Robert Lawrence Zendel

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Joseph Zendel and Edith (Polly) Holloway Zendel.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of thirty-eight years, Dr. Andrea Neidel Zendel; and his sister, Ann (Bob) Zendel Wheeler. He is also survived by his niece, Ragan (Billy) Wheeler Ramsey; his nephew Zachary (Darby) Lawrence Wheeler; his grand niece, Mary Frances Ramsey; and grand nephews, Mason Robert Wheeler, William Edward Ramsey IV, and Watts Emerson Ramsey.

Robert graduated from Northern Durham High School in 1964 and from the University of North Carolina in 1968. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee in 1977. After a long and celebrated career, Robert retired from Shurtape in 2016. In his retirement, he continued to devote his time to the Caldwell United Way, where he served as a Board Member for over a decade, and most recently as treasurer, and as a volunteer at the Catawba Science Center.

Robert loved to learn, and he loved to teach. He loved animals, and he loved people. He loved his Tarheels; he did not love Duke. Robert was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was intelligent, witty, honest, and generous. He was a true gentleman, respectful and kind to everyone. Robert will be missed beyond measure by all who knew him.

A memorial service for Robert will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, at 2:00 pm at Drum Funeral Home, 940 29th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Catawba County, P O Box 63, Hickory, NC 28603, or online at www.catawbahumane.org.

Condolences may be sent to the Zendel family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.