John C. Zellers
John C. Zellers
Nov. 17, 1938 — Feb. 1, 2024
John Calvin Zellers, 85, a master storyteller and well-known resident of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1.
He was born at his grandparent’s house in Winamac on Nov. 17, 1938, to the late Robert Clair and Mabel E. (Calvin) Zellers. John graduated from Winamac High School with the class of 1957. That same year, he was introduced to Sandra K. Neese, and they were married by the Rev. Dallas Rissler on Jan. 16, 1960, in Logansport. John served eight years as an infantryman in the Indiana Army National Guard. He was proud to serve his country, receiving an honorable discharge in 1964.
As a fourth generation painter, John continued the family legacy of interior/exterior decorating which began in 1884 when his family arrived in the area from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed painting and the people for whom he worked. John was a man of many talents and had a love for the Tippecanoe River. He and his wife, Sandy, owned and operated Zellers Canoe-N-Ski Haus and Zellers Canoe Rentals. He was a life-member of the US Canoe Association. He enjoyed participating in canoe racing as well as organizing Arrowhead Canoe Races. John loved fishing, and found joy in teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to fish. In recent years, he enjoyed working for Bite Me Tackle (Brad’s business).
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as well as a great friend to many. He will be dearly missed. (As will his stories.)
He is survived by wife Sandra K. (Neese) Zellers; daughter Dianna Blake; son Bradley [Melanie] Zellers; granddaughters: Marissa Weaver and Korin Rogers; grandsons: Greg [Shianne] Zellers, Shawn [Riley] Zellers; great-grandsons: Aiden Sturgeon and Grant Calvin Zellers; brother David [Marian] Zellers; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert Clair and Mabel E. (Calvin) Zellers; in-laws: William and Mildred Neese; brother-in-law James William Neese; sister-in-law Betty [Jerry] Keener.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral services were held at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Kim Powell officiating.
Cremation took place at Frain Crematory in Winamac, following services.
Private entombment will take place at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pulaski Animal Center or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 7, 2024)