Dr. Gary Joseph Zenz

Dr. Gary Joseph Zenz, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, after a three month battle with EPI (Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). He was born in Loyal, Wisconsin on January sixth.

Gary graduated from Marathon High School and from The University of Wisconsin. He received his B.A., M. A., and his Ph.D. from The University of Wisconsin and went on to become a tenured professor at Florida State University.

At Florida State University, Gary founded the Center for Advancement of Procurement. Dr. Gary Zenz was an internationally recognized leader in the field of procurement and materials management. His business experience included Director of Purchasing and Market Research Director for three major corporations before entering academia. Dr. Zenz provided consulting for many companies and organizations including the Chicago Board of Trade, Merrill Lynch, General Electric, the State of Florida Legislature and the Organization of American States.

Dr. Zenz lectured at leading universities throughout the United States and Canada and was a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. He authored over 30 articles and several books including Purchasing Management: Materials in Motion, Futures Trading and the Purchasing Executive; The Purchasing Handbook, Purchasing and the Management of Materials. (fifth and sixth editions) and Purchasing and Materials Management. These textbooks were translated and used worldwide. Gary’s speaking tours included 168 seminars around the US and abroad.

Gary will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Nikki Zenz, His Daughters Kathleen Stanton (Danny Stanton), and Bridget Evans. His Grandchildren Michael Joseph Stanton (Sandra Stanton), Erin Loretta Evans, Callie Joe Evans, and Connor Thomas Evans. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Zenz Jr., his mother Martha Mary Rueth Zenz and his beloved son Gary Joseph Zenz Jr.

The Zenz family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10:00 am with interment immediately following at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park. The family welcomes attendees to join them for a reception following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eldercare of Tallahassee at eldercarebigbend.org.