Obituaries

November 17, 1938 to February 1, 2024

WINAMAC - John Calvin Zellers, 85, a master storyteller and well-known resident of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1.

He was born Nov. 17, 1938 at his grandparent’s house in Winamac to the late Robert Clair and Mabel E. [Calvin] Zellers. He 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. She survives.

John Zellers

He is also survived by:
Dianna Blake, Daughter
Bradley (Melanie) Zellers, Son
Grandchildren: Marissa Weaver, Korin Rogers, Greg (Shianne) Zellers, and Shawn (Riley) Zellers.
Great-Grandchildren: Aiden Sturgeon and Grant Calvin Zellers
David (Marian) Zellers, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
William and Mildred Neese, In-laws
James William Neese, Brother-in-law
Betty (Jerry) Keener, Sister-in-law

Mr. Zellers 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, he 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. He was a man of many talents and had a love for the Tippecanoe River. He and his wife owned and operated Zellers Canoe-N-Ski Haus and Zellers Canoe Rentals. He was a life-member of the U.S. Canoe Association. He enjoyed participating in canoe racing as well as organizing Arrowhead Canoe Races. He 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). Mr. Zellers 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.)

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. (Monday}, at the funeral home with Pastor Kim Powell officiating. Private entombment will take place at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations 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.