Dr. Charles Joseph Zeller III D.O.

Dr. Charles Joseph Zeller III, D.O., age 81, of Springboro, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Hospice of Butler Warren County. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 31, 1945, Charles was the son of the late Charles Joseph Zeller II and Erma Josephine (Kile} Zeller.

Charles lived a life defined by service-to his country, his patients, his faith, and above all, his family. A proud graduate of Marquette University, Northern Illinois University, and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, he answered a higher calling when he joined the United States Air Force in 1974. During his distinguished service from 1974 to 1986, he served as a Flight Surgeon and ultimately as Chief of Hyperbaric Medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where his expertise, calm leadership, and compassion earned him deep respect among airmen and medical colleagues alike.

Following his military service, Charles continued his lifelong commitment to healing. Over the next four decades, he cared for thousands of patients across the region through his work with Premier Health, Kettering Health, and Veterans Affairs. His patients knew him not only as a skilled physician, but as a man who listened, who remembered their stories, and who treated every person with dignity. Many considered him the finest doctor they ever had.

Faith was a steady anchor throughout his life. Charles was a devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and a proud Knight of Columbus, living out the values of charity, unity, and service in quiet, consistent ways.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved grandson, Charles Zeller V.

He leaves behind the legacy he cherished most: his family. Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen (Weirich) Zeller, whose unwavering partnership was the foundation of his life. Together they raised five children who carry forward his strength, humor, and integrity: Charles (Julie) Zeller IV, Michael Zeller, Christopher (Christina) Zeller, Michelle Zeller, and David (Laura) Zeller.

He was the proud grandfather of Katherine, Zachary, Silvia, Alexander, Paige, Nicholas, Zoe, Valerie, Tate, Eden, Christopher Jr., Tyler, Claire, and Bradley, each of whom he loved deeply and encouraged to chase their own paths with confidence.

Charles is also survived by his brothers Frances (Fran) Zeller, Norman (Lynne) Zeller, and Patrick (Gail) Zeller, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and family traditions.

To know Charles was to know a man of intellect, humility, and quiet strength -a physician who healed, a veteran who served, a husband who loved, and a father whose guidance shaped generations. His impact endures in the lives he touched, the family he built, and the example he set.

He will be profoundly missed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church 9579 Yankee Rd Springboro, OH. Burial will be in David's Cemetery with military honors.