Obituary of Casimir Zera

Of Minnetonka, formerly of Eagan, age 93, died peacefully on December 14, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean Zera, his sister Maxine Saur, and grandson Samuel Polley. He will be remembered as a wonderful big brother by his sister Kathy Meyerl (Al) and brothers-in-law Joe Saur and Ray Weaver, a loving father to Rob Zera (Peggy), Lynda James (Jim), Rick Zera (Diana), Lori Zera and Lisa Zera-Polley. He was a fantastic PapPap to Dan Zera, RJ Zera, Cindy James, Annie James, Matt James, Chloe Zera, Tom Zera, Augie Zera, Zac Gilskey, Nic Gilskey, Molly Gilskey, Sara Polley, Symon Polley, and 12 great-grandchildren. Caz was born in Braddock, PA to Stephanie and Casimir Zera. After high school, he entered the US Navy and served as a Corpsman at the US Naval Hospital in Washington DC, where he met Jean. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to a career in what was then a fledgling computer industry. First with IBM, and then, in a bold move for a man with 5 young children, joined what would now be called a "start up", CEIR. They were acquired by Control Data where he became a Vice President and that brought the family to Minnesota. He retired in 1992 to pursue his love of family, food and travel. He was never so happy as when planning the itinerary for the next trip to Chincoteague or Hawaii. Our family thanks the friends and staff at the Glenn Minnetonka who made the last 7 years a joy for him. Special thanks to the physicians and staff at Hennepin County Medical Center STN4 for the attentive and compassionate care he received. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service celebrating Caz's life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed in his name to The Glenn Minnetonka (Staff Fund), or to the HennepinHealthcare Foundation Trauma Program.