He was born October 11, 1938, in Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Carl Henry “Hank” and Izola Faye (Conard) Zellmer. Fred and his older brother, Teddy Joe “Ted”, grew up on the family farm near Freeman, Missouri, developing his lifelong love of farming from an early age. He graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1956 and from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1960. After graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the US Army for two years and was stationed in El Paso, Texas, and Wurzburg, Germany. While stationed in Germany, he enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. He then returned to civilian life and completed his master’s degree in Animal Husbandry from Mizzou in 1964. He was united in marriage to Linda Louisa (Logue) Zellmer on December 27, 1964, which was followed by 55 years of happiness.
Fred worked as the Vice President of Citizen’s National Bank (now Commerce Bank) until 1976 and then joined the sales department at the local John Deere dealership. He continued in that role until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his life he worked a “day job” while simultaneously pursuing his passion for farming. He could frequently be found working on the farm during any free moment, often late into the night. He was usually accompanied by one of his faithful canine companions.
Fred possessed an unwavering faith in Christ, attending Hickory Grove Baptist Church and being baptized in the Grand River. He lived his faith openly, demonstrating Christ-like love to everyone he met. He was eager to help those in need, with a ready smile and without judgement. He was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Harrisonville, Missouri, where he served as a deacon and chairman of the corporate board.
Fred had a deep love of his family and children in general. He was a very involved and loving father and grandfather. He could frequently be found “rescuing” a cranky baby from the church nursery, and was always ready to read a story or rock a little one to sleep. His daughters, Anne and Lee, loved to listen to his funny stories or “help” him with the farm chores. Despite his workload at the JD dealership and the farm, he was never too busy to spend time with his loved ones.
In retirement years, Fred and Linda enjoyed spending their winters in Clearwater, Florida, where they made many new friends, enjoyed community events, even bingo! Fred had fun on the golf course and lawn bowling with his friends from Canada. He also enjoyed summer weekends at the lake of the Ozarks with family and friends and was always available to “captain” the pontoon boat. However, Fred’s strong work ethic would not let him devote all his time to leisurely activities. He always had a project in the works, frequently utilizing those objects that that others might throw away. Fred could skillfully repurpose a downed walnut tree, spindles from an old staircase, or a ball of barbed wire. Fred’s skills as a craftsman were also evident in the many home improvement projects he completed. He was a skilled artist and enjoyed drawing, often using these skills to entertain children.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Hank and Izola Zellmer, and his brother, Ted Zellmer. Survivors include his wife, Linda Logue Zellmer, his daughter Anne Elizabeth (Zellmer) Jenkins and her husband Richard Duncan Jenkins of Liberty, Missouri, his daughter Lee Allison Zellmer, of Louisburg, Kansas, two grandchildren, Elizabeth Sophrona Mays and Benjamin Thomas Mays, of Louisburg, Kansas, two nieces, Peggy (Zellmer) Heid and Vicky (Zellmer) Hartzler, and great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one aunt, Dorothy Vetter, of Boise, Idaho, along with many cousins.
Fred’s family thanks everyone who has honored Fred with their presence, their prayers, and their demonstrations of love. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Faith Baptist Church, or Children’s Mercy Hospital.
