Edward Matthew Zirnhelt, 89, of Churchton, MD passed away on January 20, 2018, at the home of his son in Lothian, MD after a brief illness. He was born January 22, 1928, at the family farmhouse in Lisbon, ND to Edmund and Pearl Zirnhelt. He worked on the family farm and other farm’s before joining the United States Navy at the age of 17, and proudly served for 22 years achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, retiring in 1967. After a brief retirement from the Navy, he went to work for the Washington Post Newspaper at the United States Naval Academy as the distributor, for 25 years.
He enjoyed planting his annual vegetable garden and would share his crop with many family and friends. He enjoyed watching all sports and was an avid Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals and Bowie Baysox fan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Ruth Phipps Zirnhelt of Churchton, MD, his son Michael (Robin) of Lothian, MD and granddaughter Amber (Chuck) Jacobs of Deale, MD. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Linda) of Centerville, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alfred, and sister LaVonne Estee.
