Dale Fredric Zinn

Dale Fredric Zinn, age 88, of Lake James, Fremont, Indiana, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home with his loving wife and friends by his side.

He was born on May 10, 1935 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Herbert and Olivet (Young) Zinn.

Dale attended St. Peter's Catholic Grade School and was taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1953, and was forever a Notre Dame football fan.

He proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1960.

Dale formerly owned Zinn's Standard Service Station and Zinn's Beer and Cheer in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also worked as a van driver for the Steuben County Council on Aging retiring at age 70, after 11 years.

After retirement he spent 5 years restoring a 1952 MGTD concourse quality car and he and Judy enjoyed many years traveling to car shows.

Dale also enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, and just plain living at the lake. He was a former mayor of Lake James, and the co-founder of the Lake James Turtle Races. Dale was very active and was able to skydive at the age of 80. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Council # 451 Knights of Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Dale married Judith Gibson on April 14, 1973 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Survivors include his wife, Judith Zinn of Lake James, Fremont, Indiana, brothers, Robert (Jenny) Zinn of Columbia City, Indiana, and David (Geri) Zinn of San Tan Valley, Arizona, a sister, Diane Lassus of Louisville, Kentucky, brother-in-law, Philip (Judy) Gibson of Seminole, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am Thursday, January 4, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 700 West Maumee Street, Angola, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 4, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Father Antonio Gutierrez will officiate the Mass.

Burial will follow at Jamestown Cemetery, Fremont, Indiana, with Military Honors.

As one of his last requests, Dale was a brain donor through the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank.

Memorial donations may be directed in care of Steuben County Council on Aging, 1905 Wohlert Street, Angola, Indiana 46703.

Fond memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.beamsfuneralhome.com