John Calvin Zellers, 85, a master storyteller and well-known resident of Winamac, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024.
He was born at his grandparent’s house in Winamac on November 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 January 16, 1960 in Logansport, IN. John served 8 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, PA. 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:
Sandra K. [Neese] Zellers, Wife
Dianna Blake, Daughter
Bradley (Melanie) Zellers, Son
Marissa Weaver, Granddaughter
Korin Rogers, Granddaughter
Greg (Shianne) Zellers, Grandson
Shawn (Riley) Zellers, Grandson
Aiden Sturgeon, Great Grandson
Grant Calvin Zellers, Great Grandson
David (Marian) Zellers, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Robert Clair and Mabel E. [Calvin] Zellers, Parents
William and Mildred Neese, In-laws
James William Neese, Brother-in-law
Betty (Jerry) Keener, Sister-in-law
Visitation will be from 4-7 PM EST Monday, February 5, 2024 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 7 PM EST Monday, February 5, 2024 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Pastor Kim Powell officiating.
Cremation will take 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, IN
