Johnnie F. Zenger

Johnnie F. Zenger, 84, of Haddam, KS, died Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Belleville Health Care Center, Belleville, KS. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 19 at the United Methodist Church in Haddam. Pastor Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Betty Zenger played the organ while the congregation sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.” Ken Jones played the piano while Heath Hoge sang “How Great Thou Art” and “The Lords Prayer". The pallbearers were Cory Zenger, Todd Zener, Brian Bartles, Tyler Tremblay, Heath Allen, Cody Stanton, Brent Stanton, Eric Stanton, Grant Knoettgen, Jeff Pearson, Tim Sullivan and Brandon Batte. Burial will be in the Haddam City Cemetery. John was born October 28, 1925 at Haddam, the son of August and Zola Belle (Congleton) Zenger. He attended school at Happy Hollow School up until the 8th grade then he helped his father on the farm. In 1945 he was drafted into the Army. After he was honorably discharged he returned to Haddam to farm. On April 12, 1948 he was united in marriage to O’Leta Lightle at Belleville, Ks. In 1964 they moved into Haddam and operated the Haddam Café. John drove a school bus for North Central School District for several years. He worked at the Farmers Coop in Reynolds, NE, was a dealer for Na-Churs Fertilizer, and did grass sowing for area farmers until he retired. He served on the Haddam City Council and as the Mayor. After retirement he enjoyed opening the café for the morning coffee drinkers and sharing stories. In 2006 he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. John was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold Zenger; and a sister, Letha Pischer. Survivors include his wife, O’Leta of Haddam; sons, Richard Zenger (Sheirl) of Belleville, Allen Zenger (Shirley) of Reynolds, NE, Mike Zenger (Ruth Ann) of Washington, Gary Zenger (Denice) of Springfield, MO; daughters, Debbie Stanton (Jim) of Morrowville, Karen Nutz (Ron) of Haddam; brothers, Keith Zenger (Betty) of Cuba, Willard Zenger (Cheryl), Larry Zenger (LeIla) both of Haddam; sisters, Martha Wilson of Salina, Stella Day of Belleville, Ida Woodward of Independence, MO, Linda Corbin of Kentucky, Twila Stoker of Morrowville; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to the church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Johnnie F. Zenger, please visit our flower store.