Stephen A. “Steve” Zrenda Jr.

Bravo Company June 1970 - February 1971

Edmond, Okla. - Stephen A. Zrenda Jr. entered eternal life Jan. 16, 2021. He was born in New London Aug. 2, 1945, the son of Stephen A. Zrenda and Dorothy A. Zrenda.

He attended St. Bernard High School, an exceptional student athlete, well known for his varsity basketball and baseball accomplishments. He was duly inducted into the SBHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was recruited by UConn for basketball and baseball and played alongside standout players Wes Bialosuknia, Bill Holowaty, and Tom Penders.

Steve played summer baseball during his college break days with the Vagabonds of the Morgan League in New London. Rollie Pier, the Head Coach of the Vagabonds, introduced and trained Steve in the sport of boxing and he fought several bouts as an amateur in Hartford at that time.

Steve served his country as a Captain U.S. Marine Corps, 1ST Reconnaissance Battalion, during the Vietnam conflict. Routinely placed himself in harms way for the good of his fellow soldiers. Steve was awarded the Bronze Star and Silver Star for his gallantry in action.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Steve attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law commencing his professional career as a Compliance Officer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Atlanta, Ga.

Thereafter, he served as General Counsel for Patrick Petroleum, Inc. in Jackson, Mich. He later established his own securities law practice in Oklahoma City serving a global and diverse corporate clientele.

Steve was highly skilled and accomplished in the martial arts earning black belt recognition. He participated in an array of karate tournaments in Oklahoma and nationally over the years.

Steve notably rescued an injured woman to safety from the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, his name embellished on the Survivor's Memorial Wall.

Steve is survived by his spouse, Lea Zrenda, an accomplished sculptor, married for 28 years, residing in the Oklahoma City area. They enjoyed summer vacations and family gatherings in Connecticut over the years.

Clearly, Steve's family was paramount in his life. He especially enjoyed attending his children's school activities including school sports events, plays, concerts, recitals, and quiet time; favorite outdoor activities included hiking, skiing, and water sports.

Steve's children include Anne Murphy (Kevin) of Chicago, Ill.; Katie McNair (Tom) of Cleveland, Ohio; Philip Zrenda (Kristyn) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Ava Zrenda of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Justin Grisham (Stephanie) of Edmond, Okla.; and Jaimie Bleything (Tim) of Edmond, Okla.

Brothers and sisters include Ellen Chandler (Bruce) of East Lyme; Jerry Zrenda (Karen) of Old Lyme; Joanne Z. Moore (Joe) of East Lyme; Marian Landry (Art) of Old Lyme; Joe Zrenda of Old Lyme; and Laurie Zrenda of East Lyme.

Final arrangements and services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by The Day on Jan. 21, 2021.

