William Dean Zeller

He was born Dec. 6, 1929, in rural Marion County, Kan., to Dannie and Vernal Zeller. He is survived by his wife Mary of 67 years.

He is also survived by his three children, daughter, Vernee (Steve) Peters, Murrells Inlet, S.C., and two sons, Daniel (Imm), Normal, and Gregory, Bloomington; one sister, Helen Cunningham, Fairbury, Neb.; and nieces and nephews.

His was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Bill received his B.S. degree from Phillips University, Enid, Okla., (1952). He served in the Army during the Korean conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon honorable discharge from the military, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned a master's degree (1955). He taught six years at the Battle Creek, Mich., high school. He then attended Michigan State University and received his Ph.D. (1963). Bill accepted a position in the department of curriculum and instruction at Illinois State University. He received a Robert G. Bone Distinguished Teacher Award in 1969. He retired from ISU in 1986.

Upon retirement he enjoyed gardening and sold produce at the Normal Farmers Market. He also raised chickens when they lived in the country. He and Mary traveled and visited five continents and all 50 states, including many while participating in Road Scholar Programs.

He was active in the community serving on the selection committee of Habitat for Humanity, as well as participating in the building of Habitat homes locally and on a special trip to Haiti. He served on the jail review committee, was a member of the League of Women Voters and served as an election judge. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal where he served on numerous committees and was a church trustee.

The memorial service for Bill will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday December 10, 2019 at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal or the Illinois State University Foundation.

Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and teacher.

Condolences may be left at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.