Herbert Peter Zollner

Herbert Peter Zollner, 78, of Richmond, died Monday, July 27, 2020 at the home of his close friend, Jerry Bishop. He was born and raised in Straubing, Germany as one of five children. Herbert completed his apprenticeship in carpentry before emigrating to the United States at the age of 19, joining his older brother and sisters. He didn’t speak a word of English, but was able to find work as a cabinet maker in upstate New York where he lived with his sister and her family. Herbert eventually moved to Richmond, Virginia where he was employed at the Millhiser Bag Company. There, he was in charge of repairing sewing machines, a job that required him to become a machinist in order to build precision parts. He worked at Millhiser for over 35 years until the company was sold. Herbert was hired as a consultant by the new company and moved to Kansas City for one year to train their personnel. Herbert’s cheerful manner and sense of humor helped him make friends wherever he went. He was a kind, humble person who always put others first. Even though he didn’t have much, he was always willing to help others in any way he could. Herbert’s wife, Patricia Gail Zollner, passed away in 2018 after a lengthy illness in a nursing home. Herbert was a devoted husband who went to the nursing home to comfort her everyday for four years. Herbert’s family and friends meant everything to him. He maintained close relationships with his siblings even though they lived in different parts of the country and the world. Herbert is predeceased by his wife, Patrica Gail Zollner; his parents, Peter and Anna Zollner of Straubing, Germany; as well as his sister, Rita Black of Richmond; and his brother, Rudy Zollner of Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by two sisters, Anna Niedermeier of Munich, Germany and Anneliese Oberlander of Kingston, New York; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Funeral arrangements are being made by Nelsen Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Glen Allen at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020. Friends are welcome to attend.