Fred Zeller 1939-2026

Fredrick L. “Fred” Zeller, 86, Holton, died Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.

He was born May 14, 1939, in Valley Falls, the son of Charles Pete and Mae E. Coleman Zeller. He graduated from Denison High School in 1957.

Mr. Zeller worked for Goodyear Tire Company in many departments for more than 43 1/2 years, retiring in 2002.

He was a member of the Denison Builders 4-H Club, Pleasant Valley Rustlers 4-H Club and Local Rubber Union 307.

He married Lois Y. Lutz on June 7, 1959, in Mayetta. She survives.

Other survivors include a son, David Zeller, Farmington, N.M.; a daughter, Deb Zeller, Rockford, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Joni Wardowsky, Parker Zeller and wife Riley, Dieter Zeller, Chris Eshom and David Heideman; and four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Mia, Bodhi and Octavia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mae Zeller; a son, Dan Zeller; a grandson, Cooper Zeller; and a sister, Mary Stevens.

Mr. Zeller was cremated. Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cooper Zeller Memorial or Jackson County 4-H, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.