Michael E. Zehr

Michael E. Zehr, age 68, of Dubois, Indiana, passed away at 8:38 a.m. on Saturday, December 17th, 2022.

Mike was born in Jasper, Indiana, on April 23, 1954, to Oliver and Ardella (Goller) Zehr.

Mike graduated from Northeast Dubois High School in 1972. In school, he played basketball and baseball and continued his love for sports after graduation in Softball leagues. From his time playing sports, he coined the nickname, Zero. He even traveled to Florida to participate in New York Yankee’s tryouts.

He married his sweet bride, Marian Kunkel, on April 24, 1976, in St. Peter’s UCC in Dubois, Indiana. He cared for her until she preceded him in death on September 21, 2021, and his deep love for Marian never ended.

He was proud to support his wife and kids and committed himself to 35 years at Farm Bureau. He retired from there as a Material Damage Specialist.

Many knew Mike through his 48 years of officiating. He developed strong, lasting friendships with his officiating partners and was happy to be a mentor. He strived to officiate Indiana High School State Finals and accomplished this in the four sports he dedicated himself to six in Baseball, seven in Volleyball, one in Boy’s Basketball, and seven in Girl’s Basketball. In 2019, he was honored with his induction into Indiana’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

He was a member of St. Peter’s UCC in Dubois, Indiana, and considered his church as a family. He was a man of faith and loved Jesus. He loved working with the youth in the church. He was a mentor for many confirmation students and served as a Sunday School teacher. He held offices, was a lay leader, visited homebound members of the church, and once held offices with the Lincolnland Association.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, playing cards with his friends, and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren. He was so proud of them and all their interests and accomplishments.

When you look at the things Mike was most dedicated to, you can see his commitment to what he loved. Mike was a committed friend, son, brother, uncle, father, and papaw. He cared deeply for the people he knew. He was an inspiration and a great example for all of us and therefore held a special place in our hearts.

Surviving are one son, Alex (Heather) Zehr, Dubois, IN, one daughter, Audra (Drew) Caldwell, Sumner, IL, four grandchildren, Breanna Zehr, Jazlyn Zehr, Elijah Caldwell, and Jude Caldwell, his mother, Ardella Zehr, Dubois, IN, one sister, Tammy (Randy) Kieffner, Jasper, IN, one brother, Jim (Marcia) Zehr, Dubois, IN, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his wife and his father.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. (noon) – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2022, in Redemption Christian Church in Jasper, Indiana.

A private service for close friends and relatives will be held on Tuesday in St. Peter’s UCC in Dubois, Indiana, with burial in the church cemetery.

A scholarship will be made in Mike’s memory. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwestern Officials Association.