JOHN R. ZELLAR
January 19, 1934 ~ January 18, 2010 

John Raymond Zellar was born in Lakefield, Minnesota on January 19, 1934 to John and Anna (Matasovsky) Zellar. He attended rural elementary school and graduated from Lakefield High School in 1951. John married Shirley Ann Hansen on November 8, 1953, the couple recently celebrated their 56th anniversary. John served in the US Army from 1954-1955. The couple then returned home to farm in Hunter and Rost townships from 1955-1987. John and Shirley were blessed with two children, Barbara and Doyle. John also worked as supervisor and production manager for Sperry Univac for 25 years until his retirement in 1993. After retirement, John worked part time driving school bus, as a hail insurance adjuster and working as a shift manager at Sathers in Round Lake. John was very active in his churches. As a member of Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Hunter Township from birth until 1971, he taught Sunday School and Bible classes, was the church youth group counselor along with Shirley, was active in the choir, pitched for the church softball team, and held various church offices. Upon moving to Rost Township, the family became members at St. Paul Lutheran Church until 2001 when they moved to their cabin on Hennepin Lake in Becida, MN. John and Shirley became members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George where John served as congregational chairman until his death. John led a very active life enjoying the woods and outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman, especially at his home on Hennepin Lake. In his earlier years, he was active in Lakefield as a school board member, PTA chairman and Youth Center Director for the local school system. John and Shirley and their family did many things together including sports, family vacations, snowmobiling trips and the like. John gave his family the three most important things in life – a Christian home, his love and his time. John went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 18, one day before his 76th birthday.
John is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughter Barbara (Robert) Chicos of North Mankato, MN; son, Doyle (Elizabeth) Zellar of Lakefield, MN; four grandchildren, Amanda Fitch-Chicos and Nathan Chicos, and Brian and Jessica Zellar, one brother, Gerald (Eleanor) Zellar and one sister, Eleanor (Loyal) Sydnes both of Lakefield; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Blessed be his memory
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; his son-in-law, Brad Fitch.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, January 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George, MN with Reverend Donald Kirchner officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 1:30 P.M. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. The organist will be Lois Voehl and the soloist will be Marlene Hendricksen who will sing “How Great Thou Art”. Congregational hymns will be “Amazing Grace” and “Abide With Me”. Casketbearers will be Walt McAllister, John Westad, Lyle Zubke, Verlyn Skorsick, Larry Anderson and Steve Matzko.  Following the service the ladies of Trinity Lutheran graciously will provide a luncheon for all in attendance. Interment will be made in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Lakefield, MN at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 22. 2010. To leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.
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