Stephen A. Zrenda Jr., 75, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, died on Saturday, January 16, 2021, after battling coronavirus for a week. Steve is survived by his spouse of twenty-eight years, Muriel Lea Zrenda. Steve and Lea enjoyed their many vacations and time together over the years. Steve especially admired Lea's exceptional art and sculpture work that was duly recognized on many occasions by the art community. Steve had six children: Anne Murphy (Kevin), of Chicago, Illinois; Katherine McNair (Tom), of Cleveland, Ohio; Ava Zrenda, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Stephen Philip Zrenda (Kristyn), of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Justin Grisham (Stephanie), of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Jamie Bleything (Timothy), of Edmond, Oklahoma. Grandfather to nine: William and Eleanor Murphy, Delaney and Declan McNair, Clara Zrenda, Luke and Elliotte Zrenda, and Sawyer and Sadie Bleything. Godfather to Susan VanCzak and Stephen Moore. Steve was born in New London, Connecticut, on August 2, 1945, the son of Stephen A. Zrenda and Dorothy A. Zrenda (nee Phillips). Brother to Ellen Chandler (Bruce), Jerry Zrenda (Karen), Joanne Moore (Joseph), Marian Landry (Art), Joseph Zrenda and Laurie Zrenda. Beloved uncle to countless nieces and nephews. He attended St. Bernard's High School in Connecticut, an exceptional student athlete, well-known for his varsity basketball and baseball accomplishments and inducted into his high school's Athletic Hall of Fame. He was recruited by the University of Connecticut for basketball and baseball. Steve played summer baseball during his college break days with the Vagabonds of the Morgan League in Connecticut. His coach introduced Steve to and trained him in the sport of boxing. Steve fought several bouts as an amateur in Hartford, Connecticut, at that time. After graduating from Transylvania University, Steve served his country as a decorated U.S. Marine Reconnaissance Officer during the Vietnam War earning the rank of captain after several tours of duty. Upon his return from Vietnam, Steve attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law. He commenced his professional career as a Compliance Officer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Atlanta, Georgia. Thereafter, he served as General Counsel for Patrick Petroleum, Inc. in Jackson, Michigan. He later established his own securities law practice in Oklahoma City serving a global corporate oil and gas clientele. Steve survived the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing, carrying an injured woman from the Journal Record Building to safety. His name is embellished on the Survivor's Memorial Wall. Steve was an accomplished martial arts expert earning black belt recognition. He participated in multiple national karate tournaments over the years. He loved fishing, despite rarely catching a fish. He would say, "It's not the fish. It's the time spent." Once, after a nice fishing trip, we watched his fishing boat pass us on Highway 44, having detached from its trailer. On that same trip, he awakened his six children by a trumpet blast. He loved football, poker, blackjack, skiing, scuba diving, golf and horse races and loved doing those things with his family even more. He loved introducing his children to new experiences and adventures. He was an amazing joke teller and bedtime storyteller. Midnight ice cream sundae? He was in. Steve was kind, gentle, soft-spoken and generous. He had an uncanny ability to squeeze your shoulder right when you needed it the most. He had a wonderful laugh and shining eyes. He taught all of his children that they can do anything they set their minds to. Life is short but sweet and boy, do we miss him. Care for your loved ones, tell them how you feel about them, wear your masks and keep your distance. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021.

 Original Message -----From: David Snider
To: Floyd Ruggles
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2021 6:38 AM
Subject: Re: Steve Zendra


Enjoy, simply enjoy. 

On Mar 2, 2021, at 16:54, Floyd Ruggles < floyd@weststpaulantiques.com> wrote:


Doc,


Thanks for your email. I will look up his name and respond accordingly. When I return an April I'm just heading out the door for my winter break. I apologize for not answering your email earlier. But I just been swamped with emails and memorials that I've been doing last several months.


Floyd

On February 2, 2021 4:31 PM david snider <docsnidley@aol.com> wrote:


Hdy again, Floyd

Below is a string of emails regarding the death of Steve Zendra.  I believe you were over here in 70?  Perhaps, you know him.  Anyway this string of emails is lengthy, but will give you an idea who Zenda was.


S/f
Dave ‘Doc’ Snider

Begin forwarded message:
From: david snider <docsnidley@aol.com>

Subject: Steve Zendra

Date: January 30, 2021 at 6:45:13 PM EST

To: Mike Fallon <mfallon4@cox.net>, Charlie Kershaw <invictus7@earthlink.net>, John Mann <mannj63@yahoo.com>

Cc: David Snider <docsnidley@aol.com>


Good evening gents,

A niece of recently deceased Steve Zendra is seeking info on him for the family.  I think the three of you might have been there during his time in country.


I received the following emails   several days ago from Dan Kellum, noted Marine author having  written Books I and II, American Heroes: Grunts, Pilots & "Docs".   Dan received the included email from


Sierra Zrenda, niece of recently deceased Stephen ‘Steve’  Zendra.  Sierra is looking for information on her uncle to share the family. 

The first email is from Sierra; the second from Dan:

My uncle, Stephen Zrenda, just passed away. Our family has been gathering  photos, sharing stories and researching his time in the military as best as we can. Which brought me here to you!

I’m wondering, is there a whole story about him in your book?  If so, I would love to buy it. Steve shared only bits and pieces of his time and Vietnam with his siblings and children, but what we’ve started to uncover has been truly amazing. He was definitely a multi-faceted man. 

Additionally, I wonder if you’d have any advice for finding more information about a soldier’s military life? We know he received two medals, but it would be interesting to know more about how and why they were awarded and maybe find out what other soldiers he was with. 

