Melvin C Zehner Jr.

MELVIN CHARLES ZEHNER Jr., 84, of Huntertown, Indiana, passed Thursday, March 9, 2023, in his Huntertown home while surrounded by family. Known as Mel, he was born May 20th 1938, in Fort Wayne, Ind., he was the son of the late Melvin and Mary Francis Zehner and the grandson of Charles X. and Frances Niblick. He married the love of his life, Carolyn (Keller) Zehner on January 26, 1959, Fort Wayne, Ind. She survives and lives in Huntertown, Ind. Mel grew up in a neighborhood filled with boys his age. They would get together on an empty lot to play football. Long time friendships were made on this neighborhood football field. Mel lived a block from South Side High School. The school’s football field was surrounded by a brick wall. On game days, Mel would scale that wall to watch the games. During Mel’s grade school years at Cathedral Elementary, he enjoyed participating in CYO sports. The city bus system was Mel’s mode of transportation. In the winter he would take the bus to Lakeside Park or he would walk to the “Rez” (Reservoir Park) to ice skate. The city bus took him to many downtown events including concerts. As a young teen, he gave up his bus passes for a motor scooter that got him to CCHS football practices. Mel was a 1956 graduate of Central Catholic High School. At Central Catholic, Mel was a three year football letterman. He was also named to the All-City football team in both his junior and senior years. He received his Bachelor of Physical Education from Purdue University in 1960 and his Master of Science in Education from St. Francis in 1965. He started his education career with Fort Wayne Community Schools in 1960 and retired from FWCS in 1997. Mel had many roles throughout his 35 years with FWCS including: Teacher (Science and P.E.), Coach, Guidance, Dean of Boys, Assistant Principal, Director of Maintenance & Operations, and Director of Facilities & Support Services. He was even a bus driver for a short period of time for a group of students at Franklin Jr. High. Wherever there was a need, Mel stepped up and took action because he knew what was right and what had to be done. He was dependable, dedicated, prepared, thorough, perceptive, warm, and determined and because of those qualities, he was well-respected by his colleagues and staff. He had rapport with students but the respect they had for him was always evident. He was always fair and consistent, and tough when necessary. He was even called “John Wayne” by some when he was the Dean at Northrop. Because of his positive moral compass, he believed in and had respect for all people and in return he was a respected man not only in his career, but also in his community and in his family. Mel was a talker and enjoyed telling stories of “the good ol’ days” and his love of fishing and hunting. Many of his hunting and fishing stories would include the friendship and good times shared at the Anstead’s and Beer’s. Mel was known for his many home projects. He especially enjoyed the father/son times when his son, Mike, helped him with projects at home and the lake. Along the way, Mike learned lifelong skills. His daughters Ellen and Jill helped too, and with them he shared his love for gardening and flowers. He enjoyed the time they spent working with him in the flower business. Mel taught them the art of flower arranging. Delivering flowers with dad was fun, a special father/daughter time. Their love of flowers continues. He enjoyed hosting parties and having barbecues with friends and family. He was well-known for his famous deer sausage, cheese, and crackers appetizer, his summer pickled peppers, and his signature recipe barbecue sauce. He had a special “recipe” for every occasion. He built his retirement home at Clear Lake, Ind. and he and Carolyn lived there for 27 years. The lake house was a special place for family and friends. Mel taught anyone who wanted to learn how to ski as he was an avid skier himself. He enjoyed taking people out on boat rides, and even gave a few swim tests at the lake too. He was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids how to fish, and loved creating traditions and memories for his family. He would load up his conversion van “bus” with grandchildren to go see the Southtown Santa and the downtown Fort Wayne Christmas lights followed by a stop at Coney Island. He knew how to have all the fun that life had to offer, and was a positive inspiration to those around him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Zehner of Huntertown, IN; his three children, Ellen (Charles) Brineman of Fort Wayne, IN, Michael (Lillian) Zehner of Fort Wayne, IN, and Jill (Jeffery) Kauffman of Blissfield, MI; two brothers, James (Judy) Zehner of Fort Wayne, IN, and Richard Zehner of Traverse City, MI; his 11 grandchildren, Lisa, Jeff (Wendy), Molly (Timothy), Kristy (Jason), Morgan (Andrew), Todd, Melina, Kayleigh (Albert), Carolyn, Alexander (Lizzy), and Matthew; and his 12 great grandchildren, Charly, Milo, Karmon, Kaye, Raven, Jack, Abernathy, Beatrix, Isaiah, Benjamin, Rudy, and Lewis. A memorial tree will be planted at Franklin School Park, Fort Wayne, IN, in his honor. An open house style celebration of life will be held at Coyote Creek Bar and Grill, 4935 Hillegas Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorials can be given in memory of Mel Zehner to: Erin’s House for Grieving Children, 5670 YMCA Pk Dr W, Fort Wayne, IN 46835; Huntertown Fire Department, 15412 Lima Rd, Huntertown, IN 46748; and/or ProMedica Hospice, 2720 Dupont Commerce Ct #210, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services - Highland Park.