Wendell F. Zumkehr

Wendell F. Zumkehr
aged 89, was called Home by his Lord and Savior, November 29, 2014, at St Rita's Medical Center. His daughter Elizabeth was at his side after becoming suddenly ill. He was born December 17, 1924 in Louisville, Ohio, to the late Albert F. Zumkehr and Gladys Lucille Egger Zumkehr. On May 10, 1952, Wendell married THE Irish Rose of Philadelphia, Shirley J. Stickel, who survives.

As a child, Wendell's love for music began when his Dad bought him a clarinet. He played in his school band, but also in the family church orchestra. He had an interest in science. He enjoyed performing chemical experiments in the basement of their home, explaining that in those days, all a kid had to do was ask the pharmacist for various compounds. And he loved spending time with his Grandma Egger who fortunately lived quite close. Wendell often said that Shirley was just like his Grandma Egger.

He graduated from Louisville High School in 1942, and then went on to graduate from the Canton Actuary School, 1943. On Aug 9, 1943, he received an order for induction into World War II. He often tells the story how God moved him into the Navy line at the recruiting center, even though he didn't know how to swim. He served the U.S. Navy on the supply ship U.S.S. Laertes in the Pacific Theater. On May 24, 1946, Wendell was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy. He would later retire from the Naval Reserve after thirty years, as a Lieutenant Commander.

After the Navy, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. His Mom encouraged him to apply, as he didn't think he was smart enough. But Wendell did graduate from the prestigious Wharton School of Business with a degree in business, and a minor in finance. While in Philadelphia he met the love of his life, his Irish Rose, Shirley. After they were married, the newly wed couple moved to Lima as Wendell took a treasurer position with Nickles Bakery.

While working for Nickles Bakery, Wendell joined Kiwanis and played clarinet in their band at the Elks. He greatly enjoyed being in music. He also met a man Bob Rhoades who told Wendell the plan of salvation, and he accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior. He wanted to share the gospel with as many people as possible. Thus, Wendell joined the Gideons International, giving out tens of thousands of Bibles. He went in to all of the area elementary schools, and gave out New Testaments. He started meeting every draft call and gave each of our military personnel a New Testament before deployment. He helped start the Gideon prison ministry, going out to our area prisons and sharing God's message. He was very faithful to all of these ministries. He also spoke at hundreds of churches in our area, and surrounding areas. Wendell & Shirley had belonged to Calvary Bible Church for many years.

Still while working for the Bakery, Wendell also worked in the evenings for Wagner & Hauenstein-a local construction company. He was given the finance role once again. He believed in the company so much, he had them build his present house. And he had them build it during the winter, when the work was slow, to ensure the employees had enough work. Wendell was an extremely hard worker. He provided well for his family.

After working at Nickles Bakery, Wendell worked with Leo & Henry Hawk, at Superior Metal Products. The company grew immensely while Wendell was there. He again had a business/finance type of position, and again, he excelled. One thing was becoming known for sure-it was his way or the highway! He was very particular about everything he did, and was quite proficient in his field. Wendell enjoyed the challenge of Superior Metal Products, and was quite disheartened when it was time to retire.

During his time at Superior Metal Products, he began finding other bands to play in, to use his abilities with the clarinet. He joined the Lima Area Concert Band. He and some friends started a band, The Fab Five. Another band he enjoyed was the Hallelujah Saints band, and he also played many years in various Senior Citizens Band. The last few years, Wendell was still playing in The Fab Five, and The Hallelujah Saints band. On Friday, November 28, 2014, he played at a concert at the mall! His favorite songs were the old love songs. He really loved "My Wild Irish Rose" because his Shirley is Irish. He absolutely loved his music. It was a great outlet for him, and he met a few wonderful, lifelong friends, like the Lawrence family, and Wally Jones.

Retirement didn't sit well for Wendell. Opportunities for Gideon Bible placements were slowly closing at the schools. He tried a job here or there, J.B. Tool. It had to be just right for retirement. Then he met Burt Rubens. He worked at HCF for many years, once again in a business/finance role. He seemed to enjoy the work and he would be employed there until age 74! He helped set up various programs in the nursing homes, like the nursing home pharmacy.

The most difficult job Wendell would ever have was taking care of his wife, Shirley. She became impaired with severe dementia, and her care is quite complicated. He has managed to keep her in their home, utilizing his daughter Elizabeth & a few loving caregivers. His love for his wife is unparalleled. Wendell became known for how well he took care of his failing Irish Rose. When she could no longer cook, he took her out every single day for breakfast and for dinner. He took the laundry out several times a week, so that Shirley wouldn't have to worry about clean clothes. He ran errands no matter what the weather, even when family and caregivers tried to do it for him. When his wife couldn't go out anymore, he would bring her food. There were times he would tenderly place antibiotic cream on a scratch or cut on her hand. During the heavy snows last year, he would be out there shoveling for the caregiver that would be coming in the morning. He didn't want them to get stuck or fall down. Wendell was an extremely hard worker, and he didn't feel 89, he would say. He thought he was still that Navy kid most days!

Survivors include three children: Elizabeth (Michael) Williams of Lima, Margaret Rowe of Lima, and John (Jeanie) Zumkehr of Orange, California. Survivors also include an older brother Edward Zumkehr of Louisville, Ohio, for whom Wendell had great compassion for throughout his life; a younger brother Charles (Cathy) Zumkehr of Kent, Ohio, for whom he had so much empathy for because of great loss; one sister, Martha (George) Mani of Canton, Ohio. He always felt so sorry for his only sister, the only girl, whom he tried to feed a worm as a young child. Wendell has nine grandchildren: Chad (Alicia) Williams, Krista (Kerris) Wright, Amber, Sean, Pierce, & Justin Rowe; Jennifer (Tyson) Vincent, Jonathon & Joshua Zumkehr. Also surviving are nine great grandchildren: Dane & Owen Williams, Adalyn, Kerry, & Kain Wright, Elias & Beau Vincent, and Elisabeth & Cameron Chandler. He also had many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends he met through the Gideons especially. Finally, the caregivers did survive, and include Barb Symonds, Deb Herzog, Donna Baker, Veronica Fox, and Karen Cave.

His brother John L. Zumkehr went Home on July 3, 2010, and his sister Ruth Virginia Zumkehr, April 4, 1928. A granddaughter, who was a U.S. Marine, Heather Williams Chandler, was also called Home on February 14, 2006.

Friends and family may call Friday, from 5 pm to 8 pm, December 5th, at Chamberlain Huckeriede, 920 N Cable Rd. here in Lima.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Chamberlain Huckeriede, at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Pastor James Neighbor will officiate. There will be visitation an hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, Wendell would love for you to make a memorial donation to the Gideons International.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.

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