVail (Sandee Hume)
Friend
November 5, 2022
I have the fondest memories of Lucille, starting from my childhood. She was an extremely kind and loving person, always a good family friend. She and my mother worked as welders in the Vancouver Shipyards. We attended the same church. I will never forget her kindness. My prayers to Jayna and Larry.
Joanne Balcom
Friend
October 1, 2022
Lucille WAS Eddie's Music to many young kids like me in the 60s and 70s. She was friendly and fair but didn't take any nonsense. She sold me my first guitar, a Harmony Sovereign. Lucky to have known her as a point of contact into the world of music.
William Ghormley
Other
September 27, 2022
Jana and Larry so sorry for the passing of your mother. She was a strong amazing woman. Your family will greatly miss her.
Nola Koch
Family
September 26, 2022
Dear Larry and Jayna what a great lady your mother was. It is amazing how she was able to stay in her own home. I am sure she was able because of your caring for her. I send my love and prayers your way. Judy Mears.
Judy Mears
Friend
September 25, 2022
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