Matilda R Zerhusen

Matilda R. ("Til") Zerhusen (nee Messmer), 90, of Lakeside Park, KY passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013. She grew up on a farm in Mt. Washington, OH where she worked in the family greenhouse as a young woman. At age 25 she married Frank X. Zerhusen, a widower with 8 children. She and Frank added 3 sons to their already full household. Together they established MAR-MAT Manufacturing Co., a steel fabricating company, in Erlanger. Frank passed in 1965 and she continued to serve as chief executive officer of MAR-MAT until she sold the business and retired in 1988. Mrs. Zerhusen is survived by 5 step-children and her 3 sons: Betty Burke (Pat-deceased), Robert Zerhusen (Mary), Joan Schill (Arthur), Raymond Zerhusen (Rita), Ruth Lawrence (James), James A. Zerhusen (Mary), William J. Zerhusen (Barbara) and Edward M. Zerhusen (Kimberely Adams); 46 Grandchildren; over 100 Great-Grandchildren; several Great-Great grandchildren and her sister, Ida Messmer. She is also preceded in death by her step-children Richard Zerhusen (Irm), Ralph Zerhusen and Martha Lauch (Richard), and siblings Joseph Messmer, Albert Messmer and Agnes Menkhaus. She was a founding member of St. Pius X parish in Edgewood, KY, a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers and a member of the Edgewood Golden Age Social Club. She also enjoyed bowling, ceramics and crocheting. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Middendorf Funeral Home in Ft. Wright, KY. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, May 30 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, KY with burial to follow at Mother of God Cemetery in Ft. Wright, KY. Memorials can be sent to the Kenny and Brian Williams Fund, P.O. Box 17105, Covington, KY 41017 (www.kbwilliamsfund.org). Online condolences can be made at www.middendorf-funeralhome.com.