Edward Joseph Zender

Born in New Riegel, Ohio, he was the youngest of three sons. He received a bachelor’s degree in history at Heidelberg University in Tiffin and a master’s degree in education from Xavier University in Cincinnati. After working his way through school at Isaly’s Dairy, he served five years in the Ohio National Guard and became a public school teacher. A business teacher and guidance counselor, he taught for many years at South High School in Columbus.

He met his wife, Jean, on a blind date and they were married for nearly 60 years, living first in the Columbus suburb of Bexley and then in the German Village neighborhood. In the early 2000s, they relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where Ed pursued his interests in watercolor painting, gardening, reading and crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association where his paintings won numerous awards and served as its exhibition chair. Ed and Jean were also leaders of their Fort Myers condominium association, where Ed served on the building and grounds committee among many other groups. After Jean’s death, Ed relocated to Chicago in 2025 to be closer to family.

The family is grateful to the staff of the SelfHelp Home in Chicago for their kind and compassionate care during the last months of Ed’s life.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Anne, and son-in-law, Eric Sinclair of Chicago, and brother Bryce Zender of Lakeland, FL, as well as his nieces Cindy and Kira Zender and nephews John and Mark Zender. In death he is reunited with Jean, his parents Mary and Bryce, brother John and nephew David.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or Common Pantry in Chicago in memory of Ed.

A Memorial Service will take place on October 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Rd, Fort Myers, FL, 33908.