Warren Earl Zellner, 85, Winona Lake, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

He was born on Aug. 3, 1934, in Topton, Penn. 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.

He was educated in Reading and Hamburg, Penn. and graduated from the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Philadelphia, Penn. 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. He 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 ten 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, he 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; son:  Brian (Brenda) Zellner, Lawrenceville, N.J.; daughter:  Esther Zellner, Lawrenceville, N.J.; son-in-law: Eric Eickhoff, 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 from 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

His life will be celebrated with a funeral service that will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 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.

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

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.