Obituary of Ernest William Zirkle

Ernest William Zirkle, DVM, 84 of Fairfield Township passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 30, 2021.The son of the late Clarence Zirkle and Bertie Bowman Zirkle, he was born on February 25, 1936 in Quicksburg, Virginia. He was born on a farm that included both livestock and crops. He graduated from V.P.I. in 1958 and the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. He was the owner of the Wilwyn Animal Hospital from 1965 to 1979 when he joined the NJ Department of Agriculture becoming the State Veterinarian until his retirement in 2003. In 2000 he was elected president of the United States Animal Health Association, a national organization that develops policy guidelines and policy for the livestock industry. Ernie was predeceased by his brother, Luther. He is survived by his wife, Cindy and children, Lorraine (Kendall Maddox), Scarlette (Brad Gotwals), Doug (Judy Perella) and Gwen (Kelton Glasscock), stepchildren, Kim (Gene Carrell) and Jodi (Seren Morey), 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Throughout his life Ernie was dedicated to serving his community in numerous capacities including; 4H Leader, Cohanzick Zoo, CRHS Board of Education, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Township, and Cohansey River Preservation to name a few. His favorite organization was the Grits Mafia, a social group of veterinarians organized following his retirement party in 2003. Ernie’s pride and joy was his organic garden, where he grew a wide variety of vegetables, his fruit orchard and herb garden. Four freezers filled with his produce attested to his farming skills and delight in agriculture. Ernie was dearly loved by his extended family, many friends and many business and professional acquaintances.