Warren Earl Zellner, of Winona Lake, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at his residence at the age of 85.
He was born on Aug. 3, 1934, in Topton, Pa., to Cora Alice Adam Reeser and Earl Reeser. After his parents’ untimely death, he was adopted by his oldest sister and her husband, Ruth and Robert Zellner, in 1941. On May 12, 1957, he was married to Nancy Lewis Zellner.
Warren was educated in Reading, Pa., and Hamburg, Pa., and graduated from the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Philadelphia. He attended Philadelphia Bible School before his induction to the U.S. Army. He served for two years, from November 1957 until his honorable discharge in January 1959.
In 1960, he came to Winona Lake and attended Grace College and became involved in politics by serving as a Winona Lake Town Board member and president. Warren also served as a volunteer member of the Winona Lake Fire Department as well as being on staff at the Brethren Architectural service in Winona Lake for 10 years. He designed and supervised construction for over 45 Grace Brethren churches in eight states. His career continued as an independent prospect manager building a hospital, several local restaurants and other churches. One of his last projects was completing the Lakeland Christian Academy building in Winona Lake.
As a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, Warren served as trustee and was a team member of several building ministry trips to Argentina, France and Africa. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. He spent his entire life using his skills to serve his Lord and would most want to be remembered for his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Zellner, of Winona Lake; son, Brian (Brenda) Zellner, of Lawrenceville, N.J.; daughter, Esther Zellner, of Lawrenceville, N.J.; son-in-law, Eric Eickhoff, of Goshen; and three grandchildren, Brooke, Brea and Brynna. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister; two grandchildren, David and Brianna Eickhoff; and his daughter, Rebecca Eickhoff, in 2019.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Warren’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service that will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
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Memorials to Grace Village Retirement Community “Caring Friends,” 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
