Warren Earl Zellner

Warren Earl Zellner of Winona Lake, Indiana went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at his residence at the age of 85. 

He was born on August 3, 1934 in Topton, Pennsylvania 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 and Hamburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  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, Indiana 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 (Winona Lake, Indiana); son:  Brian (Brenda) Zellner (Lawrenceville, New Jersey); daughter:  Esther Zellner (Lawrenceville, New Jersey); son-in-law:  Eric Eickhoff (Goshen, Indiana); 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, November 19, 2019 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.

Warren’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service that will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be designated to Grace Village Retirement Community – “Caring Friends”, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana  46590 and would be appreciated by the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Warren Earl Zellner, please visit our floral store.