AURORA, Wis. - John A. Zoeller, 89, of Aurora, died Sunday, July 15, 2012, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls.
He was born Jan. 21, 1923, in Little Suamico, Wis., son of the late John and Lena (Ferris) Zoeller. John was raised in Little Suamico, and graduated from the Oconto Falls High School in 1940.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. John served from 1942-1945.
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He married his first wife, Laura Hyland, on Oct. 5, 1943, in Iron Mountain. She preceded him in death on July 18, 1995.
On Aug. 7, 1996, John married Shirley Johns at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aurora. He was a resident of this area since 1943, and a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in Aurora. John farmed his entire life and loved farming, tractors and cars.
He was an avid Packer fan and an all-around sports fan. He attended all high school sports and was a member of the booster club. John also drove school bus in the area for more than 45 years.
He was a 40 year member of the Florence County Lions Club and a member of the Florence County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). John enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling with special friends in his younger years. He was a devoted family man and will be missed very much by family and friends.
He is survived his wife, Shirley; five children, Yvonne VanPembrook of Aurora, Karen (Bill) Broullire of Aurora, Dan (Wendy) Zoeller of Florence, Wis., Holly (Ted) Gagnon of Marquette and Billy (Tamara) Zoeller of Vulcan; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 17 great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Cal Coopman and Jim Zoeller; three grandchildren, Michael, Jim, and Scott VanPembrook; one great-granddaughter, Brandy; and three sisters, Isabelle, Gloria and Gertrude.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Sacred Heart Church in Aurora.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Wednesday at the church. Military honors will be accorded by the Florence VFW Post 3635.
Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of John Zoeller online at ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.