 Thank you so much for your time and consideration. 

 sierra.zrenda@icloud.com>

Kindly,

Sierra

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From Dan to Sierra:  1st Lt. Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr. was one of our Super Marines in Nam having fought in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.....that would be someone who served in 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. I'm including some 1st Recon Marines on this email back to you who may have served with Zrenda. I seem to recall from the Texas Tech Vietnam War Archives Zrenda spent a lot of time going out to the bush on a multitude of patrols.  If you would like to see some of the actions Zrenda encountered on his combat patrols in the bush go through the 1st Recon Bn.  patrols from 1969-70 and locate your uncle listed as participating on those patrols. Some are oh-hum non-activity and others are heavy contact with the enemy initiated by only 6-8 Recon Marines.  These other guys may be able to paint a more accurate picture of your uncle or reach out to someone who knew him. 
Semper Fi, Dan Kellum, 1st Lt. Echo 2/1, platoon commander, XO and finished out as CO of Echo Co.  

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Please write Sierra at  sierra.zrenda@icloud.com

Dave ‘Doc’ Snider

Stephen was an incredible person; great-athlete,intense competitor @SBHS. He will be missed.
Bob Sweeney WHS class of 1969
Reside Lawton,OK
Robert Sweeney
Friend

Stephen A. Zrenda Jr.
1945 - 2021

To a good man, always gave me the time I needed and was a huge part of making my business a reality, thank you Steve Zrenda, I will remember you, always...best to Lea and the family, find strength and share it with yourselves...God Speed...
Mark Palmerton
Friend

Tom and Katie and kids,
You have our deepest sympathy on the death of Katie's dad. It's so hard to lose a parent, especially so due to the pandemic and when you live far away from the rest of your family. You're in our thoughts at this sad time.
Kathleen & Tom Knittel

Katie and Tom, my condolences to you and your family. It sound like Stephen lived a life that made other people's lives better too. You are all in my thoughts.
Lisa Raber
Coworker

We loved you well Steve. Your warmth, smile, caring & compassion was received with grateful hearts. God has surely blessed you with a home in Heaven. You will never be forgotten. Mike & Linda (Lea’s sister) Wisener
Linda Wisener
Friend

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Lamoureux

Kim and family, So sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to the family. I have not seen you in a long time. But think of you and hope you are doing well. You take care...
Sharon Reagan
Acquaintance

He came this way but once. Yet, he touched our lives in many ways while he were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for his friendship and for the influence he bestowed upon us.

Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten

while I am still on patrol.

Steve served his country as a decorated U.S. Marine Reconnaissance Officer during the Vietnam War earning the rank of captain after several tours of duty.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Steve attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law.

1stLt. Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr.

Hill 200

Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda 

Steve & Lea Zrenda
December 2nd, 2015

Dad Mom Kim Joe Michael Alex - beautiful family!!!!!!! Very lucky to have them!

Zrenda Family

June 16th, 2013

Company

Rest in Peace, Steve

1stLt. Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr.

September 17th, 2018

You've still got it Steve!

Marian Landry

Great looking family!

Karen Robarge Zrenda

Lookin' good Steve!

Jim Priest

Charlie Ridge, Vietnam 

New update to web page:  July 14th, 2021 at 6:30 AM

Email sent out to Sierra Zrenda, niece of recently deceased Stephen ‘Steve’ Zendra. Sierra is looking for information on her uncle to share the family. 

Sierra,

Sorry for such a late response. I apologize for not answering your email earlier.


I just been busy with projects that I've been doing on both websites that I'm involved with.

I looked up your uncle's records with our association and this is what I found.

1st Lieutenant Stephen Zrenda was with Bravo Company June 1970 through February 1971.

If your records indicate anything different let me know and I'll change his memorial page that I've created for him.


You can access your uncle's web page on the 1st Recon Battalion Association website it should be up.

This is the link to his memorial page: https://1streconbn.org/stephen-a-zrenda-jr.html

If you would like some changes to be made or you'd like to add photos or a story just email me anytime.


Semper Fi,

Floyd Ruggles,
1st Recon Battalion Association
Membership Director & Webmaster